A carpet usually smells after cleaning for one of three reasons: it is drying too slowly, cleaning residue has been left behind, or moisture has reactivated an old smell such as pet urine. A faint smell in the first day is normal. A smell that lasts after the carpet is dry needs looking into.
Slow drying
A wet carpet in a closed, cold room can start to smell damp or musty. Open a window, run the heating and use a fan or dehumidifier if you have one. Most carpets should be dry within a day.
Old smells coming back
Water can wake up what was already there. Pet urine in the backing or underlay is the usual cause, and it can smell worse after cleaning before it gets better. Treating it properly at the source is what fixes it. See how to get dog urine smell out of carpet.
Too much product
Soap or shampoo left in the carpet can smell and attract dirt. This is more common with home machines. A clean water rinse usually helps.
Wet underlay or mould
If the carpet was over-wetted, the underlay can stay damp long after the top feels dry. An earthy or musty smell that gets stronger may mean mould has started to grow, which needs dealing with quickly. See how to get mould out of carpet.
What to do now
- Check whether the carpet is really dry by pressing a dry paper towel into the pile.
- Get as much air moving through the room as you can.
- If a professional cleaned it, call them and ask them to take a look.
- If the smell lasts more than a couple of days after drying, get it checked.
If you would like a second opinion, see our carpet cleaning service or send us the details.