When you notice a foul smell in your house, the first culprit is most likely your carpet. You may have cleaned all the accidental spills, but still, your carpet doesn’t stop smelling. But worry not. Discover some of the common causes of carpet odor and how to get rid of them.
Mold or mildew
One of the reasons your carpet may be smelling foul is because of trapped moisture that can lead to mold or mildew hence a musty smell. Moisture from humidity in your indoor air, water dripping from indoor plants, spilled drinks, or flooding can soak into your carpet and grow harmful mildew or mold.
Other than a musty smell, here are other indicators of mold growth in your carpet.
- Your carpet feels damp- there may be a leak beneath, which can lead to old-growth if unattended to.
- Discoloration of your carpet- you may notice some brown, green, or black patches on your carpet.
- If one of your family members is experiencing unexplained sneezing, coughing, or allergies.
When ignored, mold and mildew on your carpet are harmful to your family’s respiratory health. It is best to use the help of a professional carpet cleaner Los Angeles to help remove the mold and the unpleasant smell completely. Professional carpet cleaners have special cleaning methods to eliminate mildew and musty smells on your carpet.
Smoke from cigarettes
Unlike other solid and liquid stains, smoke penetrates every inch of your carpet and any padding leaving an unpleasant smell. If you’re a smoker, one of your family members is, or you bought a house once inhabited by a smoker, the smell is not likely to go away no matter how much you clean your house.
Such smells can also remain on your carpet after there has been a fire. Although some DIY practices eliminate smoke smells, it is best to delegate that work to a professional carpet cleaner. In cases when the damage is severe and the smell doesn’t go away, you may have to replace the carpet.
Household spills
Another reason your carpet may be smelling is because of household spills, including food spills, drink spills, and pet accidents. The smell can remain even after you clean the stain. If you have pets or kids, the smell on your carpet may be from a pot training accident. What happens is that any trace of organic material left after you clean your carpet allows the growth of bacteria that produces the smell.
If the smell is from an organic source such as food spills, use an organic stain remover and an enzymatic odor remover to break down the enzymes that attract the bacteria. You can also hire a professional care cleaner to do it.
Old age
When a carpet is old, the fibers start breaking down, and they smell funny. The average lifespan of a rug is five to fifteen years, depending on its quality. If you notice large tears, worn-out padding, faded colors, and wrinkles on your carpet, it is time to replace it. If the rug has been there for 20years, it’s time to get another one installed.
