How to Make a Carpet Smell Good Naturally (4 Easy Methods)

Your home is your castle, and you want it to smell fresh and clean. But if you have pets or children, or if you live in an area with high foot traffic, your carpets can start to smell a little less than fresh.

Not to worry! There are a number of ways to make your carpet smell good naturally without resorting to harsh chemicals. The methods listed in this article are easy to follow and usually involve common household ingredients you might have in your kitchen or bathroom. Keep reading to learn more!

The 4 Easy Methods to Make a Carpet Smell Good

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and is also great for absorbing odors. Just sprinkle some baking soda on your carpet, let it sit for a few minutes to an hour, and then vacuum it up. For extra freshness, apply a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before you sprinkle it on the carpet.

One of the best parts of using this method is that it often works in as little as 10 minutes on carpeting that doesn’t smell overly bad. But if your carpet needs a little more help, you can leave the baking soda on for up to 24 hours before vacuuming. Doing so will give the mixture more time to absorb any lingering odors.

To prepare this mixture, fill a dredge shaker or similar container with baking soda and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, if desired. Then, sprinkle the mixture over the affected area of carpeting and let it sit as needed.

While it won’t remove stains, baking soda does a fantastic job of eliminating a variety of unpleasant odors. Best of all, it’s an affordable solution to smelly carpets.

2. Vinegar and Water

Vinegar is another natural deodorizer, and it can also be used to clean carpets. For this easy method, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz the solution onto the affected areas of your carpet. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then blot it up with a microfiber cloth or a dry towel.

This method is best for spot-cleaning rather than for treating large areas of carpeting, as the vinegar smell can be strong. But if you need to clean a small area of carpeting, vinegar and water is a great option.

The vinegar and water method works best in conjunction with baking soda and essential oil. Because while vinegar works well at getting rid of other odors, it will leave behind its own. So consider following up with baking soda and essential oil to lift away any lingering vinegar smell.

3. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another great option for making your carpet smell fresh and clean. Just like baking soda, cornstarch can absorb odors, so it’s perfect for use in your home.

To use this method, sprinkle cornstarch onto the affected areas of your carpet and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, vacuum it up.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the cornstarch before you sprinkle it on the carpet for extra freshness. As with the baking soda recipe, you need to add the cornstarch and essential oil to a dredge shaker or similar container and shake it up before sprinkling it on your carpet.

You’ll find that cornstarch works a bit more slowly than baking soda, so you’ll want to give it some extra time to work its magic. But this method is great for those who are sensitive to smells or who want a carpet deodorizer that’s gentle and non-toxic.

4. Coffee Grounds

You might be wondering how coffee grounds can be good for making your carpet smell fresh. But coffee grounds are actually great at absorbing odors, which makes them ideal for freshening up carpeting.

Before you try this method, it’s important to note that coffee grounds can leave behind dark spots, so it’s best suited for darker-colored carpeting.

To use coffee grounds to freshen your carpet, sprinkle a layer of grounds over the affected area and let it sit for about an hour. Then, vacuum up the grounds. The coffee grounds will help to absorb any odors, and the vacuum should pick up any particles. Use care when vacuuming so as not to grind any coffee grounds into the carpet fibers.

Carpet Care Tips

When it comes to keeping your carpets clean and fresh-smelling, there are a few key things you can do. The key is to provide ample care frequently so that they last longer and don’t start to develop that musty smell. Here are some tips on how to make your carpets smell good naturally:

Vacuum Regularly

This is one of the best ways to keep your carpets clean and free of dust, dirt, and other debris. Be sure to vacuum each carpeted area at least once per week and more often if possible. If you have pets or children, you might need to vacuum more frequently.

Deep Clean Occasionally

In addition to regular vacuuming, you should also deep clean your carpets at least once every few months. You can do this yourself with a rented carpet cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaning service. Deep cleaning will help remove any built-up dirt and grime and give your carpets a fresh, clean smell.

Keep Your Pets Groomed

Pets are one of the worst culprits when it comes to making carpets smell bad. Their hair and dander can quickly make a carpet smell less than desirable. To help combat this, be sure to keep your pets well-groomed. Brush them regularly and bathe them as needed. You may also want to invest in a pet-specific vacuum cleaner to help remove their hair from your carpets.

Make Your Own Carpet Deodorizer

If you’re looking for a more natural option, you can make your own carpet deodorizer at home using the methods outlined in this article. These methods are excellent alternatives to store-bought products and will leave your carpets smelling fresh and clean for a fraction of the cost.

Clean Up Spills Immediately

If you have a spill on your carpet, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible. The longer a spill sits, the more likely it is to stain and start to smell. When cleaning up a spill, be sure to use a gentle cleaning solution so as not to damage your carpets.

Change Your Air Filters Regularly

Another effective way to keep your carpets smelling fresh is to change your home’s air filters regularly. This will help remove any dust, pollen, and other allergens that can easily become trapped in your carpets and cause them to smell bad. Be sure to check your air filters every few months and replace them as needed.

Open Your Windows

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to freshen up your carpets, open your windows and let some fresh air in. This will help remove any musty smells and make your carpets smell clean and fresh in no time.

Following these tips is sure to prolong the freshness and appeal of your carpets. Remember to clean often and treat your floors with care for greater longevity.

Conclusion

We hope our guide on how to make a carpet smell good naturally was helpful! These home remedies are easy to follow and should make a noticeable difference in the way your carpeting smells.

And don’t forget—the best way to keep your carpets smelling fresh is to vacuum regularly and clean up spills as soon as they happen. With a little bit of care, your carpets will stay smelling great for years to come.

See also:

• How to Make Your Room Smell Good Naturally (26 Easy Methods)
• How To Patch a Carpet – 6 Simple Steps

Featured Image Credit: Photographee.eu, Shutterstock