How can I get the musty smell out of my carpet???

Question

I steam cleaned my carpets 2 days ago, and they still have some spots that aren't completely dry...it's been raining here, and very warm and humid, so I guess that's why. But now they're starting to smell bad...kind of a damp, musty smell. How can I get rid of this odor???? You can smell it through the whole house!!!

Answer 1

I'd put a fan on it, but if it smells like mold or mildew only borax sprinkled on the carpet will kill it and its spores so it won't come back.

Answer 2

Little known fact about cleaning carpet is that after you go over it with the cleaning solution you must go over the entire area again with clean water to throughly rinse out all the soap and you will be amazed at how much soap and dirt will come back out. I own a Hoover which works great and this is mentioned in the manual and have experienced the same musty smell before following the directions. Also important to vacuum up every last drop of water you can and if you do it will be dry very quickly, otherwise it will take forever to dry.

Answer 3

First you have to dry it out completely. Companies that clean up flood damage will pull up one end of a carpet and blow a large, strong blower under it for a couple days to dry out the carpet and pad. You could probably accomplish the same thing with a large fan.

Afterward, you can get carpet deodorizer products that you spread out onto the carpet and vacuum up. Some of these can be pretty strong and perfumey, though. So, get a smell that won't drive you nuts or give you a headache. Also, some have baking soda in them, which will absorb the odor in the carpet.

Answer 4

You would need it to be completely dry, then get some carpet fresh with baking soda and cover with a light dusting.let stay for a couple hours and vaccum.........

Answer 5

maybe baking soda? never tried it though so be careful

Answer 6

febreze and a fan