New carpets bring a fresh, stylish look to your home, but often come with an unwelcome guest—the infamous “new carpet smell.” This odor is caused by the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals used for the production of rugs and carpets.
While this smell usually dissipates over time, it can be overwhelming, especially for those sensitive to odors or with respiratory issues.
Quick Fixes to Eliminate New Carpet Smell
Fortunately, there are several effective methods to get rid of new carpet smell quickly. So, let’s explore these techniques and tips to ensure your home is free from that uneasy carpet smell as fast as possible.
1. Ventilate Your Space
Why it works: Proper ventilation is one of the simplest and most effective ways as fresh air helps to disperse the VOCs, reducing the smell more quickly.
How to do it: Open all windows and doors in the area with the new carpet to create a cross-breeze. If possible, use fans to increase air circulation and push the odors out of the space. Continue ventilating the area for several days, especially during the first 24-48 hours after installation.
2. Steam Clean the Carpet
Why it works: Steam cleaning can help remove some of the VOCs and chemicals embedded in the carpet fibers, reducing the odor.
How to do it: Rent or purchase a steam cleaner specifically designed for carpets and rugs. Use hot water without any added detergents or chemicals to avoid introducing new odors. Steam clean the entire carpet, paying special attention to smelly areas. Allow the carpet to dry completely, and ensure good ventilation during the process.
3. Use Baking Soda
Why it works: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs odors rather than masking them, making it an excellent option for neutralizing new carpet smells.
How to do it: Generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire carpet surface. Let it sit for at least 24 hours to absorb the odors. Afterward, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove the baking soda. For stubborn smells, you may need to repeat the process.
4. Place Activated Charcoal Around the Room
Why it works: Activated charcoal is highly porous, which allows it to trap and neutralize airborne chemicals and odors.
How to do it: Place bowls of activated charcoal around the room where the new carpet is installed. Leave them in place for a few days to allow the charcoal to absorb the odors. For best results, position the bowls near the edges of the carpet and other high-traffic areas.
5. Use Onions
Why it works: Onions have natural odor-absorbing properties and can help neutralize the new carpet smell.
How to do it: Slice a few onions and place them in bowls of water. Distribute these bowls around the room with the new carpet. Leave them overnight to allow the onions to absorb the odors. Be sure to dispose of the onions afterward to prevent any lingering onion smell.
6. Use White Vinegar
Why it works: White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant that can neutralize odors, including the new carpet smell.
How to do it: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the carpet with the solution, being careful not to oversaturate the fibers. Allow the carpet to air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the carpet odor with it.
7. Incense and Air Freshener
Why it works: Incense and air fresheners can temporarily mask the new carpet smell, providing a more pleasant scent in your home.
How to do it: Light your favorite incense or spray air freshener in the room with the new carpet. This method works best as a temporary solution while other long-term methods, like ventilation or baking soda, work to eliminate the odor.
8. Get Potted Plants
Why it works: Certain potted plants can naturally purify the air by absorbing VOCs and other chemicals, helping to reduce new carpet smells.
How to do it: Place potted plants like snake plants, aloe vera, or peace lilies in the room with the new carpet. These plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and can help improve indoor air quality while reducing odors.
9. Try Essential Oils
Why it works: Essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree oil, can mask unpleasant odors while also offering potential antibacterial properties.
How to do it: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Lightly mist the carpet with the mixture, or add the oil to your steam cleaner before use. Be mindful to test a small area first to ensure the oil doesn’t stain the carpet.
Additional Tips for Managing New Rug Smell
Whether you’re sensitive to odors or just want to eliminate the smell as quickly as possible, these additional tips will make your home smell fresh and welcoming in no time.
1. Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners
While it might be tempting to use strong chemical cleaners to eliminate odors, these products can introduce additional VOCs, worsening the problem. Stick to natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils for a safer approach.
2. Choose Rugs Made from Natural Fibers
When purchasing a new rug, consider opting for one made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton, or jute. These materials are less likely to contain the VOCs that cause the new rug smell.
3. Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove VOCs and other airborne particles from the room. Place the purifier in the room with the new carpet and run it continuously for the first few days after installation.
4. Install the Carpet in Warmer Weather
If possible, schedule your carpet installation during warmer months when you can keep windows open and ventilate the space more effectively. This will help speed up the off-gassing process and reduce the lingering smell.
5. Pre-treat the Carpet
Before installation, ask the retailer if they can unroll the carpet and air it out in a well-ventilated area or warehouse. This can help reduce the intensity of the smell once the carpet is installed in your home.
6. Consider Professional Carpet Cleaning
If the odor persists despite your efforts, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. Professionals have access to more powerful equipment and solutions that can effectively eliminate stubborn odors.
Closing Notes
Getting rid of new carpet smell quickly is not only about comfort but also about creating a healthier living environment. By ventilating the space, using natural deodorizers like baking soda and activated charcoal, and avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, you can significantly reduce the odor in a matter of days.
Remember this needs to be continued regularly, especially for thicker rugs or carpets or those with heavy padding.
