Rug Guide
How To Get Smells Out Of A Rug
Ruggable - 2024-03-10
Rugs, the cosy anchors of our living spaces, can often fall victim to unpleasant odours, whether from pets, spills, or daily life. These smells can dampen the mood of your home and take your favourite rug from comforting to concerning. But fear not! Keeping your rug fresh and clean is easier than you might think. In this guide, weβll dive into practical, effective solutions to banish various odours, restoring your rugβs inviting feel so that it can continue to enhance, not detract from, your roomβs ambiance.
Identify the Source of the Smell
The first step to removing bad smells from your rug is to identify the cause of the odour. Sometimes this will be obvious: you spilled some food, the dog tracked dirt through it, or another accident occurred. However, sometimes rugs begin to smell simply from long periods of wear and tear. After all, theyβre in our homes to be walked over.
Once you know whatβs causing the odour on your rug, or if itβs just in need of a general refresh, you can get to work eliminating the offending scent.
How to get a musty smell out of a rug
Removing a musty smell from your rug requires a few simple steps. First, hang the rug flat, not folded, in an airy room with plenty of ventilation. If it is an indoor rug, make sure it is hung out to dry inside to protect the vibrancy of the colours.
Next, sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire surface. Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to absorbing odours. Let it sit for several hours, or even overnight, to absorb the mustiness. Then, vacuum the rug thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with the trapped odours. This method is gentle yet effective, restoring your rug's freshness without the use of harsh chemicals. For an easy and thorough solution, your Ruggable rug cover can simply be washed in the machine.
How to get mildew smell out of a rug
Eliminating mildew smells from a rug is important, as it could indicate trapped moisture, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Start by laying or hanging your rug out to dry in a well-ventilated room. Where possible, avoid direct sunlight to maintain colour vibrancy.
For spot cleaning, mix a solution of water and white vinegar in equal parts. Vinegar is excellent for killing mildew and neutralising odours. Using a spray bottle, lightly mist the solution onto the rug, ensuring not to soak it. For an all-over refresh, pop your Ruggable rug cover in the washing machine. Allow the rug to dry completely, whilst hung flat and away from UV rays.
How to get a damp smell out of a rug
To tackle a damp smell in your rug, first make sure it's completely dry. If it's still wet, hang it in a well-ventilated area, away from UV exposure, to air out. Hang or lie flat to prevent creases.
Once dry, generously sprinkle baking soda over the rug to absorb any remaining moisture and odours. Let it sit for a few hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the baking soda to work to its maximum potential. Then, vacuum the rug thoroughly to remove the baking soda. You can also use a mild, non-bleach detergent diluted in water, and work it into the rug with a clean, light-coloured cloth.
All Ruggable rugs are designed with an innovative 2-piece system. This means that your rug cover is held in place by a rug pad. Your rug cover can be removed any time, and washed on a cool setting in your washing machine. While machine washing should be kept to a minimum to preserve the condition and colour of your rug, this is a good solution for removing stubborn rug odours that canβt be removed by spot cleaning.
Immediate Actions for Fresh Spills or Stains
Acting quickly when tackling fresh spills or stains on your rug is key to preventing bad smells. First, blot the spill immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the spill deeper into the rug fibres. Gently dab to soak up as much liquid as possible.
Then, sprinkle a small amount of cold water over the area and continue blotting. If the spill is more stubborn, apply a mild detergent solution, but test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to check that it doesnβt affect the colour or dyes in your rug. Blot again until the stain lifts. Doing this as soon as possible after a spill or stain occurs can significantly reduce the risk of lingering odours and preserve your rug's appearance. And donβt forget you can wash your Ruggable rug cover in the washing machine to give it a quick and easy clean.
Regular Maintenance and Prevention
Regular rug maintenance can help prevent smells from developing in the first place. Of course, accidents happen. But consistent vacuuming, at least once a week, is essential to remove dirt, and dust that can lead to smells that build up naturally over time.
Don't forget to vacuum the rug, and rotate it every few months to ensure even wear and prevent odours from developing in high-traffic areas. Using rug pads also extends the life of your rug by keeping it in place and preventing slips. It also allows for better air circulation underneath, reducing the chance of moisture and odours getting trapped.
Natural Remedies for Odour Removal
Embracing natural remedies for odour removal is often just as effective as commercial products, plus itβs eco-friendly. Weβve already explained how effective a sprinkle of baking soda is for neutralising odours. And to add a refreshing scent, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. White vinegar mixed with equal parts water is another great way to banish mildew and musty smells. These simple, natural solutions can effectively deodorise your rug while being kind to the environment.
Deep Cleaning Methods
Just like carpets, rugs need to be deep cleaned intermittently to help extend their life and keep bad smells at bay. For DIY enthusiasts, using a carpet cleaner with a specific rug shampoo can be effective. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fibres.
Alternatively, steam cleaning is a powerful method to remove deep-seated smells, but ensure your rug's material can handle the heat and moisture. For delicate, antique, or heavily soiled rugs, a professional cleaning service is recommended.
However, with a Ruggable rug, you can skip straight over these deep cleaning methods and simply put your rug cover in the washing machine. Make sure your rug is hoovered first to remove any debris. And, if spot cleaning wonβt do the job, just put it on a cool, gentle wash to return it to its original glory.
How Sunlight and Fresh Air Can Prevent And Help With Odours
Sunlight and fresh air are nature's gifts in combating odours β especially in thicker fabrics like carpets and rugs. The sun's UV rays act as a natural disinfectant, while the fresh air helps to ventilate and deodorise the fibres.
We recommend drying your rug indoors in an airy space for the best protection. As exposure to the sunβs UV rays can bleach your rug and cause it to overheat, which will affect the condition of the colours and fibres.
If you want to air your rug outdoors, periodically take it outside on a dry, sunny day, laying it flat for even exposure. A short period of sunlight can work wonders in refreshing your rug and eliminating lingering smells. However, you should be mindful of potential colour fading, especially with prolonged exposure or with brightly coloured or delicate rugs.
Choose a day with moderate sunlight and avoid damp conditions to prevent moisture accumulation. This simple, cost-free method is an easy way to harness nature's power to keep your rug smelling clean and fresh.
