Ever notice a funky smelling odour in your home that you just can’t get rid of? Chances are your dirty carpet is the culprit. Think of your carpet like a huge sponge that absorbs dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants it comes in contact with. Not only does it smell bad, but a dirty carpet is a recipe for disaster which can trigger allergic reactions from families and visitors. While carpets can enhance the interior look of your property, that beauty can fade immediately when there’s a strong odour emanating from it.
The good news is that you can easily address that offensive smell by following a good carpet cleaning routine. These practical tips will help keep your textile floors smelling clean and fresh. If this does not go to plan then get in touch with a carpet cleaning expert who services all of Perth for further assistance.
Clean your carpet regularly
The first step in eliminating strong odours from your carpet is to implement a regular cleaning schedule. This means vacuuming your carpets at least twice a week to reduce dirt and bacteria buildup. Carpets that haven’t been cleaned for extended periods may need a bit more elbow grease to remove any funky smells. If you have pets running around the house, then you may need to vacuum more frequently to remove as much pet dander as possible. Consider steam cleaning your carpets once a month too to remove any hard stains and kill off microorganisms such as dust mites, fungi, mould spores, and the like.
Take action immediately
Spills are a part of everyday life and are the bane of existence for homeowners with carpeted floors. But don’t let the spills dry out as you’ll face more than one problem as a result. Not only will the stain be difficult to remove, but it can also encourage mould and mildew growth which contribute to that musty smell. Spills should be addressed as soon as possible to limit the growth of such microorganisms and keep your carpets stain-free. All you need to do is blot the spill with tissue paper until all of the liquid has been absorbed and use an appropriate stain remover to lift the stains.
Make sure your home is properly ventilated
A well-ventilated home allows for fresh air to circulate inside your home and improves indoor air quality by a significant margin. Why is this important for carpets? It’s because when strong odours get trapped inside, your carpet is more than likely to absorb those odours. Think of a person smoking inside a closed room. If the area is poorly ventilated, the smell will get trapped in the carpet fibres.
Humidity also plays a role in contributing to bad carpet smells. A humid environment brings moisture into the air which encourages mould growth in your carpet. If you live in an area where the humidity levels are high, then it’s worth investing in a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of air moisture inside your home.
Use the right cleaning products
There are plenty of cleaning products out there that do a great job of eliminating unwanted carpet smells and the good news is that most of them are readily available in your home. Here are a couple of products you can use to deodorize your carpet and make them smell nice and fresh.
- Baking soda
Your carpet will have its own unique smell that you may have grown accustomed to. While it may not be an issue for you, your visitors may find the smell to be unpleasant. To remove such smells, just sprinkle a box of baking soda all over the carpet to diffuse the odours. Baking soda works by absorbing excess moisture and trapping any foul odours along with it. Leave it to sit for a few hours and vacuum it up to remove strong odours with ease.
- Lemon juice
The acidic properties of lemon juice lend itself powerful cleaning characteristics that not only freshen up your carpets but also break down any stains that may have dried or hardened. Simply mix one part lemon juice with one part water and transfer the solution onto a spray bottle. Vacuum your carpet first and spritz the solution vigorously to instantly deodorise even the smelliest of carpets.
- Carpet deodorisers
You can purchase carpet deodorisers out there on the market that come in powder form and are mixed with fresh scents to remove even the most offensive smells. Just like baking soda, sprinkle the deodoriser and let it sit for a few minutes to take effect. After that, make sure to vacuum the carpet thoroughly and any funky odours should be eliminated.
- Vodka
Alternatively, you can also use vodka to remove stains, deodorise your carpet, and even kill germs and bacteria in the process. If you’re dealing with pet urine, then vodka is one of the most effective cleaning products you can use. Spray a generous amount of vodka all over your carpet and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda afterwards to absorb any remaining moisture and vacuum up the carpet to finish things up.