How to make a rug smell nice – and stop bad odors from returning in the future

The power of a rug to transform a space is truly incomparable. From lifting colors to adding a splash of bold patterns, a rug is the simplest way to switch up a space without commitment.

When doing so, however, the last thing you want to introduce to your interiors is anything that may harbor odors, and, unfortunately, rugs are equally as absorbent as they are gorgeous. Therefore, it's important to take extra steps to freshen them up regularly.

Here, we spoke to professional cleaners and rug specialists for their cleaning tips on ensuring your rugs smell as luxurious as they look.

Vacuum regularly

Never underestimate the power of your best vacuum, says Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.

She advises, 'Vacuuming your rug weekly not only removes loose dirt but also massages the fibers and dislodges dust or debris that may have settled deep into the rug and could be trapping odors.

'Make sure your vacuum is set to the correct setting to avoid damaging the fibers and take care not to catch or tear any fringes.'

For the best results, use one of the best vacuum cleaners for carpet, work backward as you would when mopping, and make multiple passes to thoroughly clean, recommends Mock. Our top pick is the Shark POWERDETECT, with the Dyson Ball Animal 3 available at Dyson a close runner-up.

Use an enzymatic cleaning solution

As one of the main sources of smells is stains, which can be difficult to remove even when deep-cleaning a carpet, Ali Hafezi Mashhadi, owner of Babash Rug Services in Los Angeles and WoolSafe-certified fiber care specialist, recommends using an enzymatic solution to eliminate odors.

He says, 'We use enzymes to get rid of the toughest stains from any source. The important thing is to be careful about what brand you buy, as you'll (surprisingly) want something free of fragrances.'

Mashhadi recommends the Simple Green Bio Dog Active Stain & Odor Remover available at Walmart, which he stresses is suitable for any odors, not just for pet messes or to get rid of dog odor in your house.

To use it, Mashhadi suggests applying the solution to a small corner of the rug first, to ensure it's safe for use on the fibers. Always check the specific care instructions of your specific rug before getting started, as some, particularly luxury investments, should always be professionally cleaned to avoid irreparable damage.

'Once tested, mist the areas where the scent of the rug is most potent generously,' he says. 'Be sure the solution is penetrating deep into the rug's fibers. If a particular area needs it, mist the back of the rug generously as well.'

Then, lay the rug out in a sunny spot to dry. 'Sunlight is a catalyst for enzymatic action too, making the enzymes much more effective,' adds Mashhadi, which is one of the many benefits of air-drying laundry.

Once dry, simply bring your rug back inside and check the smell in a neutral-scented room, by laying it out and observing if the smell in the room changes over the day. 'Periods of heat, hot humidity and traffic may bring out the underlying smell,' warns Mashhadi. 'Repeat the cycle if there is still a scent; multiple applications may be required.'

If you prefer not to use chemicals, or if you are dealing with an ornate, delicate rug, why not try cleaning with vinegar? To do so, simply combine equal parts vinegar with water in a spray bottle, such as the JohnBee Empty Spray Bottles available at Amazon, says cleaning expert Mock. Then, apply it to the stain, before blotting it with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

'Taking quick action not only removes stains but also helps keep your rug smelling clean and fresh,' she adds.

Use candles and essential oils

Another great way to make your rug smell nice is to light one of your best candles suggests rug specialist Mashhadi, or use essential oils. There are the best scents for every room of your home, and experts recommend soothing aromas like sandalwood or vanilla for your living room ideas.

'Rugs, especially wool ones, capture everything in the air, from dead skin cells, pet hair, pollutants, and smoke,' says Masshadi. 'So, use this to your advantage, by placing your favorite candles and essential oil diffusers near your rug, as the rug will hold on to the scent. My favorites are the ones that smell like the lobbies of high-end hotels.'

At home, I have used and loved my MUJI Aroma Diffuser, available at Amazon, for years, as it works so well to make your home smell nice. 'Use a diffuser with a generous amount of oil next to your rug,' says Masshadi, but be careful not to leave it on for longer than two hours daily, to avoid the essential oils leaving a sticky residue.

Get your rugs professionally cleaned

Sometimes, advises Mashhadi, to clean an area rug and make it look nice, it may be necessary to have it professionally cleaned.

He says, 'Have you seen those great videos on the internet of rugs being cleaned with lots of water, soap, and industrial machinery? This is called the "subversion wash" and is by far the best method of deodorizing rugs available on the market since the odor can truly be eliminated at the source.

'The key is continuous water rinsing, which ensures all contaminants are flushed out of the rug – something that cannot be done with even the best steam cleaners.'

This is not as affordable as other methods, so use it only when absolutely necessary. For example, cleaning expert Mock recommends professionally deep-cleaning your rug every 12-18 months, or when you've snatched a beautiful bargain rug secondhand, which is a brilliant way to be sustainable at home.

If your rug doesn't smell too bad but needs a little freshening, you can steam clean the carpet to effectively lift odors from the fibers, but use caution – rugs are expensive, and the last thing you want is to ruin yours.

How to stop rugs smelling in the future

So, once you know how to make a rug smell nice, how can you stop odors from accumulating in the future?

As a designer of beautiful, luxury, handcrafted rugs, Wendy Morrison is an expert on caring for rugs so they last for years to come – making them a worthwhile investment.

'To safeguard their beauty and keep them smelling fresh, we recommend gentle care,' she says. 'Keep rugs away from direct sunlight, vacuuming them only occasionally, and use castors under the legs of furniture to help prevent dents.

'Also, rotate your rug periodically to ensure even wear, and lay a non-slip underlay underneath. Treat them with the love and respect they inspire, and they'll bring joy for generations to come.' And how much of a lovely thought is that?

FAQs

Why does my rug smell so bad?

If your rug smells particularly bad, it could be a sign of mold in your home, which will need urgent, professional treatment.

Mold is one of the main contributing factors to why a house may smell musty, and these odors can either be absorbed by your rug or may even be harbored on it, especially if it has been exposed to moisture for a prolonged period of time.

If your rug is machine-washable, this laundry pearl trick for rugs and carpets ensures instant freshness.