How to quickly get rid of unpleasant carpet odors at home
The carpet is one of the main decorations in the house, harmoniously complementing and emphasizing the features of the interior. The main drawback of such products is considered to be their property of accumulating dust and absorbing foreign odors. It's pretty easy to get rid of the dust, but you'll have to tinker with extraneous flavors. Let's see how to remove unpleasant odors from the carpet and what methods are most effective for this.
What are
The odors released by the carpet are varied. According to their distinctive properties, they are divided into 3 large groups:
- the smells of new products;
- aromas of spilled drinks or food;
- residual odors left by detergents after dry cleaning.
New product
Most carpet users find strange and unpleasant smells coming from the carpet when buying a new product. This is due to the fact that the product, before being sent to the shelves, is treated with various chemicals that increase its performance. In some cases, the lining of the product, made on the basis of latex or adhesive, can cause the appearance of a foul odor.
After something spilled
Situations often arise when some kind of liquid is spilled on the carpet. Moisture is quickly absorbed by the structure of the fabric and it can be extremely difficult to eliminate. Colorless liquids that do not leave characteristic stains are particularly problematic. They are difficult to locate and remove with cleaning products.
Residual odor after cleaning or dry cleaning
Improper cleaning of carpets, using improper methods and means, can cause the appearance of unusual smells for a thing, irritating its owners. To avoid such situations, strictly follow the instructions of competent specialists or take the item to a trusted cleaning service.
Household cleaning rules
When cleaning at home, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Do not cover wet areas of the floor with a rug.
- Systematically carry out cleaning sessions, not only vacuuming the product, but also taking it out into the open air, carefully dusting with a firecracker.
- If there is heavy furniture on the carpet, turn it over after cleaning to avoid friction.
How to Eliminate Inorganic Odors
Inorganic odors can occur for a number of different reasons that require special handling. The following sources are distinguished:
- aroma of a new thing;
- the smell of humidity;
- after dry cleaning;
- stench of tobacco smoke.
Fresh purchase
A fresh purchase often does not smell in the most pleasant way, which annoys its owners. To eliminate unwanted odors, it is enough to air the area where the purchase is located for a week. After the specified period, the unpleasant aroma will disappear on its own.
Humidity
When you store things in rooms with high humidity, they begin to mold, giving off an unpleasant smell. You can get rid of the source of the problem as follows:
- guess a warm sunny day and hang the rug on the street;
- we leave it in the fresh air for 24 hours, after which the damp smell disappears.
After dry cleaning
If the product was recently dry-cleaned and has a strong chemical smell, hang it on the balcony to air it out. Usually a day of airing is enough to remove foreign chemicals from the fabric. At night the rug can be brought into the room and during the day it can be hung up to dry again.
tobacco smoke
The pile absorbs tobacco smoke well, which is very difficult to remove in the future. In homes with smokers, it is recommended not to abuse tobacco products in carpeted areas. It is not always possible to completely eliminate the consequences of cigarette smoking, and in some cases the thing can only be thrown away. If such a problem arises, it is advisable to dry clean the thing and not do it yourself.
How to Eliminate Organic Odors
Organic sources give off an equally provocative odor, forcing owners to seek out effective remedies to eliminate them. Among the effective remedies suitable for organic stains, there are:
- vinegar solutions;
- soda formulations;
- industrial facilities;
- and the use of dry cleaning services is also appropriate.
vinegar solution
A vinegar-based solution removes most organic odors left on the pile from neglect. Cooking mode :
- We take 400 milliliters of water and dilute 120 grams of vinegar in it.
- We wet a fresh spot of a fish or other biological product with a solution.
- We wait for the trail to dry and sprinkle with soda.
- Vacuum.
Soda Formulas
Among the cleaning compositions based on soda, there are:
- a mixture of soda with hydrogen peroxide;
- a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and dish detergent.
Hydrogen peroxide
A solution of soda and hydrogen peroxide will help clear the pile of foreign odors. Algorithm of actions:
- Take half a glass of peroxide.
- Add a spoonful of soda to it.
- Mix and apply to the stain with a spray bottle.
- Wipe the stain and re-wet it in the solution.
- We repeat the procedure 3 times, then leave the pile to dry for 10-15 minutes.
- As soon as the stain is dry, wipe it with a damp cloth and let it dry again.
- Sprinkle the area with baking soda and vacuum after 7 minutes.
White vinegar and washing up liquid
The composition obtained by mixing white vinegar and dishwashing detergent is equally effective. It is prepared like this:
- Pour a glass of lukewarm water into a container.
- Add a tablespoon of white vinegar.
- At the end, add a tablespoon of dish soap and baking soda.
- Apply the product to the milk or other product stain, then gently wipe it off.
- Remove excess product and check the condition of the stain.
- We repeat the process until the trace disappears completely.
