There’s nothing worse than walking into a room and being greeted by a musty carpet odor. Whether it’s caused by a flood, pet accidents, high humidity, or poor ventilation, a wet carpet smell can quickly turn your living space into an uncomfortable environment. More than just a nuisance, lingering moisture in carpet can lead to mildew, mold growth, and even potential health risks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to get mildew smell out of carpet, remove musty odors from rugs, and prevent moisture problems from returning. From DIY solutions to knowing when it’s time to call a professional, here’s everything you need to know about carpet odor removal.

Why Does Carpet Smell Musty?

When your carpet smells like mildew, it’s often a sign that moisture has been absorbed into the fibers and possibly even the padding underneath. This moisture can come from:

• Water leaks or spills
• High humidity or condensation
• Pet accidents that weren’t properly cleaned
• Inadequate drying after cleaning
• Improper ventilation

If not treated quickly, moisture creates the perfect conditions for mildew, mold spores, and bacteria to grow, leading to foul odors and even health risks over time.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Musty Smell Out of Carpet

Let’s dive into how you can get rid of mildew smell in carpet using easy, effective methods.

1. Dry the Carpet Completely

Before anything else, you must remove the moisture causing the odor. Here’s how:

• Use fans: Position oscillating fans or high-powered blowers to increase airflow across the carpet.
• Open windows and doors: Improve air circulation to help the carpet dry naturally.
• Use a dehumidifier: Especially helpful in humid climates, a dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air and speeds up drying.
• Use a wet/dry vacuum: If your carpet is still wet, extract excess water before proceeding.

Pro Tip: If your carpet remains damp after 48 hours, mildew and mold are likely already forming.

2. Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Carpet

Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer and moisture absorber.

• Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the affected carpet area.
• Let it sit for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight.
• Vacuum thoroughly the next day to remove the baking soda and any absorbed odor.

You may need to repeat this step for deep carpet odor removal.

3. Apply Vinegar and Water Solution

White vinegar helps disinfect, kill mildew spores, and neutralize odors.

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Lightly mist the musty carpet area—don’t soak it.
• Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Blot dry with clean towels and let it air-dry fully.

This step helps remove mildew odor from carpet while killing the bacteria causing it.

4. Try an Enzymatic Cleaner

For persistent odors (especially from pet accidents or organic material), use an enzyme-based carpet cleaner. These cleaners break down the proteins and bacteria that cause bad smells.

• Follow the label directions closely.
• Allow the product to sit long enough to penetrate the carpet fibers and pad.
• Vacuum the treated area once it’s dry.

Enzymatic cleaners are ideal for rug odor removal when home remedies aren’t enough.

5. Steam Clean (If Appropriate)

Steam cleaning helps lift deeply embedded odors and kills bacteria, but it’s only effective if your carpet is already dry and mold-free. Never steam clean a damp, moldy carpet—it can make things worse.

• Rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional
• Use odor-neutralizing carpet shampoo
• Let the carpet dry thoroughly after cleaning

How to Get Rid of Odor in Carpet Padding

Sometimes, surface cleaning isn’t enough. If the mildew smell in carpet persists after trying the above methods, the problem may lie in the carpet padding underneath.

Here’s what to do:

1. Pull back a section of the carpet where the odor is strongest.
2. Check for discoloration, mold spots, or a musty smell in the pad.
3. If the padding is damp, remove and replace it.
4. Clean and disinfect the subfloor underneath.
5. Replace the carpet once the floor is completely dry and odor-free.

Wet Carpet Smell and Health Risks

A wet carpet smell might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually signal a serious health concern, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems.

Mold and mildew release spores and mycotoxins into the air, which can cause:

• Headaches
• Coughing or sneezing
• Skin irritation
• Respiratory problems
• Fatigue

That’s why it’s critical to deal with carpet mold smells immediately.

How to Prevent Musty Carpet Odor in the Future

Once you’ve tackled the current problem, the next step is preventing it from happening again.

Keep Your Carpet Dry

• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Don’t place rugs over wet carpet.
• Use fans or a dehumidifier in humid climates.

Improve Ventilation

• Open windows regularly.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms or kitchens.
• Keep doors open between rooms to reduce humidity buildup.

Regular Carpet Cleaning

• Have your carpets cleaned professionally every 6–12 months.
• Avoid over-wetting during DIY carpet cleaning.
• Use products designed for carpet mold odor control.

Address Leaks and Plumbing Issues

• Fix roof, wall, or plumbing leaks quickly.
• Don’t ignore signs of water intrusion, even if they seem minor.

FAQs: Musty Carpet Odor Removal

What causes carpet to smell musty?

Moisture trapped in the carpet fibers or padding—often from spills, leaks, or high humidity—can cause musty or mildew-like odors.

How do I get mildew smell out of rug material?

Dry the rug fully, then apply a vinegar solution or use baking soda and vacuum it thoroughly. For deeper issues, use an enzyme-based cleaner or seek professional help.

Can a musty smell come back after cleaning?

Yes—especially if the carpet wasn’t dried completely. Moisture that remains in the padding or subfloor can reintroduce odors days or weeks later.

Should I replace carpet that smells musty?

If the smell persists after deep cleaning and padding replacement, it may be time to replace the carpet, especially if mold is visible.

Is carpet mildew dangerous?

Yes. Prolonged exposure to mold and mildew in carpet can affect air quality and trigger health problems, especially in sensitive individuals.

Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Musty Carpet Odors

Carpet odors caused by moisture, mildew, or mold are a common household issue—but one you shouldn’t ignore. By acting quickly and using the right combination of drying, deodorizing, and disinfecting methods, you can get rid of damp carpet smells and restore freshness to your home.

If you've tried everything and the odor remains, don’t hesitate to call a professional carpet cleaning company. They have the tools and expertise to tackle even the most persistent musty carpet odors.