New carpets often give off an unpleasant odor. Nobody likes to smell these fumes, and certainly not breathe in for long. Any advice is welcome to help clear the carpet.
Where the smell can come from
Odors on new carpets are quite common. The causes can be found in plastic packaging, the use of chemical substances in production and the properties of the carpet fibers. In most cases, the odor will go away on its own after a while. However, since it is uncomfortable and possibly harmful to health, something should be done about it. If the carpet smell is very unpleasant and intense or if it persists over a long period of time, it is advisable to reverse the purchase. Otherwise, a laboratory test will help identify the substances emitted in order to avoid any possible recognize health hazards.
Start odor removal immediately
Ideally, you are already practicing odor prevention by not only looking at the carpet in the shop, but also paying attention to smells. If he is uncomfortable in this regard, you should better stay away from it.
Carpets that are delivered packaged should be unpacked promptly. If an unpleasant smell becomes noticeable, you can start eliminating it right away. The procedures described below are suitable, either individually or in combination, depending on the initial situation.Vacuum the carpet thoroughly
If small particles from man-made production materials are still adhering to the fibers, these can be the trigger for the unpleasant odor.
- If possible, roll out the carpet outdoors
- possibly. put something underneath to avoid soiling
- otherwise open the window wide
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly
Sucking off is generally useful as it loosens the fibers. This also makes the other methods even more effective.
Tip: Since some of the particles are whirled up during suction, you should protect your mouth and nose area with a mask or a scarf so as not to inhale them.
Ventilate in the fresh air
If the weather is dry, the carpet can be ventilated outside in the fresh air for several days if the opportunity arises. Alternatively
can be ventilated in front of a wide open window or door.- both sides of the carpet should be well ventilated
- hang up and fix accordingly
- Carpet if necessary turn several times
Trust your nose and test every now and then whether the smell has subsided. If it has not disappeared overnight or after a few days at the latest, another method must be used.
Wash the carpet
Smaller carpets can be washed easily 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 the lye into the fibers with a brush
- Carpet if necessary turn around
After soaking, rinse the carpet with plenty of clean water. Then it still has to dry.
Tip: Be careful not to use detergents containing silicone with natural fibers. Better to use a wool detergent.
Treat with detergent
For the following method you will need a vacuum cleaner that is allowed to suck up moisture and a carpet brush. Proceed as follows:
- Unroll the carpet. Lay out foil underneath to protect the subsurface.
- Add three parts water to one part of liquid detergent.
- Massage the lye into the entire carpet with the brush. Use only gentle pressure so as not to damage the fibers.
- Let the lye work for a few hours.
- Then suck off the lye with the vacuum cleaner.
- Let the carpet dry.
If there is still a residual odor after this treatment, the alkali treatment can be repeated one more time.
Wipe off with vinegar water
Vinegar binds odors, but must be used carefully so as not to damage the fibers of the carpet:
- Mix the vinegar essence and water in equal parts
- Apply to the carpet with a cotton cloth
- to do this, dab the carpet piece by piece
- Attention:no Use synthetic fiber cloth, not rub!
- Leave on for 30 minutes
- Wipe with another cotton cloth and clean water
Don't worry if you can still hear a slight vinegar smell. It will completely dissipate over time.
Sprinkle the carpet with baking soda
If the treatment can only be carried out dry due to the circumstances, baking soda is the product of choice. Especially for wool carpets, as they develop their own unpleasant scent after wet treatment. Spread baking soda generously over the entire carpet and rub it gently with a carpet brush. After at least twelve hours of exposure, the baking soda is simply sucked off again. If necessary, repeat the application.
Chemical detergents
For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned here that the trade offers chemical agents for eliminating odors. However, their use is not harmless, as it cannot be ruled out that people may come into contact with them. Especially since residues can stick to the carpet fibers for a long time after treatment.
