It is no surprise that rug smell can quickly become a nuisance in your home. a new carpet smell is an unpleasant and unwanted odor that can be caused by various reasons.
It seems to be persistent, and it lingers for a long time. The reality is that VOCs’ availability in the carpet usually causes the new rug smell.
Once the carpet is unrolled, VOCs create an unpleasant odor and continue until the off-gassing process is complete.
You can smell this lousy scent just after installing it or within 24 hours of installation when the chemical is released, and VOC evaporates.
Wondering how to get rid of the new rug smell? It can be challenging to get rid of a new rug smell, but with a few key tips, you’ll find it easier than you think. Interested in knowing more?
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How to Get Rid of New Rug Smell [4 Easy Smell Removing Solutions]
Take your eyes to the following methods to eliminate the new rug smell.
01. Ventilate The New Rug
The best way to get rid of the new rug smell is with ventilation. Install the carpet in a room you don’t use or stop using the room with carpet for 3 days.
After installing the new carpet, open all the doors and windows of the room for proper air circulation.
With enough air circulation in the room, the bad smell will go outside, and fresh air will enter the room.
For better results you can turn on some fans in the highest setting, this will also help a lot. Keep the carpet in this environment for at least 72 hours.
Even if you notice the smell is gone, still leave it for a minimum of 72 hours. Because you may feel the smell is gone but it is not and may return again.
02. Vacuum The Rug Out
Welcoming a new rug at home is a great feeling but the smell of it isn’t welcome in anyone’s home. Because no one likes the smell, a new rug comes with it.
How to get rid of the new rug smell? Vacuuming can help. Yes, vacuuming is one way to help you eliminate that terrible new rug smell.
Usually, a new rug smells for 72 hours, sometimes a little more. But vacuuming can reduce that time. Yes, vacuuming thoroughly will help you reduce that new rug smell.
How to Vacuum a New Rug:
Nothing much, after installing the carpet, clean it with a broom to remove excess dirt and debris that may be contributing to the new rug smell.
Then take a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. Be sure to use a vacuum with high suction power to get deep down into the rug’s fibers.
Vacuum in the same way you do regularly. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and run it from one corner to another. After cleaning once, repeat the process for immediate results.
You can vacuum your new rug at least twice a day. Vacuum sucks not only the debris but also the odors.
So vacuuming the new rug reg will definitely help eliminate bad odors from a new rug. While vacuuming the new rug make sure you also vacuum the entire room.
03. Steam Cleaning
When you first get a new rug, it’s difficult to ignore the pungent smell that lingers. You might even choose to wash your rugs with fabric softener or bleach, which does nothing but mask the scent.
That’s because the chemical processes used to soften and whiten fabric are designed to mask odors rather than remove them.
But this may not be necessary anymore! Steam cleaning is a better option for removing smells from carpets and upholstery.
Take a steam cleaner with a hot water extraction feature, fill half of the tank with distilled vinegar, and another half with distilled warm water.
Make sure you have used distilled vinegar and distilled water. Normal vinegar and water can leave behind residue stains.
Now turn on the steam cleaner at the needed temperature, and steam clean the new rug just like you do with other rugs.
Start with the area around where you think the smell is coming from. Make sure not to saturate or wet the rug.
Moisture is highly forbidden for any rug. For better results, you can steam clean twice a day for the first few days until you get rid of the new rug smell.
04. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective way to get rid of any bad smell. You can get rid of the new rug smell with baking soda in two ways.
Method One: White Vinegar & Baking Soda
Take a spray bottle full of white vinegar, add one tablespoon of baking soda, and stir well until baking soda dissolves.
Spray this solution all over the new rugs and leave it to dry. This solvent will absorb the smell of the new rug and will eliminate it. Spray this solution twice a day for a minimum of three days of bringing the new rug home.
Method Two: Baking Soda & Vacuuming
Take baking soda in your hand, sprinkle it all over the new rug, and leave it overnight. Make sure the rug is covered with baking soda perfectly.
Shake it out and vacuum to remove the baking soda residue in the morning. Repeat the process three days continuously, and on the fourth day, a rug free of bad smell will be at your home.
Frequently Asked Question
How Long Does a New Rug Smell Last?
The new rug smell lasts only for a few days. It can last up to 5-6 days or a week if you don’t take any steps to get rid of smell. With the right methods, you can get rid of new rug smells before 72 hours pass.
Duration:
- Typically: The smell will usually dissipate within a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Factors Affecting Duration:
- Rug material: Synthetic rugs tend to off-gas more than natural fiber rugs.
- Manufacturing: Specific chemicals and processes used during manufacturing.
- Ventilation: Better ventilation will help the smell fade faster.
Is the New Rug Smell Toxic?
Yes, the new rug smell is toxic. The source of the new rug smell is VOC which is harmful. Especially if you have an allergy, it can cause eye irritation or breathing problems, sometimes affecting the nervous system also.
How Do You Get Rid of The New Carpet Smell Naturally?
To get rid of the new carpet smell naturally, you can use baking soda. Baking soda neutralizes bad odors and helps eliminate them from the root.
Sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the new rug, leave it overnight and vacuum in the morning. This process will eliminate the new carpet smell naturally.
Here are some of the best natural ways to combat new carpet smell:
1. Ventilation is Key
- Open Windows and Doors: Create cross-ventilation for several hours each day, or as much as possible. This will significantly replace stale air with fresh, helping to dilute the smell.
- Fans: Use ceiling fans or portable fans to boost air circulation in the room.
2. Baking Soda – The Odor Absorber
- Sprinkle generously: Cover the entire carpet with a layer of baking soda.
- Let it sit: Leave it overnight, or ideally for 24 hours.
- Vacuum thoroughly: Remove the baking soda, which will have absorbed a lot of the odor. Repeat if needed.
3. The Power of White Vinegar
- Bowls of vinegar: Place several bowls filled with white vinegar around the room. Leave overnight to absorb odors. Vinegar itself has a smell, but it dissipates quickly.
- Caution: Don’t place the vinegar directly on the carpet, as it could stain.
4. Harness the Sun
- If possible: Unroll the carpet and place it in direct sunlight for a few hours. The heat and UV rays will help speed up the release of VOCs.
5. Houseplants to the Rescue
- Natural air purifiers: Certain houseplants filter toxins from the air. Place some potted plants in the room with the new carpet. Some good options include spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants.
Additional Tips
- Natural Deodorizers: Sprinkle slices of lemons or oranges on the carpet before vacuuming. They’ll leave a pleasant citrus scent.
- Coffee grounds: Place bowls of dry coffee grounds around the room for odor absorption.
Remember: Patience is important. While these natural methods are very effective, it may take a few days for the smell to completely fade away.
How Long Does It Take for New Carpet to Off-Gas?
It is difficult to say precisely how long it takes for a new carpet to off-gas. If you take necessary steps like ventilation or using baking soda for new carpet to off-gas, it can take up to 72 hours to eliminate.
How Do You Freshen an Area Rug?
The best way to freshen an area rug is using baking soda. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda all over the area rug, and leave it for several hours. Overnight is better. Vacuum in the morning, and the rug is freshened up.
Conclusion
If you have a new rug, the chances are that it will take some time for the smell to fade. But if you want it to fade away faster, you can follow the methods above.
We shared a few strategies on how to get rid of the new rug smell. All our mentioned methods are effective in removing new rug smell.
Try any of the above methods and let us know how it helps you get rid of the new rug smell.
