7 Odd But Useful Hacks For Removing Smells From Carpet

While wood and tile floors are often in the spotlight for their high resale value, carpet flooring carries its own list of benefits. Not only can carpeting reduce noise in multi-level homes, but it's also affordable and versatile (and not to mention downright comfy for your bare feet!). Unfortunately, there are also some major downsides to carpets, including their vulnerability to dirt and trapped odors. Maintaining a clean carpet is key to managing trapped odors from dirt, stains, and pets. How often you need to clean your carpet depends on the amount of foot traffic it gets, but it's helpful to stick with a regular schedule to keep it looking — and smelling — its best. You might also need to spot clean small areas quickly to prevent odors from getting worse. Before you consider buying a commercial carpet cleaner, you might be able to use ingredients you already have at home to get rid of common floor smells. Carpet odor removers can also come from a list of surprising sources, including certain types of vinegar, soda, and citrus fruits. 

It's helpful to have an arsenal of different useful deodorizing hacks so you're prepared to remove both widespread and localized smells from carpets ASAP. Before using any new carpet deodorizing solution, you should test the product on a small area of your flooring to ensure it doesn't stain the fabric. It's also a good idea to always work in a well-ventilated space and to keep pets and young children away from the room until the smelly carpet hack is done working its magic.

Baking soda already has a reputation for naturally neutralizing odors. As a carpet deodorizer, baking soda can be used as a spot treatment or for an entire room. Sprinkle plain baking soda around the affected area and let it sit for 15 minutes or longer before vacuuming the carpet as you normally would. You can also use baking soda as a natural carpet cleaner once every few months to help prevent odors. Be sure to use it in a well-ventilated space and to wear a mask to help prevent lung irritation.

While baking soda alone neutralizes odors, it doesn't add any fragrances. Before you're tempted by commercial fragrances, scope out your spice cabinet first. Believe it or not, it's possible to use dried herbs if you want to add some scent to your flooring. Consider dried and crushed delicious-smelling herbs to freshen smelly carpets, such as mint, basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Sprinkle the desired herb over the carpet before vacuuming. For extra freshness, you can use a quarter cup of dried herbs for every one cup of baking soda.

Borax also helps eliminate odors and may be best for addressing fresh odor-causing liquid spills, such as coffee and wine. Blot as much of the spill as you can before adding plain water and a small amount of borax. Then, keep blotting the stain and borax/water solution with a cloth until it comes up clean. To tackle more stubborn odors, use equal parts borax and baking soda. Leave the solution on the carpet for 20 minutes before vacuuming. Always use protective gear when handling borax, and keep it away from pets and children.

Cornstarch might commonly be used around the kitchen to thicken dishes, but it can also make for an effective deodorizer for cleaning purposes. Like baking soda, cornstarch can absorb odors. This ingredient also has the bonus of removing stains from carpeting. To use cornstarch on a carpet, sprinkle the product directly on the smelly floor in question. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes and then vacuum the area thoroughly. Since cornstarch can be a bit messy, you may want to consider wearing gloves while using this product.

Distilled white vinegar may help smaller areas of carpeting or rugs that need deodorizing. In particular, this acidic ingredient can also help clean up urine stains on your carpet that might be contributing to the overall odor. To use this hack, combine equal parts white vinegar and water and apply the solution to the carpet. Blot the vinegar away with clean water after 10 minutes, and then follow up with a dry cloth. Consider testing a small area first to ensure the vinegar doesn't stain the fibers.

If you're looking for other ways to remove carpet odors while making your home smell better, consider freshening up your carpet with a citrusy kitchen ingredient. This is where lemon juice may come in handy. This liquid adds a clean-smelling scent to the room, thanks to its citric acid content. Combine the juices from a few squeezed lemons in a spray bottle and top off with water. Shake well and spray a small amount on the desired area. Allow the carpet to dry and then vacuum it.

Small, but smelly stains on your carpet could even benefit from some club soda. If you have a bottle of club soda on hand, all you need to do is slowly pour a small amount of the drink directly over the affected area. Allow it to bubble and sit for several minutes, and then blot with dry paper towels. Repeat the process if necessary. While it seems strange at first, club soda is particularly effective against odors and stains from urine and even spilled fruit juices.