Industrial remedies
For those who do not trust folk remedies based on improvised ingredients, it is recommended to use industrial remedies, among which stand out:
- Disappear;
- chlorine-based products;
- powders with various enzymes;
- odor neutralizers.
Disappear
Reliable imported product manufactured in the form of:
- spray;
- carpet powder;
- dry cleaning powder;
- active foam.
Spray
Suitable for stubborn stains that have not been removed from the carpet surface in time. Necessary:
- vacuum the pile;
- spray it on;
- gently wipe with a sponge;
- allow 5 minutes for the product to penetrate the structure of the stain;
- removal of excess substance with a damp cloth.
Carpet shampoo
To wash the palate, to remove traces of organic matter from the heap, a special shampoo from Vanish is suitable. There are shampoos for washing hands and washing with a vacuum cleaner. These formulations, in turn, are divided into antibacterial and conventional.
Dry cleaning powder
The dry cleaning powder is applied as follows:
- pre-empties the palate;
- evenly apply powder granules on it;
- give the agent half an hour to destroy the stain;
- empty the coating again.
To note! To avoid inhalation of powder particles, perform the procedure with the windows open and wearing personal protective equipment.
active foam
The active foam is as effective on floors as it is on furniture, it removes dirt quickly and without leaving a trace. Shake the can of foam vigorously before use. It is not necessary to bring the jet closer to the spot - the treatment is carried out at a distance of 50-70 centimeters.This will spread the foam evenly over the surface and be used more economically.
Chlorinated products
Used on synthetic items to remove old yellowed stains. Do not use chlorine-based products on dark surfaces as they may fade. Also effective against all stains of organic origin, they are eliminated as well as unpleasant odors.
Enzyme Powders
Expensive cleaning agents for stubborn dirt. Application Algorithm:
- vacuum the carpet pile;
- we dilute the powder according to the instructions on the package;
- apply to the damaged area;
- after 5 minutes, remove the excess with a damp sponge.
Odor neutralizers
Destroys molecules that are sources of irritating odors. This makes it possible not only to mask unpleasant odors with stronger smells, but to completely destroy the cause of their appearance. Before use, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions, following his recommendations exactly.
Dry cleaning
If the above remedies do not help clean the carpet, take it to a dry cleaner. There they will not only eliminate problems, but also give recommendations on how to care for the pile.
Odor Eliminating Characteristics of Different Materials
The specificity of stain removal is influenced not only by the nature of the stain, but also by the fabric on which it is located. If you don't take this into account during the harvesting process, there will be big problems with the removal.
Wool
Cannot be applied:
- bleaching agents;
- stain removers.
It is recommended to use special detergents or dry clean the item.
Silk
Silk products are extremely sensitive; when cleaning them, it is not recommended to use:
- brushes;
- A vacuum;
- products containing chlorine;
- steam generator;
- soap.
Take the item to the dry cleaners if it's dirty.
Viscose
Viscose upholstery can be thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned with foam no more than once a year. Not recommended:
- use products containing chlorine and alkalis;
- apply wet cleaning.
Cotton, linen
Cotton and linen items are not cleaned with household products and are sent to cleaning companies for washing. Self-cleaning stains will damage the item.
Synthetics
Glue-based products do not tolerate machine washing and degrade in the process. Suitable for similar products:
- Dry cleaning;
- cleaning with special foam.
Semi-synthetics
The simplest material that reacts positively to any method of cleaning.
Jersey
Another material sensitive to external irritants, which is recommended to be cleaned exclusively in cleaning centers.
Jute
It is recommended to remove the stain from the jute as soon as possible, without waiting for it to dry. Permit:
- vacuum the material;
- apply specially designed means to it.
To note! The material must be impregnated with special protective substances that prevent the penetration of moisture into the structure of the fabric.
Fur
To remove dirt from fur coverings, a special solution is used, based on:
- water - 500 milliliters;
- salt - 3 tsp;
- ammonia - 1 tsp.
The mixture is applied to a sponge and gently rubbed into the stain.
Tufting
At home, only dry cleaning is allowed. In case of serious damage, the item is taken to dry cleaning.
Handmade
Depends on the materials used in the manufacture and the cost of the product.Expensive items made from sensitive materials are recommended to be dry cleaned.
Carpet
The rug is not particularly capricious and tolerates almost any treatment method quite well. If possible, take the item to a dry cleaner.
How to Eliminate Musty and Mildew Smells
If the carpet gives off a musty smell, simply dry the product by placing it under a draft of air.
It is not recommended to dry in the sun, since under its influence the paints fade and fade.
Rules of care
When cleaning a rug or rug in an apartment, follow these rules:
- Do not place the item on wet ground or it will start to mold.
- If there are no heavy objects on it, flip the mat to the other side so that the material does not rub.
- A vacuum cleaner is more effective than brushes or rollers. Use it when cleaning the pile.
- It is better to give large things to cleaning companies, where they will be processed using special equipment.