I have recently moved into a house whose carpets or furnishings have a disagreeable smell, and despite...?

Question

repeated uses of air freshener and occasional carpet shake-n-vac, the musty smell always returns. short of replacing all the carpets, what product can i use that will permanently abolish the smell....or what product will permanently mask the smell...ie beeswax polish...?

Answer 1

Nothing I'm afraid. Your carpets are probably the victim of too much cleaning by the previous owner in the attempt to mask a smell or remove any stains.

What happens each product or compound can react badly to the previous product and the smell becomes even worse. I had this problem with a second hand Saab I bought. The smell was not noticable until about a week after buying it and I tried the new Auto Glym products to get rid of the smell that was eminating from the one of the back seats which had plush upholstery.

The smell was so bad in the end I had to send my beloved car to a be properly valeted even then nothing worked so we ended up sending the car to the auctions.

I think you may have to cut your loses and lift the carpets. What sort of flooring underneath the carpets if it's wooden flooring Yipee jump with joy.!

Answer 2

Air fresheners and carpet shake'n'vac products can only 'cover up' an odor as long as that  product is freshly applied. And worse, these products add many chemicals to your airspace that contribute to indoor air pollution and a host of respiratory ills.

Good, deep cleaning done in a manner that allows for removal of the offending source is the only way to go.  I have used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) successfully for a decade now to deal with any/all offending odors.  The extra oxygen molecule is very effective at eliminating (actually neutralizing) odors.  The only drawback is that it can take multiple applications to accomplish the task, since the oxygen molecules get used up pretty quickly.

You would want to test an area of the carpet first to make sure the H2O2 doesn't bleach out the color.  Apply a 1:1 diluted solution of H2O2 and water, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then extract the excess water.  Repeat at least one more time.  Allow to dry completely, test for lingering odors and repeat process as needed.

Note: If the source of the odor is decaying (moldy) subflooring under the carpet, the only solution is to remove/replace the damaged section of subfloor.

Answer 3

Rent a shampooer and use only white vinegar in the tank.

You can also use a shop vac.

Rinse well and smell should be gone.

The padding underneath may be soiled and will need to be replaced sooner or later.

Anything on the padding will be difficult to remove because it is soiled.

Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and let it sit for an hour or so and then vacuum.

You may have to call in a professional carpet cleaner because they have a high power suction wand.

Try the vinegar and then baking soda.

:-)

Answer 4

im having the exact same problem!! but i have 2 babies whos chest is irritated by perfumed things like airfreshners n things!

im waiting on my lanlord coming out to replace the carpets now!

u could try using a carpet cleaner & hiring a machine so you wont have to go on your hands n knees to clean them! good luck x

Answer 5

Carpet shampoo, then sprinkle all carpets with bread soda and leave overnight, hoover up the next morning, and if necessary use a dehumidifier for a couple of days afterwards.  

Answer 6

Carpets can stink below the carpet.  The pad or even subfloor may be the stink source.  So yes, try cleaning the carpet and the upholstery, washing the walls and ceiling.  Smells stick to walls too.  But the stink might be too deeply embedded.  Carpets and pads can be exchanged, but also check the subfloor.  Pee, vomit, water can get into the wood below.  With plywood floors, they can be painted with a special sealing type paint.  Hardwood floors would have to be patched....stinky parts removed and replaced.  

Wood furniture can be cleaned and yes, a polish might help.  

There are products that help remove foul odors by absorbing them.  You may need to place these throughout your house.  Check the hardware store......some simple name....like OdorOut or something like that.  Or you could place open boxes of baking soda about...out of sight, but I never found them to be as good as the special stuff.  

Answer 7

lemon