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Musty-smelling carpets are both unpleasant and dangerous. Not only do they make your home smell unpleasant, but they may also pollute your indoor air with mold spores. The good news is that unless your home has been flooded, getting rid of musty smells from carpets is relatively simple. In this article, you will learn why mold in carpets is bad (in more detail) and how to get moldy smell out of carpet.
How to get moldy smell out of carpet, dry the area, spray with vinegar and water, sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then vacuum. Call PuroClean of Santa Maria at (805) 975-0800 for professional help
Why is Moldy Smell in Carpet Bad? | How to Get Moldy Smell Out of Carpet
If you’ve recently noticed a musty odor coming from your carpet, especially in moisture-prone areas like basements or near coastal zones such as Santa Maria or Nipomo, there may be mold or mildew hiding underneath. The Central Coast’s foggy mornings and occasional storm surges can lead to excess indoor moisture—perfect conditions for mold growth.
Mold spores can trigger asthma, respiratory problems, and other health issues. A persistent odor may also lower your property value or make your rental unit less desirable. That’s why acting quickly is essential for both your health and your home’s integrity.
How to get moldy smell out of carpet, dry the area, spray with vinegar and water, sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then vacuum. Call PuroClean of Santa Maria at (805) 975-0800 for professional help
⚠️ If the musty smell continues, your carpet may need professional attention or even replacement, especially if black mold is involved.
How to Get Moldy Smell out of Carpet | How to Get Moldy Smell Out of Carpet
- First, make sure the area is dry. A musty odor indicates a water problem, so your carpet must have been moist or wet before it became musty. If you have water damage, fix it, then dry the area completely – open windows and use dehumidifiers and fans if necessary. If your home was recently flooded, hire a professional restoration company and learn whether or not your carpet can be saved after a flood.
- Once the water problem is fixed and the carpet is dry, vacuum the carpet to remove dust and help the odor dissipate faster. Use a large vacuum cleaner to remove more dust.
- Treat your carpet with a mixture of one cup of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Use a spray bottle to mist over the carpet gently. Be careful not to oversaturate it, as increased moisture can lead to mold growth.
- Pour a copious amount of baking soda – an amazing odor neutralizer – on the carpet. Don’t worry; baking soda is safe for people and pets and does not damage your carpet.
- Wait a while for the natural deodorizers to take effect. The more you let the vinegar solution and baking soda sit, the better. Wait at least a few hours, or leave it overnight for the best results.
- Another way to remove musty smells from your carpet is to use hydrogen peroxide. Mix five parts of water with one part of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, then apply the solution to the back of the carpet. This will help neutralize mold spores and odor.
- Alternatively, you can use foam carpet shampoo. First, vacuum the carpet, then apply the shampoo using a sponge – this ensures you don’t oversaturate the carpet. Finally, let the carpet dry, then vacuum it again.
- If the odor still persists, repeat the process using the method you prefer.
- Note: the odor can be difficult to eliminate and may linger even after washing the afflicted area. The carpet may need to be replaced in some circumstances.
How to get moldy smell out of carpet, dry the area, spray with vinegar and water, sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then vacuum. Call PuroClean of Santa Maria at (805) 975-0800 for professional help
⚠️ If the musty smell continues, your carpet may need professional attention or even replacement, especially if black mold is involved.
When to Call the Mold Remediation Pros in Santa Maria
DIY odor removal may work for surface smells, but deep-set mold needs expert remediation. At PuroClean of Santa Maria, we specialize in:
- Professional carpet cleaning
- Water damage restoration
- Mold remediation
- Biohazard cleanup
We service homes and commercial properties throughout Santa Maria, Orcutt, Nipomo, Lompoc, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, and surrounding areas.
We’re equipped with industrial-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, and advanced moisture detection tools that go far beyond home remedies. We’ll assess whether your carpet can be saved or if it’s safer to replace it.
How to get moldy smell out of carpet, dry the area, spray with vinegar and water, sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then vacuum. Call PuroClean of Santa Maria at (805) 975-0800 for professional help.
Don’t Wait, Musty Smells Mean Mold May Be Growing
The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Call PuroClean of Santa Maria at (805) 975-0800 for expert mold restoration and odor removal. We’re your local partner for clean, healthy carpets.
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