Wool Rug Smell?

Question

I purchased an expensive dyed wool rug over 3 years ago. Since the day it was brought home it has had a strong musty type smell. We figured it would eventually go away... 3 years later and 3 homes later, the smell is still there. Any knowledge of why and how to rid the rug of the odor?

Answer 1

the thing is that wool and dye do have distinctive smells, that until you have had them cleaned at least once do not go away

Black denim (not much different lol) smells horrible until it has been thru the wash a few times because of the dye, get it professionaly cleaned  and hopefully the smell will go

good luck

Answer 2

Take it to get dry cleaned, that might help it.  It could of gotten wet and never let dry before you got it, it could of also been stored in a damp musty area before you bought it.  You could always hang it outside in the sunshine for a few days and see if that helps it air out, If not take it to the dry cleaners they should be able to get the smell out with out hurting the rug or the dye.

Answer 3

If the rug is not a cleanable one you could try a proprietary carpet freshener - like Shake N Vac.

Just sprinkle it on, wait for a while then hoover it up.

You could also do something similar but using talcum powder instead.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

Is it an antique/old rug?  Have it cleaned thoroughly both sides!