How to Deodorize Carpet Before Moving Out

Do I Need to Clean My Carpets Before Moving Out?

Feet, shoes, pets, and smoke are among the long list of contaminants to carpets alongside normal wear-and-tear. As opposed to hardwood floor or tile, carpet is made from a fibrous material that absorbs unwanted odor, moisture, and pollutants.

Carpet cleaning can remove bacteria, allergens, odors, and stains necessary to renew the appearance and hygiene of your home. Whether you are renting or selling your home, leaving it in pristine condition is essential to getting back your security deposit or attracting buyers.

Standard professional carpet cleaning ranges from $123 to $250 depending on the location and amount of carpet. In some cases, these costs can be avoided by opting for an at-home carpet cleaning method — depending on the odor.

How to Remove Pet Odor From Carpet

When owning a pet, messes and stains come with the territory. Regular maintenance helps, but lingering odors require carpet cleaning.

It is important to use a cleaner to eliminate the cause, instead of masking the smell. Use both an enzymatic cleaner and a specialized pet carpet deodorizer to combat stains, as well as to prevent lingering pet smells.

If you have done a good job keeping up with spot cleaning as soon as possible, all you may need is a carpet refresher, such as Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator. Simply sprinkle the powder over your carpet, and vacuum up along with pet hair.

How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Carpet

Smoke odor cannot simply be aired out of your home and does not go away on its own. The smell of smoke permeates through the carpet. This smell doesn’t come along with any health concerns, so opt for a deodorizer as opposed to a cleaner.

Mix a cup of lavender into a large box of baking soda and sprinkle the mixture over the entirety of your carpet. Allow the mixture to sit for a minimum of 8 hours, or overnight, for best results.

If the smell continually lingers, it may be trapped on other surfaces as well. Do some additional research to learn how to completely get rid of the smell of smoke in your home.

How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Carpet

Mildew can cause a damp and pungent odor some say resembles that of wet socks. This smell is one of the most concerning, as it often comes with health hazards and considerable damage caused by mold development.

When looking into how to get the musty smell out of carpet, follow these steps:

• Find the source of the smell. Inspect the nooks and crannies of the home to uncover the origin.
• Use protection to prevent you from inhaling cleaning materials or pollutants, and wear gloves to protect your skin.
• Create a cleaning solution by mixing one cup of household bleach with one gallon of water.
• Scrub the solution into the stain with a brush, and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove any excess residue from the bleach solution with a clean sponge.
• Dry the area completely with a clean towel ensuring to remove any remaining moisture.

How to Make Carpet Smell Good Naturally

For those who don’t want to introduce harsh chemicals to their homes, there are options for a natural carpet odor remover. Vinegar is both an effective cleaner, and it’s cost-efficient.

In a spray bottle, shake to combine one cup of vinegar with two cups of warm water. Spray your carpet, and simply allow it to air dry. Don’t be alarmed by the strong smell of vinegar — it will fade as the drying process progresses.

To add some natural fragrance to your carpet, consider adding some essential oil of choice or dried spices and herbs to your DIY carpet cleaner.

Can I Clean Carpet With Baking Soda?

Baking soda is an age-old cleaning solution known to both freshen and revitalize your carpets. It can be used to remove a variety of odors and could be the best choice for those with a combination of needs for cleaning.

If carpet discoloration or fading is a concern of yours, baking soda is a safe choice, often making carpets look brighter and fresher.

When considering how to clean carpet with baking soda, follow these steps:

• If the stain is greasy, blot the stain using a towel or rag to soak up as much as possible. Make sure not to rub and run the risk of spreading the stain.
• Generously sprinkle baking soda over the stain until it is completely covered.
• Let the baking soda absorb.
• Vacuum up the remains.

How Long to Leave Baking Soda on Carpet

After applying baking soda to your carpet, allow it to sit for a minimum of 3 hours. Give the baking soda closer to 8 hours for best results — overnight is ideal.

Professional Move-Out Cleaning: One of the Best Carpet Deodorizer Options

For both renters and sellers, carpet deodorizers are key to a move-out. Depending on the odor, decide on a carpet odor remover to leave your home in top condition.

For bigger messes, look into renting a local professional deep cleaning machine, or get connected with a move-out cleaning specialist on Moveout.com.