How To Get Smell Out Of Carpet (Without Ruining It!)

• What causes nasty carpet odours?
• How to get smells out of carpet

Carpets add warmth and comfort to our homes, but they can also absorb and retain unpleasant odours. Accidental spills and pet mishaps can happen quite often, and knowing how to get the smell out of carpet in these cases is essential for maintaining a fresh and inviting home.

Exploring different methods to tackle various types of odours is helpful in any case, ensuring your carpets stay clean and odour-free even if there are no spills on them. If you need to know how to get urine smell out of carpet, milk smell out of carpet, or musty smell out of carpet, though, we've got you covered. Let's dive in.

What causes nasty carpet odours?

Carpet odours come from different sources, and knowing the cause of them is the first step in taking care of their cleaning. Some common culprits of carpet smell are the following:

Pet smells. Dogs and cats can leave behind strong, unpleasant smells, especially if they pee on the carpet, so knowing how to get their pee smell out of the carpet is vital if you have a pet.

Spillages. Milk, alcohol, and other liquids can seep deep into carpet fibres, causing lingering smells that may become irritating after a while.

Bodily fluids. Accidents happen, and vomit can leave behind a particularly stubborn odour.

Wet carpet. If not dried properly, leaving a damp carpet can lead to a mildew smell.

Dirt and grime. Everyday foot traffic can bring dirt and grime, building up odours over time.

Whatever the cause of your carpet odour, you need to do something about it sooner rather than later. If you leave it untreated, that smell can permeate throughout the house.

How to get smells out of carpet

Before jumping into the specific tips for different types of odours, here are some general tips on how to get a smell out of a carpet:

1. Ventilate your home. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate, as regular ventilation helps to disperse the smell.
2. Clean thoroughly. Frequent vacuuming helps remove dirt and debris that can contribute to odours.
3. Use baking soda. Sprinkling baking soda on your carpet and letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming can neutralise many common smells.
4. Get in touch with the professionals. If persistent odours persist, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner.

1. How to get pet urine smell out of carpet

Pet urine can be particularly challenging to remove due to its strong odour and potential to stain. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get dog pee smell out of carpet and how to get cat pee smell out of carpet effectively:

1. Blot the area well. Immediately blot the urine with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
2. Make your solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the solution onto the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Blot again. Blot the area again to remove the vinegar solution.
4. Use baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb any remaining odour.
5. Finally, vacuum. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

For persistent smells, you might need an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for pet urine. These cleaners break down the proteins in urine, eliminating the harsh odour.

2. How to get dog smell out of carpet

Dogs can bring a lot of joy to a household but also leave behind a distinct smell. Here's how you can get the smell out of your carpets:

1. Vacuum your carpet. Start by vacuuming the carpet to remove any loose hair and dirt.
2. Neutralise the odour. Apply a pet-specific odour neutraliser according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Steam clean. If the smell persists, consider steam cleaning the carpet. The heat can help break down odours more effectively.

You must stay on top of your cleaning regime when you have a pet at home. Having a dog does not always mean that your house will smell. However, there is a higher chance of odours developing, and you may not always notice them.

3. How to get milk smell out of carpet

You should never cry over spilled milk. But how can you clean it up? It's essential to tackle this problem quickly. Follow these instructions.

1. Blot. Immediately blot the milk with paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible.
2. Mix your ingredients. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and apply it to the affected area. Blot the area with a clean cloth.
3. Rinse. Rinse the area with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to neutralise any remaining odour.
4. Use baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for several hours or overnight before vacuuming.

4. How to get vomit smell out of carpet

Cleaning up vomit ranks high up on the list of most unpleasant tasks, leaving a particularly stubborn odour. Here's how to get vomit smell out of carpet:

1. Remove the solid parts. Like other spills, your best bet is to tackle the mess immediately. Use a spatula or spoon to remove any solid matter.
2. Blot. Blot the area with paper towels to absorb any liquid.
3. Use baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area to absorb the smell. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.
4. Make your mixture. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply to the affected area. Blot with a clean cloth.

It doesn't end there. There's an extra hack if the smell simply won't go away. Use an enzyme cleaner to break down the proteins in the vomit.

5. How to get damp smell out of carpet

Damp carpets can often smell bad. The carpet could be a hotspot for mildew and mould to start forming. To avoid that problem, you need to tackle the damp issue. Here's how to start.

1. Dry it out. First, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the carpet thoroughly. Make sure that your carpet is 100% dry before you proceed to the next step.
2. Use some baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for several hours to absorb moisture and odour.
3. Vacuum the carpet. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly. Make sure that it is all gone before you move on.
4. Neutralise the smell. Spray a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to neutralise any remaining odour.

Dampness can lead to an overall musty smell. When you notice this, it may be worth calling in some professional cleaners. Mould can be a real health hazard, so you need to make sure that you do something about it sooner rather than later. Don't waste time. 

Knowing how to get smells out of carpet can significantly improve the mood and hygiene of your home. Taking care of spills and accidents as soon as they happen and using the proper cleaning techniques helps you maintain a fresh and inviting environment.

The next time you ask yourself how to get pee smell out of carpet, dog pee smell out of carpet, or musty smell out of carpet, these methods can help you keep your carpets smelling clean and pleasant. Remember, regular maintenance and quick action are vital to preventing odours from becoming a persistent problem.

Q&A

Are you looking for some more answers? Check out our frequently asked questions below.

How can I make my carpet smell nice again?

One of the best ways to make your carpet smell good again is to use baking soda. This neutralises any odour on your carpet. Follow the tips in this guide to ensure your carpet is clean and smells nice.

How to get the musty smell out of carpet?

If your carpet smells musty, it may be a sign that it is damp. If that is the case, you should deal with the root of the problem. Make sure that you dry your carpet thoroughly. If that does not work, you may need to get professional cleaners.

What absorbs bad smells in carpet?

Baking soda is often the answer here. However, when trying to get a smell out of your carpet, it's often wiser to figure out the cause. That way, you can deal with the problem rather than simply masking the smell. In our guide, we cover different instances that may lead to carpet odours and how you should treat each one.

Did our tips help? Let us know in the comments below!