Carpet cleaning can be a brilliant method to rejuvenate your home by removing dirt and stubborn stains. However, many people encounter an unwanted nagging problem after cleaning which is the smell. If you have noticed a smell recently after your carpets were cleaned, you are not the only one. This odor can linger for several days, and at times even weeks, making it unpleasant for your home.
What contributes to carpet odors, and how can you avoid them? This blog analyzes the various factors determining the duration of carpet odor, evaluates different cleaning methods, studies the impact of climate, and provides effective advice to maintain the cleanliness of your carpets.
Determining Carpet Odor Factors
The duration of the carpet odor is determined by a number of factors. Knowing and understanding these will allow you to prepare and address the issue properly.
1. Carpet Washing Products
It is evident why the cleaning products used have such a huge impact on the type of smell. Every cleaning solution has its specific odor, and some leave a pleasant odor while others can be a nightmare. Additionally, some aggressively scented soaps that are low in quality might not evaporate easily which might be the case for that unpleasant smell stuck in your house.
2. Traffic in the Room
More people moving about a certain room means the odor will be eliminated much faster. The simple act of walking on a carpet makes it release some of the smell as well as helps speed up odor removal from the carpet. On the other end of the spectrum, less frequented areas, say guest rooms, are prone to holding onto smells for a lot longer considering the carpet fibers are not being walked on as much.
3. Climate Conditions
The region of the world where one lives greatly determines the duration of unpleasant smells after cleaning. Carpets located in moisture rich areas take a longer time to dry which can lengthen bad smells. On the bright side, carpets located in drier climates tend to dry up much quicker which means any smells would get evaporated much faster.
Comparing Cleaning Methods
Steam Cleaning
Unlike other methods, steam cleaning or hot water extraction, is one of the most efficient methods to cleaning carpets. Carpet odor is likely to be stronger and remain for a longer duration than other cleaning methods. The reason for this is that steam pushes moisture deep into the carpet fibers. During this time, the carpet’s damp environment has the potential to capture fumes until the carpet is completely dry. On average, carpets cleaned with steam tend to smell for around 24 -72 hours which stretches to a couple of days in humid areas.
Vacuuming
Unlike steam methods, vacuuming does not do as great of a job at cleaning. However, whens it comes to odor control, it does a perfect job with no leftover smells.
Since no water and no cleaning liquid are utilized, vacuuming does not add any moisture into the carpet, permitting it to remain dry, or relatively clean and odorless. The smells that do exist after vacuuming are usually odors that have been present prior to vacuuming.
Dry Cleaning
The use of cleansing compounds that dry rapidly significantly reduces the duration the carpet will smell for. These methods of cleaning carpets with little water minimize the smell the most since the compounds used to clean them are designed to dry fast.
Climate’s Role In Odor Retention
Effects Of Humidity On Drying Time
With water vapor in the atmosphere, it can take that much longer for the carpet to dry, inflating any smells that may be captured inside the carpet fibers for an increase in duration. The presence of water vapor hinders evaporation, meaning the remains of your carpet damp not only fresheners but chemicals used in cleaning it. The presence of moisture also breeds bacteria and mold, which is why any smell actually gets worse as time passes.
Regions With A Dry Climate
You’re in luck if you’re living in a dry climate. Carpets are susceptible to smell as dry air causes the remains of your carpet to dry leaving carpet highly unsmellable. If enough fresh air is available, odors can be removed in a matter of hours after cleaning.
Tips To Eliminate The Odor
These practical suggestions will help you get rid of that unwanted odor lurking around your carpet.
1. Enhance Smell Control Through Better Ventilation
For quick room deodorization, the flow of air must always be uninterrupted. Ensure that doors and windows are opened, and fans are turned on. Investing in dehumidifying appliances can also be beneficial in more humid regions as it removes excess moisture in the room.
2. Carpet Freshener
Baking soda or light soda is classified as a carpet freshener because it absorbs strong smells efficiently. Sprinkle some over your carpet and let it sit for a couple of hours or even overnight. By the time you vacuum, your carpet should smell fresh as all the odors would have been absorbed.
3. Use White Vinegar
For simple and affordable DIY carpet deodorizer solutions, a mixture of equal white vinegar and water is perfect for you, especially if it’s kept in a spray bottle. Merely spritzing and letting the carpet dry completely will be effective. By using vinegar, you have a natural deodorizer that neutralizes the smell instead of masking it.
4. Steam Clean Properly
For those who prefer washing carpets with steam, do remember not to soak the carpet with water. The steam clean process should be accompanied by the use of exctractors, propelling water into the carpet and removing it through venturi suction in low pressure, slowing down the drying will prolong odor retention. Use winds alongside opened windows to get hot air out after cleaning to remove moisture.
5. Invest in Some Eco-Friendly Cleaners
If you prefered products that do not contain artificial smell, these will work better than the rest. Choose strict cleaning solutions are low in fragrance but contain scent-sensitive materials in their base components.
Environmentally safe cleaners tend to leave not only residues, but also no fragrances or lingering smells.
6. Professional Cleaning Services
Carpets, unlike other home essentials, require specialized surfaces for deep cleaning and if water removers are left to dry after the cleaning, it will ensure that the carpets are completely dry such for optimal absorption, preventing reduced elasticity. If the cleaning hacks do not deliver the expected results for you, hiring trained cleanup experts equipped with advanced tools will ensure proper cleansing and expedite drying times.
7. Every day cleaning and upkeep
Every day upkeep stops smells from developing in the first place. For basic odor control, vacuum regularly, clean up spills right away, and have professional cleanings done at least once a year.
Avoid Carpets Having Strong Odors
It’s quite frustrating to deal with lingering smells after cleaning carpets, but knowing what determines the duration of carpet odor and how to control it helps you manage that. By understanding how traffic patterns, climate, and cleaning products work, you can choose better cleaning methods to help speed up odor removal.
Don’t allow odors to spoil your satisfaction of a freshly cleaned carpet. Take proactive steps to cleaner carpets and maintain the freshness in your house.
