BlogCarpets and rugs make a home feel warm and comfortable—but they’re also brilliant at trapping smells. Pet accidents, food spills, damp weather, smoke, and everyday foot traffic can sink into fibres and the underlay, then hang around long after the “mess” is gone.
The good news: you can remove odours properly (not just cover them with fragrance) with a few targeted steps. Below is a practical, room-by-room approach you can use for rugs and wall-to-wall carpets, plus the best methods for specific smells like pet urine and musty damp.
If you’d rather skip the trial-and-error, jump to our professional carpet cleaning service page (internal link: /carpet-cleaning) to get the job done fast and thoroughly.
Why Carpets and Rugs Hold Odours
Smells linger for three main reasons:
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Fibres trap particles (food oils, smoke residue, dust, dander).
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Moisture activates odours (humidity, spills, wet shoes, poor ventilation).
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Underlay and subfloor absorb spills (especially pet urine, milk, and dirty water).
That’s why air fresheners often fail: they only treat the air, not the source inside the carpet.
Before You Start: Quick Carpet & Rug Check
Different materials respond differently to moisture and cleaning agents.
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Wool rugs: avoid high-alkaline products and too much soaking.
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Jute/sisal: avoid water-heavy methods—these can warp and stain.
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Persian/handmade rugs: use gentle, colour-safe methods and patch test first.
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Synthetic rugs/carpet: usually the most forgiving.
Always patch test in an inconspicuous corner, especially with vinegar or enzyme products.
Step-by-Step: The Best General Method for Removing Odours
1) Vacuum thoroughly (yes, properly)
Odours often cling to dust and pet hair. Vacuum slowly in two directions, focusing on edges and under furniture.
Pro tip: If you can, vacuum the rug both sides (front and back). That’s where a surprising amount of smell sits.
2) Use baking soda as an odour absorber
Baking soda is a simple, effective deodoriser for everyday smells.
How to do it:
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Sprinkle a generous layer over the carpet/rug.
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Let it sit at least 6–8 hours (overnight is best).
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Vacuum slowly and thoroughly.
For stronger odours: mix baking soda with a few tablespoons of dry powdered laundry booster (oxygen-based) only if your carpet is colourfast and synthetic. Patch test first.
3) Treat the source spot (not the whole carpet—yet)
If there’s a specific area causing the smell (pet spot, spill zone), treat that first before deep cleaning the entire carpet.
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Blot any moisture with paper towel (don’t rub).
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Use an odour-targeting cleaner based on the type of smell (see the next section).
4) Light rinse + dry fast
Moisture left behind is a common reason odours return.
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If you’ve used a cleaner, lightly rinse with a damp cloth (when appropriate).
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Blot dry.
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Aim airflow at the area: fan + open windows.
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If you have one, run a dehumidifier.
The goal: dry the fibres and underlay as quickly as possible.
Odour-Specific Fixes (Pet, Musty, Smoke, Food)
Pet urine odours (the right way)
Pet urine is tricky because it contains uric acid crystals that don’t fully break down with soap alone.
Best option: an enzyme cleaner designed for pet urine.
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Blot first.
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Apply enzyme cleaner until the area is evenly damp (it must reach where the urine went).
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Cover with a towel and leave it to work (follow label timing).
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Blot, then let it dry fully.
Important: Don’t use steam immediately on urine spots. Heat can set the smell and stain deeper.
If the smell keeps returning, it may have reached the underlay/subfloor. That’s when professional extraction is worth it—see our professional carpet cleaning page (internal link: /carpet-cleaning).
Musty/damp smells (mildew vibe)
Musty odours usually mean moisture + poor airflow.
What to do:
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Vacuum thoroughly.
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Sprinkle baking soda overnight.
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Lightly mist a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water (only if colourfast), then blot.
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Dry aggressively: fan + ventilation + dehumidifier.
If the area has actual mould growth, the priority is fixing the moisture source and getting a deeper clean. Consider booking a professional service (internal link: /contact).
Smoke smells (cigarettes, cooking, bushfire residue)
Smoke odours cling to fibres as tiny particles.
Try this approach:
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Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum if possible.
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Baking soda overnight.
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Follow with a carpet-safe deodorising rinse (or a professional hot water extraction).
For heavy smoke odours, activated charcoal (in bowls around the room for 24–72 hours) can help reduce the air smell while you treat the carpet.
Food, milk, and “something went off” smells
Food smells often come from oils or protein-based spills.
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Blot any residue.
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Use a mild detergent solution for oily spills.
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For protein smells (milk, egg, meat), use an enzyme cleaner or a carpet-safe antibacterial odour remover.
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Rinse lightly and dry fast.
If you’re dealing with a mystery smell, start with baking soda and spot treatment rather than soaking the entire area.
DIY vs Professional Cleaning: When to Call the Pros
DIY methods work best for surface-level odours and small spots. Consider professional cleaning when:
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The smell returns after drying
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Odour covers a large area
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You suspect underlay/subfloor contamination
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You’re prepping for an inspection or moving out
If you’re moving out, pairing carpet odour treatment with end of lease cleaning can make the whole property presentation stronger (internal link: /end-of-lease-cleaning).
Prevention: Keep Carpets and Rugs Smelling Fresh Longer
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Shoes off rule (or at least no wet shoes inside).
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Vacuum 2–3 times per week in high-traffic homes.
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Treat spills immediately—even water can cause musty smells later.
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Use washable runners in hallways and entry points.
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Regular professional cleans (every 6–12 months, more often with pets/kids).
For more fabric-care tips, link readers to your upholstery and fabric care page (internal link: /upholstery-cleaning) and your more cleaning guides hub (internal link: /blog).
Quick FAQ
Can I use vinegar on all rugs?
Not always. Vinegar can affect dyes and some natural fibres. Patch test first and avoid soaking.
Does steam cleaning remove odours?
It can, especially for general odours, but for urine it can sometimes set the smell if the source isn’t neutralised first.
How long should baking soda sit on carpet?
At least 6–8 hours. Overnight gives the best result.
What if the smell is strongest on humid days?
That often indicates moisture trapped in the carpet or underlay. Improve ventilation, dry the area, and consider professional extraction.
