How to Clean Area Rugs to Remove Odors

Could your area rug be the source of the musty or unpleasant odors lingering in your home? It’s normal for rugs to absorb odors and odor-causing substances. However, it’s only by regularly cleaning your area rugs that you can prevent odors from making your home feel unclean and uncomfortable. 

At Chem-Dry, we know that odors are a major cause of concern and can stop you from inviting guests over or even keep you from feeling at ease in your own home. The good news is that you don’t have to get rid of that smelly rug to free your home from unpleasant odors. With the right cleaning methods, you can enjoy all the benefits of having a fresh, clean area rug as the focal point of your home’s decor.

Clean Area Rugs and Get Rid of Odors with These Top Tips

Whether you’re dealing with smells resulting from dust, food residue, or pet accidents, you don’t have to simply learn to live with these odors. Through a proper cleaning routine for your rug, you can maintain a home that looks and smells healthy and fresh.

Below are some steps you may want to consider taking to clean area rugs and remove those pesky odors.

Vacuum Frequently 

While vacuuming won’t remedy all that is ailing your rug, it is a key component of any rug cleaning and maintenance routine. With your area rug constantly underfoot, it is exposed to dirt, grime, crumbs, and organic matter tracked in from the outdoors. 
If you vacuum with the right frequency, you can catch some of these contaminants and stop them from getting stuck in the fibers of your area rug. If you skip regular vacuuming, these particles will end up settling against the backing and will only be reached through deep cleaning. 

We recommend vacuuming at a minimum of once per week, but this frequency should be amped up to two or three times per week if you are a pet owner or parent of young children.

Increase Sun Exposure 

Exposure to the hot rays of the sun can also help keep certain funky scents caused by fungal or bacterial growth at bay. To make sure your rug benefits from as much sunlight as possible, take it outdoors on a sunny day. You can either hang it up or lay it out on a tarp, depending on the size and weight of the rug. Be sure to flip it every few hours so that every inch of the rug benefits from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

While this method can be effective at limiting the presence of odors, you’ll want to be especially careful if your rug is made with delicate dyes or has a particularly colorful pattern. In addition to stopping bacterial growth, the sun is also powerful enough to cause premature fading. If this is a concern, it’s best to leave your rug in the hands of a professional cleaning company for odor removal.

Partner with a Professional Team that Cleans Area Rugs

The most reliable way to clean area rugs and remove odors is to leave it to experienced professionals. At Chem-Dry, we attack odors at the source and use proven processes that gently but effectively clean area rugs by lifting dust, dander, dirt, soil, and other contaminants from their depths. 

Our process will get right up to the rug backing to ensure its fibers are free from odor-causing substances. Furthermore, you can trust us to clean all types of rugs without risking damage to their integrity or colorful design. From cleaning Persian heirloom rugs to rugs made with synthetic fabrics or natural materials, our expertise is extensive.

For a clean area rug that is free of irritating odors, turn to Chem-Dry. Just call us at (800) CHEM-DRY today to request an area rug cleaning appointment!