Carpets bring comfort and coziness to any room, but they can also accumulate stubborn odors caused by pets, moisture, mold, food or dirt. Fortunately, there are creative (and even a bit unusual) methods that really work.
Below, discover 7 strange but effective tricks to get rid of unwanted smells in carpets and leave your home with a clean, pleasant scent.
1. Baking soda: the classic that never fails
Baking soda is one of the most powerful natural deodorizers. It absorbs bad smells instead of just masking them. Simply apply a generous layer over the carpet, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, and then vacuum thoroughly. If the odor persists, repeat the process.
2. White vinegar and water
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the carpet without soaking it. Vinegar neutralizes strong odors, especially mold and pet urine, and also helps disinfect the surface. Then let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
3. Vodka or isopropyl alcohol
It may sound odd, but a bit of cheap vodka or isopropyl alcohol helps eliminate strong odors, such as pet smells or spilled liquids. Lightly spray it over the carpet, let it sit, and allow it to evaporate. Alcohol dries quickly and helps remove odor-causing bacteria.
4. Activated charcoal to absorb odors
Activated charcoal is a powerful natural purifier. Place small sachets or bowls filled with charcoal on the carpet (or in the affected room) for 24 to 48 hours. It “pulls” odor molecules from the air and fibers, leaving the environment with a fresher, more neutral scent.
5. Mixture of cornstarch, baking soda and essential oils
To leave the room smelling great, mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda with a few drops of essential oil — lavender, eucalyptus or lemon are great options. Sprinkle the mixture over the carpet, let it sit for a few hours and vacuum. The result is a light, pleasant fragrance.
6. Ventilation and dehumidification
Sometimes the smell comes from moisture trapped in the fibers or the carpet base. In this case, open windows, turn on fans and use a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture. Keeping the room well ventilated prevents mold and extends the feeling of cleanliness.
7. Steam cleaning or enzymatic products
If the odor is deeply embedded — such as old urine, mold or long-dried spills — the best solution is a deep steam cleaning or the use of enzymatic cleaners, which break down the molecules responsible for the smell. These methods treat the root of the problem, not just the symptom.
Final tips
- Always test any product on a small, hidden area before full application.
- Avoid over-wetting the carpet to prevent mold.
- Vacuum well after using baking soda or powder mixtures.
- If the problem persists, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
With these practical and unusual tricks, you can eliminate carpet odors and restore freshness to your rooms — without resorting to harsh chemical products.
+ George Clooney: age, net worth, films and how the Hollywood star is doing today
+ Woman goes searching for newly stolen car and ends up finding the vehicle in her own neighborhood
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
