Are you noticing an unpleasant, musty smell coming from your carpets? If so, your carpet is in need of a little attention. Carpets can begin to smell musty from flooding after a rain storm, water dripping from plants, humidity in the air or simply a spilled drink that was never attended to.
While you may be tempted to ignore musty carpet smells, they can become a health hazard by contaminating indoor air with mold spores. The good news is; musty carpet smells can be removed in a few simple steps. Here’s what you should try:
Dry the Carpet
Excessive moisture is the main cause of musty, dank smelling carpet. If there is lingering water damage in your carpet fibres, this needs to be dried off as soon as possible. Turn on fans and dehumidifiers, open windows and if you’ve had a flood, a qualified flood and mold remediation technician should be called in.
Remove Debris by Vacuuming
Once the carpet has been dried out, vacuum the entire area to pick up as much dirt and debris as possible. Go over areas multiple times, especially in places with long carpet pile.
Mix Vinegar and Water Together
Mix one cup of white wine vinegar with two cups of warm water. Add the mixture into a spray bottle and mist over the musty carpet. Be careful not to over saturate the carpet, as this can lead to new mold growth.
Sprinkle on Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the best odour neutralisers. It’s safe to use on carpets and for pets and humans. Sprinkle it generously over the carpet, where you have added the vinegar already.
Wait at Least a Few Hours
The vinegar solution and baking soda need time to sit and take effect. The longer you leave it, the better it should work. Leave for at least two hours, but overnight if you can.
Try Hydrogen Peroxide if the Smell Persists
If the musty, mildew smell persists, try mixing one-part hydrogen peroxide with five parts water and add this into the spray bottle. Spray over the musty carpet and leave to take effect. This helps to neutralise mold spores and deodorises any musty smell from water damage.
Call in Professional Adelaide Carpet Cleaners
If your carpet still smells musty after trying all the DIY methods detailed above, it’s time to call in your local Adelaide carpet cleaners. That Carpet Guy has trained technicians and the right equipment to quickly restore moldy, water damaged carpets to the pre-disaster state. Plus, you can have peace of mind all nasty mold spores will be removed, so your health is protected.