Thread: Any suggestions for carpet smell....

My house was flooded last week when a hot water heater burst. The maintenance guys managed to get all the water up and the carpet is dry (there is no padding, thank god.) and we kept several fans on the carpet for quite a few days. However, now there is an awful smell permeating from it. There are no stains or dirt or anything on the carpet itself. I have tried Febreze several times and Nuetra-Air. Does anyone have any cheap ideas on how to get rid of the smell? I think I will try just about anything because I can't stand it......

TIA.

I would say that you will probably have to take the carpet up. I am sure that the water went through the carpet into the sub floor-and that may be still wet?

I dont know if you rent or own? If you rent the landlord should cover the cost. If it is you own house-your insurance should cover it.(but I know that deductables can be higher than the cost)but it would be worth it wither way-bad carpet smells are hard to live with.

Sorry I am not much help-I hope you figure out something

I had this same problem once and a friend of mine suggested putting bowls of vinegar around in the room and it's suppose to get rid of the smell. I did this as well as sprinkle baking soda on the crapet to absorb the smell and it worked. It's cheap and as long as you don't have kids or pets in the room for a few days to spill the vinegar, it works great.

carpet guy here... been in the business for 20 years... bad news, that smell is mildew. No matter what you do the smell will always be there. You need to rip it out and replace. when we do a flood job... the carpet has to be lifted up, so big air movers are placed under carper to dry, with mildacides, and germacides applyed to prevent the growth of mildew. Sounds like it took to long to dry, and mildew is growing. When customers call me and tell me it smells, its already too late to remedy the problem. Wish I had better news for you.... (

Thank you all for the suggestions. I will have to try some of them. Unfortunately, I know that I will have to fight with my landlords about getting the carpet replaced. That's ok...they've heard my big mouth before...lol.

If your landlords do not want to pay for the carpet to be removed and replaced you can with hold rent since they are not providing a safe place for you to live. I know some molds (black in particular) can be very dangerous to your health, unsure if the mold you might have, could be, but I'm sure you don't want to jeporadizing your health. I would talk to your landlords about it and if they are unwilling, start looking at renters rights in your state. Good luck!