How to Get Odor Out of Wet Carpet

There are several methods to try for getting odor out of wet carpeting. Many times using a wet and dry vacuum cleaner on the carpet will do the trick. If the odor is in a small spot, spraying the area with a carpet deodorizer can remove the odor. Identifying the cause of the odor can help determine the best way to clean it.

1. Locate the exact spot on the carpet that is causing the odor. Try to determine the cause of the odor before you attempt to clean the wet carpet. If you want to try to remove the odor without cleaning the entire carpet, use baking soda to see if that will fix the problem.


2. Apply some baking soda to the spot where the odor is the strongest. Work the baking soda into the wet carpet by using an old cloth or toothbrush. Let the baking soda sit on the affected area for an hour and then blot the spot with a cloth. Check the carpet the next morning to see if the odor is gone.


3. Sprinkle some carpet deodorizer on the spot if baking soda does not get rid of the smell. Go to a grocery store to buy the product. Read the instructions on the label to determine how much deodorizer to use on the carpet. Inspect the carpet the next day to determine if you need to try another method to remove the odor.


4. Rent a wet and dry vacuum cleaner if the carpet odor still exists. Since you are paying for the vacuum you should use it on the entire carpet. Read the instructions so you know how to use the vacuum and see if the odor goes away.


5. Call a professional carpet cleaning service if the wet dry vacuum does not fix the problem. Tell the carpet cleaner the methods you tried and find out how much it will cost to do the job. Once the carpet cleaner finishes, if the odor is still there you may need to replace the entire carpet.