How To Get Mildew Smell Out of Carpet For Good

You want your home to be clean, warm, and inviting. If no matter how often you clean, your home still smells a bit musty, mildewed carpets may be to blame. Learn more about what causes mildew to form and how to get mildew smell out of carpet.

How Did My Carpets Mildew?

Carpets can mildew when they are exposed to conditions that promote mold and mildew growth. The main factors that contribute to carpet mildew include:

1. Excessive Moisture 

The most common cause of carpet mildew is excessive moisture. This moisture can come from various sources, such as leaks, floods, high humidity, or spills that are not adequately dried. Carpets that are not thoroughly dried after being exposed to moisture are at high risk of developing mildew.

2. Poor Ventilation

Insufficient ventilation in a room can lead to a buildup of humidity. When the air is stagnant and doesn't circulate well, it can create a damp environment, especially in areas where carpets are laid, such as basements and enclosed spaces.

3. Water Damage

Carpets are highly susceptible to mildew after water damage incidents, such as leaks from roofs, pipes, or appliances. If the carpet is not thoroughly dried and treated after such incidents, mildew growth is likely.

4. Spills and Stains

Organic materials like food and beverages, if not cleaned properly and promptly, can provide a food source for mold and mildew. When these substances are ground into the carpet fibers, they can create an environment conducive to mildew growth.

5. Improper Cleaning

If carpets are not cleaned using appropriate methods and are left excessively wet during the cleaning process, it can lead to mildew growth. Carpet cleaning should be done using methods that allow for thorough drying, and excess moisture should be removed.

6. High Humidity

In areas with consistently high humidity levels, even without a specific water incident, carpets can absorb moisture from the air. Over time, this moisture can lead to mildew growth.

7. Poorly Maintained HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are not adequately maintained can contribute to high indoor humidity levels. If the HVAC system does not adequately dehumidify the air, it can create a damp environment, encouraging mildew growth.

Signs of Mildewed Carpet

Not sure if mildew is to blame for your musty-smelling carpets? Here are a few signs that mildew may be causing your carpets to smell bad.

1. You Smell a Musty Odor 

One of the most common signs of mildew in carpet is a musty or moldy smell. If your carpet smells unpleasant, even after cleaning, it could be an indication of mildew growth.

2. You See Discoloration

Mildew can cause discoloration on the carpet fibers. You might notice dark or black spots on the surface of the carpet. Sometimes, the affected area can appear greenish or grayish.

3. You Feel Dampness

If the carpet feels damp or wet to the touch, especially in areas that are not typically exposed to moisture, it could be a sign of mildew growth underneath the carpet.

4. You Have Allergic Reactions

For some individuals, exposure to mildew can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or skin rashes. If these symptoms worsen when you're at home and improve when you leave, it could be due to mildew in the carpet.

5. You Notice Peeling or Lifting

Mildew can cause the carpet to peel or lift away from the floor. This is especially true for wall-to-wall carpets that are glued down. The moisture weakens the adhesive, causing the carpet to lose its grip.

6. You Find Visible Mold

In severe cases, you may actually see mold growing on the surface of the carpet. Mold can appear fuzzy, slimy, or powdery and is often green, black, or white in color.

7. You Develop Health Issues

Prolonged exposure to mildew can lead to health problems, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems. If people in your household are experiencing unexplained health issues, it could be due to mildew exposure from the carpet.

If you suspect mildew in your carpet, it's essential to call a mold removal pro, stat. Mold and mildew growth can spread quickly and may require a professional mold removal service near you or a professional cleaning, or even replacement of the affected carpet to ensure your home remains a healthy environment.

How to Remove Mildew Smell From Carpet

Removing that unpleasant mildew smell from carpets can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here's a step-by-step guide of how to get rid of mildew odors in your carpet.

Dry the Area

1. Remove any furniture or objects on the carpet so it’s fully exposed and you can see the mildew. 

2. Open as many windows and doors as possible to encourage ventilation.

3. Set up fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the process. 

4. If you’re dealing with a rug, hang it to dry out thoroughly on both sides.

5. Wait until the carpet is completely dry before moving on. 

Vacuum Thoroughly

1. If possible, rent a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure as many particles are trapped as possible. 

2. Vacuum the entire carpet on the highest suction settings. It’s important to trap spores so they don’t continue to spread. 

3. Carefully dispose of the vacuum bag or canister in an outdoor trash bin when you’re finished.

Sprinkle Baking Soda

1. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the affected parts of the carpet. Don’t create a baking soda paste—you don’t want the rug getting wet again. 

