Installing new carpeting is an excellent way to add warmth, comfort, and style to your home. However, it’s not uncommon for the new carpeting to emit a strong smell that can be overwhelming and even cause health problems for some people. In this article, we will explore what causes the new carpet smell and provide practical tips and tricks on getting rid of it.
What Causes New Carpet Smell?
New carpet smell is caused by a combination of factors, including the materials used to manufacture the carpet, the adhesive used to install the carpet, and the packaging materials used to transport the carpet. These factors can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which are responsible for the strong odor.
VOCs are a group of chemicals that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and dizziness. In some cases, exposure to VOCs can even lead to more severe health problems such as asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.
How to Get Rid of New Carpet Smell
If you’re struggling with the new carpet smell in your home, don’t worry. There are several practical ways to get rid of the odor effectively.
Air Out the Room
The easiest and most natural way to get rid of the new carpet smell is to air out the room. Open the windows and doors and let the fresh air circulate in the room. Turn on the ceiling fan or use a portable fan to help circulate the air. This will help to reduce the concentration of VOCs in the air, thereby reducing the odor.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and is excellent for absorbing odors. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the carpet, focusing on the areas with the strongest odor. Leave the baking soda on the carpet for at least 24 hours, then vacuum it up. The baking soda will absorb the odors, leaving your carpet smelling fresh and clean.
Apply Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is another excellent natural deodorizer that can help to absorb new carpet smells. Place a bowl of activated charcoal in the room, focusing on the areas with the strongest odor. Leave the bowl in the room for at least 24 hours, then remove it. The activated charcoal will absorb the odors, leaving your room smelling fresh and clean.
Try Vinegar and Water Solution
Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner and deodorizer that can help to get rid of the new carpet smell. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution over the carpet, focusing on the areas with the strongest odor. Leave the solution on the carpet for at least 30 minutes, then blot it up with a clean, dry towel. The vinegar will help to neutralize the odors, leaving your carpet smelling fresh and clean.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are an excellent way to add a pleasant fragrance to your home while getting rid of the new carpet smell. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution over the carpet, focusing on the areas with the strongest odor. The essential oils will help to mask the odor and leave your room smelling fresh and clean.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
If the above methods do not work, you may need to hire a professional carpet cleaning service. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment needed to deep clean your carpet and get rid of stubborn odors effectively. They may also use special deodorizing agents that can help to neutralize new carpet smells.
Preventing New Carpet Smell
While getting rid of a new carpet smell is possible, it’s always best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent new carpet smell:
- Choose to carpet with low VOC emissions
- Allow the carpet to air out before installation
- Use a low-emission adhesive to install the carpet
- Vacuum the carpet regularly to remove dust and debris
Conclusion
New carpet smells can be quite unpleasant and even cause health problems for some people. Fortunately, there are several practical ways to get rid of the odor effectively. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can enjoy a fresh, clean-smelling home without the unpleasantness of a new carpet smell.
FAQs
Is the new carpet smell dangerous?
New carpet smells can be harmful to some people, especially those with respiratory issues. VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and dizziness.
How long does the new carpet smell last?
New carpet smell typically lasts a few days to a few weeks, depending on the carpet’s materials and installation method.
Can I use air fresheners to get rid of the new carpet smell?
While air fresheners can help to mask the odor temporarily, they do not address the root cause of the smell. It’s best to use natural deodorizing agents such as baking soda, activated charcoal, or essential oils.
Can I prevent a new carpet smell?
Yes, you can prevent new carpet smell by choosing low-VOC emission carpeting, allowing the carpet to air out before installation, using a low-emission adhesive, and vacuuming the carpet regularly.
Do I need to hire a professional cleaner to get rid of the new carpet smell?
In most cases, the above methods should be enough to get rid of the new carpet smell. However, if the odor persists, you may need to hire a professional carpet cleaning service.
