Simple, Safe & Effective Ways to Make Your Carpets Smell Fresh Again

Carpets make your home warm and comfortable but they also trap smells easily. Food spills, pets, sweat, dampness, shoes, and everyday dust can all leave your carpet smelling unpleasant.

The good news?
You don’t always need expensive products or harsh chemicals to fix it. There are safe, home-friendly methods that can remove bad smells and refresh your carpet naturally.

This guide covers the best DIY odour-removal techniques, when to use them, and when you may need professional help.

Why Carpets Smell Bad (Common Causes)

Before removing odours, it helps to understand the source. Common reasons include:

• Food spills or drink stain
  
• Pet urine, wet dog smell, pet hai
  
• Moisture or dampness trapped in fibres
  
• Mould or mildew growt
  
• Sweat or body odour 
• Smoke smell 
• Old carpets holding long-term odour
  
• Dust buildup

Some smells get trapped deep inside fibres or underlay, making regular vacuuming useless.

Home-Friendly Ways to Remove Odours from Your Carpet

Below are the most effective, natural, and safe DIY methods used by homeowners — and approved by cleaning professionals.

1. Baking Soda – The Best Natural Odour Absorber

Baking soda is the number one DIY method because it:

✔ absorbs odours
✔ neutralises smell
✔ is safe for pets and humans
✔ works on most carpet types

How to Use:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the carpet.
   
2. Leave it for at least 4–8 hours (overnight is best).
   
3. Vacuum thoroughly. 

Great for: general smells, pet odours, old carpet smell
Repeat 2–3 times for strong odours

2. White Vinegar Spray – Odour Neutraliser

Vinegar doesn’t mask smell — it neutralises it.

How to Use:

1. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water.
   
2. Add a few drops of essential oil (optional).
   
3. Lightly spray on the carpet (don’t soak it).
   
4. Let it air dry. 

Works for: food smells, sweat smells, general stale odours
Safe for children & pets

Note: Don’t use vinegar on natural materials like wool carpets.

3. Carpet Shampoo + Warm Water

If you have visible stains or heavy smells, gentle carpet shampoo can help.

Method:

1. Mix carpet shampoo with warm water.
   
2. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub lightly.
   
3. Let it dry completely.
   
4. Vacuum afterward.
   

Good for: stubborn spills, light pet stains, dirt smell

4. Steam Cleaning (DIY or Professional)

Steam cleaning pulls dirt, bacteria, and odours from deep inside the fibres.

Method:

• Use a home steam cleaner, or
  
• Rent one from supermarkets (Tesco, Morrisons, B&Q), or
  
• Call a professional service
  

Removes: bacteria, mould spores, deep stains, pet odours
Best option for old carpets or heavy smells

 5. Lemon & Hot Water Deodorising Solution

Lemon breaks down oil-based smells and adds a natural citrus scent.

How to Use:

1. Mix warm water with fresh lemon juice.
   
2. Lightly spray the carpet.
   
3. Do not over-soak.
   
4. Let it dry with windows open. 

Works for: cooking smells, food spills, greasy odours

6. Essential Oil Freshening Mix

You can create a natural deodoriser with:
baking soda
lavender/tea tree essential oil

How to Make:

1. Add 10–15 drops of essential oil to 1 cup baking soda.
   
2. Sprinkle on carpet.
   
3. Leave overnight.
   
4. Vacuum.
   

Helps with: mild odours, bedroom carpets, pet-friendly homes

7. Activated Charcoal Bags (Great for Long-Term Smells)

Activated charcoal absorbs odours and moisture.

How to Use:

• Place charcoal bags in the room
  
• Leave for 24–48 hours
  

Great for: damp smell, mould smell, old carpets
Works even if you don’t clean the carpet directly

8. Sunlight & Fresh Air (If Possible)

If you have removable rugs, fresh air works wonders.

Sunlight kills bacteria
Helps remove moisture
Refreshes fibres

Leave rugs outside for 2–4 hours.

(Not recommended for delicate or dark-coloured rugs.)

9. Hydrogen Peroxide (for Tough Smells)

Use only for light-coloured carpets.

Method:

1. Mix ½ cup hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon dish soap.
   
2. Dab onto smelly areas.
   
3. Blot with a cloth.
   
4. Rinse with water.
   

Works for: urine smells, deep-set stains, old spills

10. Vodka Spray (Yes, It Works!)

Vodka evaporates quickly and kills bacteria that cause odours.

How to Use:

1. Pour plain vodka into a spray bottle.
   
2. Lightly mist the carpet.
   
3. Allow to dry.
   

Removes: pet smells, sweat, mouldy smell

How to Prevent Carpet Odours (Simple Habits)

✔ Vacuum 1–2 times weekly
✔ Use doormats to reduce dirt
✔ Keep carpets dry
✔ Clean spills immediately
✔ Open windows frequently
✔ Use carpet freshening powder
✔ Schedule deep cleaning every 3–6 months

Prevention is easier and cheaper than fixing a smelly carpet later.

When DIY Methods Won’t Work

Some smells are too deep or too old for home cleaning:

• pet urine soaked into underlay
  
• mould inside carpet padding
  
• heavy smoking smell
  
• years of food spills
  
• old carpets absorbing long-term odours

In these cases, DIY only masks the smell temporarily.
You need professional carpet cleaning to fully remove bacteria and odour sources.

Why Professional Carpet Cleaning Works Better

WinVerse Cleaning uses:

• industrial steam machines
  
• hot water extraction
  
• professional deodorising solutions
  
• antibacterial treatment
  
• stain removal agents

These penetrate deep into carpet fibres and remove odours from the root, not just the surface.

You’ll notice:
✔ fresher smell
✔ cleaner fibres
✔ softer carpet
✔ improved air quality

Carpet Odour Removal in Manchester – WinVerse Cleaning

If your carpet smell doesn’t go away—even after trying DIY—WinVerse can restore it professionally.

We Offer:

• Hot water extraction
  
• Deep steam cleaning
  
• Stain & odour treatment
  
• Pet smell removal
  
• Carpet sanitisation
  
• Fast-drying service 

Why Manchester Homes Choose Us:

✔ Affordable prices
✔ Top-quality cleaning systems
✔ Safe for kids & pets
✔ Friendly, DBS-checked cleaners
✔ 4.9★ rated
✔ Same-day service available

Areas We Cover:

Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Hulme, Stockport, Cheetham Hill, Prestwich, Stretford & all Greater Manchester.

Call: +44 161 821 0317
www.winverse.co.uk
WhatsApp for quick quotes