How to Get Smells Out of an Area Rug
An area rug smells musty or of pet because dander, dirt, spills, and moisture work deep into the fibers and pad where regular vacuuming does not reach. Vacuum both sides, deodorize with baking soda, and deep clean, and it comes back fresh.
We make small-batch beeswax candles in Far Rockaway, so a room that truly smells clean is our whole focus, and that always starts at the source rather than the scent. Below is where the smell comes from, how to clear it step by step, and how to keep the space fresh afterward, with the full the MBur beeswax candle collection here as you read.
Why rugs hold smells
Rugs trap everything that lands on them, and foot traffic grinds it deep into the pile. Pet accidents and spills soak into the backing and the floor beneath, and humidity can leave the rug and pad musty.
The smell builds down in the fibers and pad, so a quick surface vacuum does not clear it. A deeper clean is what resets the rug.
How to clean it, step by step
- Vacuum both sides. Vacuum the top thoroughly, then flip the rug and vacuum the back and the floor beneath, where dust and dander collect.
- Deodorize with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the rug, let it sit several hours or overnight, then vacuum it out.
- Treat accidents with enzyme cleaner. For pet accidents, use an enzyme cleaner that breaks down the odor source rather than masking it, and blot rather than rub.
- Deep clean. Shampoo or steam clean the rug if the material allows, since wool and some naturals need special care, then dry it fully.
- Dry completely. Dry both the rug and the floor under it, since a rug left damp grows mildew.
Drying fully after cleaning is essential. A rug that stays damp trades one smell for a mildew one, so make sure it and the floor beneath are dry.
Keep it from coming back
Vacuum regularly, treat spills fast, and rotate the rug so wear and buildup spread evenly.
Air it out or beat it outside now and then, and use a rug pad that lets air move underneath.
Freshen the whole room once the source is gone
With the smell in the rug handled, the air itself is the last step. A clean candle is the finishing touch here, best lit once the space is already clean. From there it is the fastest way to make the room read fresh rather than merely neutral.
For your living room, Retail Therapy fits well. It is juicy and bright, with red currant, peach, and amber, and like every MBur candle it is poured from 100% beeswax with a wooden wick and phthalate-free non-toxic fragrance oils, so freshening the air never means adding soot on top.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a musty smell out of a rug?
Vacuum both sides, deodorize with baking soda, and deep clean if needed, then dry it fully. Mustiness usually means trapped moisture, so drying matters most.
How do I get pet smell out of an area rug?
Use an enzyme cleaner on accident spots to break down the odor at its source, along with a baking soda deodorize and a thorough vacuum.
Can I steam clean any rug?
Check the material first. Synthetics usually handle steam cleaning, while wool and some natural fibers need gentler or professional cleaning.
How do I keep a rug from smelling?
Vacuum regularly, treat spills quickly, use a breathable rug pad, and air it out periodically so moisture and dust do not build up.
Ready to keep your space smelling clean once the source is handled? Explore the MBur beeswax candle collection and find the scent that fits the room.
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