How to Remove Mildew Smell From Your Carpet

Mildew smell is an annoying type of odor. It makes staying indoors difficult. This kind of smell is also a safety hazard because it may trigger certain health issues including breathing complications. Eliminating mildew smell from your carpet can be easy and also difficult. This depends on the cause of the smell and the intensity of the odor. To protect your carpet and also your health, here are some of the techniques that you can use to remove this smell from your carpet.

1. Baking Soda
This is one of the most effective solutions for eliminating stubborn carpet odor. Apply this odor neutralizer on the carpet by sprinkling. For better and faster results, ensure that you apply a thick layer of baking soda. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight to ensure that the mildew smell is completely absorbed then vacuum your carpet. Generally, baking soda is pet-friendly and it’s safe around kids.
Note: you can make your carpet slightly damp before you apply this remedy. This helps to ensure that the baking soda perfectly clumps on the fibers of the carpet.

2. Vinegar
This is another effective remedy for eliminating mildew smell. Vinegar efficiently absorbs annoying odor from the carpet. To use this technique, mix vinegar and warm water in a 1:2 ratio. Note that it’s important to use a moderate amount of vinegar because too much vinegar can leave your house smelling like it.
Using a spray bottle, spritz the solution on the carpet to create a misty layer. Leave it on for a few minutes. This helps to ensure that the fibers in the carpet with the mildew smell absorb the vinegar solution. After that, vacuum the carpet to dry it.

3. Use Foam Carpet Shampoo
A cleaning shampoo can be an effective remedy in removing mildew smell. This is a good alternative, especially where baking soda and vinegar solution have failed. Depending on the size of the affected area, mix the cleaning shampoo with water and apply the solution on the carpet. Make sure that you avoid oversaturating your carpet because it can enhance the rapid growth of molds. Leave it for a few minutes before vacuuming.

4. Dry the Carpet
This type of smell is usually musty or earthy. It normally occurs as a result of excess moisture content on the carpet. The area could have been damp or wet even before you detected the smell. So, make sure that you dry your carpet. Ensure that also you minimize the chances of water or liquid spills on the carpet since they can trigger dank smells. Vacuuming is great because it completely dries the carpet and removes underlying debris including dust.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide
This is another effective odor neutralizer. Note that Hydrogen Peroxide is a chemical technique hence you have to be careful. So, for starters, apply a small solution of this chemical on a small section of the carpet. In case you notice that the solution decolorizes the carpet, then refrain from using it. But if the solution doesn’t cause bleaching, then go ahead and use it.

To be on the safe side, mix hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1:5 ratio. Use a spray bottle to spritz the solution on the affected area. This chemical solution helps to reduce and stop the growth of mold spores which is the main source of the annoying odor.


6. Hire a Professional
Sometimes, the above-mentioned techniques may fail to be effective. Some mildew odors are so stubborn that you may have no option but call a professional cleaner. They are popularly known as mold remediation professionals who have experience and the necessary skills. Besides that, they use commercial grade products that are highly effective. These carpet cleaning professionals have the right cleaning tools which are effective in removing the mildew odor once.

Conclusion

Mildew smell is normally caused by mold sprouts. This normally occurs when the carpet has been underwater, wet, or damp for quite some time. Implementing the above home remedies can help to completely remove the odor. However, there are some instances where you need to need to employ the services of a professional. Lastly, make sure that you identify the cause of the smell. It could be beverage spills or a broken water type. This will help to minimize the chances of mildew smell in the future.