2. Let the baking soda sit for a couple of hours, giving it time to absorb odors. 

3. Vacuum the baking soda up. 

4. You can repeat this step as necessary. 

Use a White Vinegar Mixture

1. For a DIY remedy, try mixing water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle.

2. Lightly spray the affected areas. Avoid getting the carpet damp.

3. Let the vinegar mixture sit on the carpet for a few hours so it can break down mildew.

4. Use clean towels to blot the area and remove the vinegar mixture. 

Apply Enzymatic Cleaner

1. Find an enzyme cleaner that’s rated for mildew and similar problems. Enzymatic cleaners excel at breaking down odor-causing particles. 

2. Follow the instructions on the cleaner. Typically, you need to spray it on the affected carpet and let it sit for around 20 to 25 minutes. 

3. Blot the affected area to clear away the cleaner. 

Consider Professional Cleaning

If you’ve tried these DIY steps and nothing seems to fully remove the mildew smell, contact a local professional carpet cleaning service near you. 

The pros have more powerful carpet cleaners and will be able to choose the right cleaners for the more thorough deodorizing. You can expect to pay either by room or per square foot of carpet, usually costing between $120 and $240.

If you can’t locate the source of the mildew odor, consider calling in a remediation pro or similar service for an inspection to see where mildew may be hiding. 

Replace Carpet Padding

1. Find out if the mildew has grown deep into the carpet, down to the padding. You can try cutting a small slit with a box cutter somewhere unnoticeable where there are signs of mildew on the carpet, then peeling it back to take a close look. 

2. If the mildew staining reaches down into the carpet padding, it’s likely unsalvageable. 

3. At this point you will need to remove the padding entirely to fix the problem, which means it’s a good idea to ditch the carpet entirely.

How to Prevent Carpets from Mildewing

Mildew growth in carpets can be prevented with regular maintenance and a few precautionary measures. Here are some handy tips to keep your carpets mildew-free:

• Control indoor humidity: Maintain indoor humidity levels below 60 percent. Consider using a dehumidifier, especially in damp areas like basements.

• Embrace proper ventilation: Ensure good air circulation in your home. Use fans and open windows to allow fresh air in, particularly after cooking, showering, or using appliances that generate moisture.

• Manage spill cleanup immediately: Clean up spills promptly and thoroughly. Use clean, white cloths or paper towels to blot the spill and remove as much moisture as possible. Consider using a wet/dry vacuum for larger spills.

• Commit to regular cleaning: Vacuum carpets regularly to remove dirt and debris. This prevents organic materials from accumulating, which can be a food source for mildew. It’s a good idea to schedule professional carpet cleaning at least once a year, especially in high-traffic areas. Professional cleaning not only removes dirt but also helps eliminate mold spores.

• Use area rugs and mats: Use area rugs and mats in high-traffic areas and places prone to spills, like entryways and kitchens. These can be easily cleaned or replaced if they become damp or soiled.

• Install proper carpet padding: Ensure your carpet is installed with breathable padding. Moisture-resistant padding can prevent water from being trapped under the carpet, reducing the risk of mildew.

• Do regular inspections: Periodically inspect your carpets, especially in areas susceptible to moisture, like basements and bathrooms. Look for signs of dampness, and if you find any, address the issue promptly.

• Increase sunlight exposure: Allow sunlight into your home by opening curtains and blinds during the day. Sunlight has natural disinfectant properties and can help keep mildew at bay.

Is Mildew Hard to Remove?

Removing mildew is generally easy, but only if you address the issue sooner rather than later. Time is of the essence, as mildew tends to quickly grow on surfaces like tile, grout, fabrics, and walls rather than deeply penetrating materials. 

To catch mildew early, look for its physical signs. Mildew appears as flat, powdery, or fuzzy growth, often white, gray, or black, and thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms or basements.

Removing mildew requires basic cleaning supplies. A mixture of water and household vinegar or a bleach solution (one cup of bleach to one gallon of water) is effective for most surfaces. Apply the solution, scrub with a brush or sponge, and rinse thoroughly. Commercial mildew cleaners are also available for stubborn spots.

If left untreated, mildew can spread, stain, and become more challenging to remove. Porous materials like fabric or drywall may absorb the growth, requiring more effort or replacement. Addressing the underlying cause, such as poor ventilation or leaks, is crucial to prevent the mildew from coming back.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

It can be much cheaper to clean your carpets on your own (especially if you already own a wet/dry vacuum and only need to buy cleaning supplies), but hiring a professional carpet cleaner may give you some peace of mind that the job is done right. Professional carpet cleaning is $180 on average but can cost between $123 and $240. If you think you have bigger mold issues in your home, you can expect to spend much more on mold remediation costs.