How to Make a Carpet Smell Better

There’s nothing worse than a smelly carpet. If you own pets, or if you’ve ever experienced flooding, you know that a musty-smelling carpet can be overwhelming. That’s because carpets, with their dense fibres, are notorious for trapping various particles that can lead to a particularly foul smell.

Addressing the problem is the key to making your whole home smell better. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the various factors that can impact the smell of your carpet, and how to tackle them.

Why Do Carpets Smell Bad?

Having a bad-smelling carpet doesn’t mean that your home isn’t clean. Carpet fibres have a complex structure with many nooks and crannies, and these tiny spaces can easily capture and hold onto odour molecules. Carpet fibres are also excellent at absorbing moisture from the air or from spills. This moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, which release unpleasant odours.

We also have to remember that everyday foot traffic carries dirt, dust, and bacteria into the carpet. These particles can get trapped in the fibres and contribute to odour buildup. Spills from food, drinks, or pets can seep into the carpet and leave behind lingering odours, especially if not cleaned up promptly. Carpets can also trap airborne pollutants like smoke, cooking odours, and pet dander, which can become embedded in the fibres.

Let’s take a look at the root causes.

The Role of Dust and Dirt

Although seemingly harmless, dirt and dust play a startling role in odour formation. These particles, often tracked indoors from shoes or pets, embed themselves deep within carpet fibres. Over time, the build-up results in a stale, musty smell.

The Impact of Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew play a major role in carpet odours. They thrive in damp environments and stake their territory on your carpet when it is frequently exposed to moisture.

Mould and mildew release allergens and irritants, which not only make the smell worse but can also be a problem for anyone in the house with respiratory issues.

Pet Smells and Accidents

Muddy paws, doggy smells and the odd accident all end up in the carpet. If you’ve got a cat, our guide on how to get rid of cat pee smell walks you through cleaning a wee out of the carpet properly. For dogs, read our guide on how to get rid of dog smell in the house.

How to Deodorise Carpets in Easy Steps

Deodorising carpets can seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, it can be quite straightforward. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through it.

From regular vacuuming to using a white vinegar solution, we'll explore various methods that can help you maintain a fresh and clean carpet. Let's dive in!

Regular Vacuuming: The First Step

Regularity is the key to maintaining any valuable asset, and carpets are no exception. The very first step in learning how to deodorise carpets is regular vacuuming. Vacuuming your carpets not only keeps them clean but also helps reduce the build-up of dust particles and foul smells.

Just like we need fresh air, our carpets crave cleanliness too. Regular vacuuming can dramatically improve the overall smell, making your space feel refreshed and attractive. So before you splash out on expensive cleaning services, remember that a vacuuming schedule may save your carpet from unpleasant odours.

Using a White Vinegar Solution

Contaminated carpets often act as breeding grounds for unpleasant odours. The solution? Deploy the old faithful: white vinegar. This kitchen staple is brilliant at tackling unpleasant carpet smells.

Simply combine equal parts vinegar and water and mist the solution over your carpet lightly, allowing it to work its magic as it evaporates. No need to worry about your room smelling like a salad dressing - the vinegar aroma fades once dry, leaving you with a fresh carpet.

Prevent Build-Up

Consider investing in a quality vacuum with a HEPA filter. These are particularly effective in removing allergens and dust. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming for an instant freshness boost!

Also - don't ignore spills and stains. Act swiftly to blot and clean them. The longer they're left untreated, the deeper they penetrate, making it harder for odours to be removed.

Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is available in a variety of forms, but granules or powder work best for carpet odour removal. Scatter the activated charcoal across your carpet and let it sit, preferably overnight, so it can absorb the unpleasant smells.

When you're happy, vacuum your carpet thoroughly. Make sure every charcoal particle is picked up to avoid staining.

Use an Odour Eliminating Carpet Powder

One of the most effective ways to make your carpet smell better is with an odour eliminating carpet powder. Sassy Scents Odour Eliminating Multi-Purpose Powder is made with patented odour-eliminating technology developed by our fragrance house. It doesn't just mask odours, it eliminates them for up to 48 hours, then leaves a gorgeous fragrance behind. It's handy all over the house too: carpets, rugs, sofas, shoes, bins and toilets, plus musty, mouldy corners and smelly stains.

It’s available in a variety of delicious scents, including Girl Boss, Snow Pixie, Oudh-er Remover, and Sweet Blooms. To freshen up your carpet, simply sprinkle the powder evenly over the surface, leave it to work its magic, then vacuum thoroughly to remove the powder and any trapped odours. Check the how-to-use on the product page for timings.

Designed for pet-loving homes, a sprinkle on the rug means no dog smell for days!

Final Thoughts on Carpet Deodorising

Maintaining a fresh and clean carpet is not as daunting as it may seem. With simple ideas like regular vacuuming, a white vinegar solution, or even activated charcoal, you can deodorise your carpet and tackle unpleasant odours.

A carpet deodoriser like the Sassy Scents Odour Eliminating Multi-Purpose Powder gets right into the fibres of your carpet for long-lasting freshness.

Want the lot in one go? Our odour kit sends an odour eliminating spray, a powder pouch and a hanging air freshener every month, made with patented odour-eliminating technology that eliminates odours for up to 48 hours.

Interested in making your home smell fresher for longer? Shop our odour eliminating range to find your favourite fragrance today!