How To Get Mildew Smell Out Of Carpet After Shampooing

Are you struggling to get rid of the wet carpet smell? Firstly, well done on *actually* shampooing your carpet. I know a lot of people wouldn’t consider this important. I promise you, in the long run – it’s a great step. In this article, we will discuss how to get mildew smell out of carpet after shampooing.

What Is Carpet Shampooing?

Carpet shampooing involves using detergents specifically for carpets to rejuvenate their appearance. Through the shampooing process, dirt, stains, allergens, bacteria, etc., are removed from the rug.

Wet carpet smell is not a problem that often happens with the shampooing method of cleaning, but it is likely to arise when the carpet doesn’t properly dry before you use it. The excess moisture stuck in your carpet can cause mildew to appear on it.

Mildew and mold are several microorganisms like bacteria or fungi that appear primarily due to moisture. Exposure to mildew can affect people with allergies and cause discomfort in other individuals, so it’s best to solve the problem before it gets worse immediately.

How To Get Mildew Smell Out Of Carpet After Shampooing

Getting smells out of carpet is quite easy and doesn’t require much effort or tools. Either of the two methods will work effectively.

Method One: Wet carpet smell removal

For this method, you will need white vinegar and lukewarm water.

Step One

Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and lukewarm water in a bowl. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle.

Step Two

Gradually apply the solution to the carpet, then brush it with a soft carpet brush. Do not concentrate only on the area you think there’s water stuck in. You should scrub every inch of the carpet for the method to be effective.

It is important to note that pouring more than the vinegar solution you need on your carpet will not guarantee the removal of the wet carpet smell, and it will only increase the growth of mold and the amount of time it will take the rug to dry.

Step Three

The combination of the acid in the white vinegar and the heat from the lukewarm water will get rid of bacteria and hence, eliminate the wet carpet smell. After brushing the carpet with vinegar and water, you’ll move on to step three.

This step involves you sprinkling baking soda on the carpet. The chemicals found in baking soda can neutralize intense odors. Since it is safe for pets and humans, you can leave it on the carpet overnight. The longer the vinegar and baking soda sit, the more effective they will be in removing the wet carpet smell.

The next day, scrub the carpet again with a soft brush.

Step Four

Use a vacuum to remove the baking soda residue. Let the carpet air dry. If you can, you should place it outside for the sun to get to it. Plus, if you have stains on your carpet, the sun’s UV rays can help lighten them. If placing the rug outside is not an option, ensure the carpet is next to a window and not hidden underneath furniture. Pointing one or two fans toward the rug can speed up the drying process.

Method Two: Removing Wet Carpet Smell

The second method requires you to substitute white vinegar for hydrogen peroxide. Mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, then add in a larger portion of lukewarm water all in a bowl. Transfer it to a spray bottle and repeat the steps in method one.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will oxidize the bacteria and eliminate the wet carpet smell.

Extra Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil to the spray bottle to make the carpet smell nice while cleaning.

Note that you might have to perform these methods more than once if the mildew smell is very bad

if any of these methods doesn’t work, you will have to reach out to whoever cleaned your carpet to fix the problem.

Mistakes to avoid! What NOT to do to get mildew smell out of carpet.

1. Spray the Rug With Perfume

It’s a common instinct to think that spraying the carpet or around your home with a nice fragrance will be a solution to how to get mildew smell out of carpet after shampooing. But this doesn’t work, and in fact, it can worsen the smell.

2. Use a Vacuum

Using a vacuum to dry the carpet is another solution that would come to most people’s minds when they notice that a wet carpet smell is coming from their home. It is a bad idea to use a vacuum on a wet carpet because it might damage the vacuum. Also, water should not come in contact with electricity, and using a vacuum on a wet carpet increases the chances of electrocution.

3. Replace The Carpet

Most people do not want to deal with the hassle of wet carpet smell, but replacing the carpet shouldn’t be your first option. If it’s a carpet that’s expensive and irreplaceable, you might want to try any of the methods of solution we’ve talked about before giving up.

Advantages of Carpet Shampooing

1. Long Lasting Carpet

It increases the longevity of your carpet for a couple of more years by removing all those elements like the sticky mess that makes your carpet look old and work out.

2. Eliminates Bacteria

Bacteria arises from the dirt stuck in the carpet. These bacterias can cause sickness in the household, but through carpet shampooing, they will be gotten rid of.

3. Removes Dirt and Stains

The longer you’ve had your carpet, the more dirt and stains it accumulates. Stains from coffee, mud, wine, food spills, etc, can easily be removed by shampooing your carpets. Also, it effectively removes allergens like dust mites, pet dander, dust, etc, trapped in the carpet.

4. Gives A More Appealing Look

Dirty, old, and musty carpets are disgusting to look at. They bring down the appearance of a room, but once you shampoo them, they have a more appealing appearance and can elevate the room.

A final note on how to get mildew smell out of carpet

Getting rid of the wet carpet smell is easy to do. It might take a little effort and time, but it provides a cheap solution to the problem rather than calling a professional and paying extra money.

Thanks for reading along!

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