How to Get Rid of Stubborn Carpet Odours for Good

Walking barefoot on soft carpet feels great on the feet, but over time, carpets trap smells from spills, pet dander, and everyday activities. Regular vacuuming might not be enough to get rid of these lingering odours.

If you have noticed a strange smell in your home that won’t go away, your carpet might be the reason. The good news is you can fix it. We will show you easy methods and professional treatments that work.

It’s time to kick those stubborn smells out and enjoy a fresh-smelling home again.

Common Causes of Carpet Odours

Bad smells in your carpet don’t just happen. They have a clear cause. Know where the odour is coming from and you’re one step ahead in getting rid of it.

Moisture and Dampness

The humid weather makes it easy for carpets to trap moisture. When they are damp, mould and mildew can grow and release a musty smell, especially during the rainy season.

Pet Accidents and Urine

Even well-trained pets can cause carpet accidents. When urine soaks into the carpet and padding, it breaks down into smelly compounds that stick around for a long time.

The smell often comes back when it’s humid and basic cleaning usually isn’t enough.

Food and Drink Spills

Spiled coffee, juice, or food might seem cleaned up but small particles stay trapped in the carpet. These leftovers break down and start to smell. Foods with oils and proteins are tricky because they continue to produce odour even after you clean them.

Smoke Residue

Smoke from cigarettes, cooking, or small fires can leave behind tiny particles that stick deep into the carpet. These don’t go away with regular cleaning and can keep releasing smells unless properly treated.

Old Carpets and Built-Up Debris

As time passes, carpets gradually collect dust, dead skin, hair, and other particulate matter. As the carpet ages, its backing may break down too, causing a stale or old smell to get released, even if you vacuum regularly.

Environmental Factors

The climate in Singapore adds to the challenge. High humidity makes hidden smells come back or create new ones. Dirt and pollution brought in from outside can also add to ‘mystery’ odours in your carpet.

Finding the Source

Before jumping into cleaning, it is important to find out what is causing the smell. The reason for doing this is to save time, money and effort.

Check Your Carpet

Take a careful look at your carpet. Look for:

• Stains or discolouration from spills or pet accidents
• Mould/mildew spots (these might be green, black, or white)
• Damp or soft areas that might mean water damage
• Dirt/debris your vacuum may have missed

Use Your Nose

It’s not fun but smelling different parts of the carpet up close can help identify the odour.

• Musty = mould or mildew
• Sharp ammonia smell = pet urine
• Sour or rotten = old food or organic waste
• Chemical or burnt = smoke or fire residue

Try a Blacklight

A UV (black) light helps spot old pet stains that you can’t see. In a dark room, pet urine glows under the light so you’ll know exactly where to treat.

Surface vs. Deep Odours

Figure out if the smell is just on the surface or deeper in the padding. Press a clean white cloth into the carpet. If it comes up wet or dirty, the problem likely goes deeper.

Check corners or spots under furniture for hidden moisture. If it’s possible, gently lift the carpet and check underneath it if there are stains or smells.

Why This is Important

Locating the real source of the foul smell helps you choose the right solution.

1. The wrong cleaner makes things worse.
2. Some products only treat surface smells.
3. You will know if you can handle it yourself or if you need professional help

DIY Ways to Remove Carpet Odours

Try the following proven DIY methods to bring back the fresh scent of your carpets. Each works best for certain odours and situations.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a safe and powerful way to remove odours from your carpet. No harsh chemicals needed.
How to use it

1. Make sure the carpet is dry.
2. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the carpet, especially on smelly areas.
3. Use a soft brush or broom to work it into the fibres.
4. Add a second layer for stronger effect.
5. Let it sit.

How long to leave it

• Light smells: 3-4 hours
• Medium smells: 8-12 hours (overnight)
• Strong smells: up to 24 hours

How to clean it up

1. Sweep off the top layer with a brush.
2. Vacuum well, going over the area a few times.
3. Empty the vacuum right after to avoid spreading the smell.

Baking soda is a good option for mild pet odours, musty smells, smoke, and general carpet freshness.

Vinegar Spray

White vinegar kills odour-causing bacteria and neutralises smelly messes like pet urine.

How to mix
Basic: equal parts vinegar and water
Stronger: 2 parts vinegar, 1 part water
For delicate carpets: 1 part vinegar, 3 parts water

How to apply

1. Put the mix in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly spray the smelly area. Don’t soak it.
3. With paper towels or clean cloths.
4. Let it dry completely.

How to avoid vinegar smell

• Open the windows or turn on a fan.
• Once it’s dry, sprinkle baking soda and vacuum after 30 minutes.
• Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon) to the vinegar mix.

Use this option for fresh pet accidents, food spills, and other liquid odours.

Targeted Solutions for Specific Odours

Pet Urine

1. Find the spot. Use a blacklight if needed.
2. Blot fresh stains with paper towels until dry.
3. Use an enzyme-based pet cleaner.
4. Cover with a damp towel for 24 hours.
5. Let it air dry before using the area of the carpet again.

Smoke

1. Mix 1 tbsp of ammonia with 1 cup of water. Make sure your space is properly ventilated. Take the necessary precautions.
2. Test on a hidden area first.
3. Spray lightly on smelly spots.
4. Blot and let dry.
5. Follow with a baking soda treatment.

Food or drink spills

1. Solid pieces.
2. Mix 1 tbsp dish soap with 2 cups warm water.
3. Blot the stain. Don’t rub.
4. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
5. Spray with the vinegar mix to remove odour.

Deep Cleaning Methods

If surface cleaning doesn’t work, go deeper with these techniques.

Vacuuming the right way

1. Go over each section several times (at least three to four times).
2. Vacuum in different directions.
3. Set the vacuum height for your carpet type.
4. Focus on high-traffic and edge areas of the carpet.

DIY steam cleaning

1. Rent a steam cleaner.
2. Use only carpet-safe cleaning solutions.
3. Slowly over each section.
4. Let the carpet dry completely before walking on it.
5. Open the windows or use fans to speed drying.

Washing small rugs

1. The care labels first.
2. Pre-treat smelly spots.
3. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild soap.
4. Air dry fully before using again.
5. Don’t machine-wash rugs with rubber backs.

How to Prevent Carpet Odours

It is much easier to stop carpet smells from forming than to remove them later. Here is how.

Stick to a Cleaning Routine

Keep up with regular care. Daily, do a quick vacuum of busy areas. Full vacuum weekly. Every month, check for new stains or smells.
Every three months, perform light baking soda treatment. And then every six months, call for professional help.

Act Fast on Spills

The sooner you clean, the better. Blot with a clean white cloth. Start at the edges and move inward.
Use the right cleaner for the spill type. Rinse and blot dry.
Keep a “spill kit” with towels, cleaner, and gloves.

Control Humidity and Airflow

Keep the humidity between 40% and 60%. Use a dehumidifier if needed. Try air purifiers with HEPA filters, and make sure to ventilate your bathrooms and kitchens to keep moisture away from nearby carpets.

Add Carpet Protection

Try these options to add protection to your carpets.

1. Carpet sprays
2. Fabric protectors
3. Washable rugs
4. Take off your shoes before entering
5. Place mats by the doors

Conclusion

Baking soda, vinegar, and vacuuming help with surface smells, but they don’t always fix deep or long-lasting odours.

If you have tried DIY solutions and the smell still lingers, or if the job just feels too big, a professional carpet cleaning service in Singapore is the smart move. Cleaning companies like ours can target the source and leave your carpets fresh and clean again.