New carpets often give off an unpleasant smell. Nobody wants to smell these fumes, let alone breathe them in for long. Any advice that can help get rid of this from the carpet is welcome.
Where the smell can come from
Smells on new carpets are quite common. The causes can be found in plastic packaging, the use of chemical substances in production and the nature of the carpet fibers. In most cases, the smell goes away on its own after a while. However, since it is unpleasant and possibly harmful to your he alth, something should be done about it. If the smell of the carpet is very unpleasant and intense or if it persists for a long time, it is advisable to cancel the purchase. Otherwise, a laboratory test will help to identify the substances released in order to identify possible he alth risks.
Start odor removal immediately
Ideally, you should already be practicing odor prevention by not only looking at the carpet in the store visually, but also paying attention to smells. If you find it unpleasant in this regard, you should stay away from it. Carpets that are delivered packaged should be unpacked promptly. If you notice an unpleasant smell, get rid of it straight away. The procedures described below are suitable, individually or in combination, depending on the initial situation.
Vacuate the carpet thoroughly
If small particles of artificial production materials still cling to the fibers, these can trigger the unpleasant smell.
- Roll out the carpet outside if possible
- if applicable put something underneath to avoid dirt
- otherwise open the window wide
- Vacuate the carpet thoroughly
Suctioning is generally useful as it loosens the fibers. This makes the other methods even more effective.
Tip:
Since some of the particles are stirred up during suction, you should protect your mouth and nose area with a mask or a scarf to avoid inhaling them.
Air out in the fresh air
If the weather is dry, the carpet can be aired out in the fresh air for several days if possible. Alternatively, you can air it out in front of a wide open window or door.
- both sides of the carpet should be well ventilated
- Hang and fix accordingly
- Turn the carpet several times if necessary
Trust your nose and test every now and then to see whether the smell has subsided. If it doesn't disappear overnight or after a few days at the latest, another method must be used.
Wash carpet
Smaller carpets can be easily washed in the bathtub.
- Fill the tub with lukewarm water
- add some detergent
- Put the carpet in for an hour
- it should be completely immersed in the lye
- Work lye into the fibers with a brush
- Turn carpet if necessary
After soaking, rinse the carpet with plenty of clean water. Then it still has to dry.
Tip:
Make sure not to use detergents containing silicone when using natural fibers. It's better to use a wool detergent.
Treat with detergent
For the following method, you will need a vacuum cleaner that can suck up moisture and a carpet brush. Proceed as follows:
- Roll out the carpet. Place foil underneath to protect the surface.
- Add three parts water to one part liquid detergent.
- Massage the lye into the entire carpet with the brush. Use only gentle pressure to avoid damaging the fibers.
- Let the lye act for a few hours.
- Then vacuum the lye with the vacuum cleaner.
- Let the carpet dry.
If there is still a residual smell after this treatment, the lye treatment can be repeated again.
Wipe me with vinegar water
Vinegar binds odors, but must be used carefully so as not to damage the fibers of the carpet:
- Mix equal parts of vinegar essence and water
- apply to the carpet with a cotton cloth
- dab the carpet piece by piece
- Attention: do not use a synthetic fiber cloth, do not rub!
- Leave for 30 minutes
- wipe with another cotton cloth and clean water
Don't worry if you can still smell a slight vinegar smell. It will disappear completely over time.
Sprinkle carpet with baking soda
If the treatment can only be carried out dry due to the circumstances, baking soda is the treatment of choice. Especially for wool carpets, as they develop their own unpleasant smell after being wet. Spread baking soda generously over the entire carpet and rub gently with a carpet brush. After at least twelve hours of exposure, the baking soda is simply vacuumed off again. If necessary, repeat application.
Chemical cleaning products
For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned here that retailers offer chemical agents to eliminate odors. However, their use is not harmless as it cannot be ruled out that people will come into contact with them. Especially since residues can stick to the carpet fibers for a long time after treatment.
