How to Get Smell Out of Carpet and Freshen Your Home Easily

Carpets pick up more everyday smells than you realise, from muddy shoes to last night’s dinner and the odd pet mishap. If you’re trying to figure out how to get smell out of carpet without replacing it or paying for a full deep clean, you’re definitely not alone.

The good news is that you can deal with most odours using a few simple steps and items you already have at home. This guide shows you practical, no-fuss methods to lift bad smells and bring a fresh scent back to your floors.

How to Get Smell Out of Carpet

Carpet smells often come from a mix of deep-down dust, old spills, trapped moisture, or pet accidents that settle into the fibres and even the underlay.

So, when you’re working out how to get sick smell out of carpet, it helps to follow a simple, effective order:

1. Vacuum thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and debris
2. Treat the source of the odour with targeted solutions
3. Dry the carpet fully and ventilate the room

You can mix and match the methods below depending on what’s caused the smell and what you have at home.

Vacuum Thoroughly to Remove Dirt and Dust First

Before you start sprinkling anything on the carpet, you want as much dry dirt out as possible. Dust, grit, pet hair and crumbs hold on to smells. If they stay in the pile and underlay, any spill you clean will keep “re-activating” that odour.

A good deep vacuum looks like this:

• Clear the area: Pick up toys, cables and small items so you can reach the whole carpet.
• Use a quality carpet odor removal vacuum with good suction: Empty the bag or canister first and check the filter so the machine can pull more dirt from deep in the pile.
• Vacuum slowly in different directions: Work in straight lines across the room, then go again at a right angle. Moving the head slowly gives the vacuum time to lift dirt from lower fibres, not just the surface.
• Pay extra attention to “high-traffic” spots: Go over doorways, hallway, areas around sofas, and where pets sleep several times.

If you want a machine that makes deep, frequent vacuuming much easier, here’s how eufy’s robot vacuums can help in different ways:

eufy Robot Vacuum E20

The eufy Robot Vacuum E20 is a 3-in-1 design that works as a robot, stick, and handheld vacuum. That flexibility means you can clear odour-holding dust not only from carpets, but also from stairs, upholstery, pet beds and car mats.

• Power to lift embedded dirt: Up to 30,000 Pa suction in handheld/stick mode and 8,000 Pa in robot mode helps pull grit and hair from deep in the fibres, a key step in removing old smells.
• Five-stage filtration for cleaner air: The AeroTurbo™ filtration system captures up to 7% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, reducing the fine dust and allergens that contribute to musty odours.
• Robot coverage for day-to-day buildup: Systematic navigation means the robot handles routine dust and hair, while the handheld and stick modes let you focus on smelly areas or high-traffic spots.

eufy E28 robot vacuum mop with portable deep cleaner

The eufy E28 combines a robot vacuum and mop with a detachable portable deep cleaner built into its station. That makes it especially helpful for carpets with isolated smells from spills or pet accidents.

• Spot treatment where odours start: The FlexiOne™ portable deep cleaner lets you target small patches directly, ideal for urine, food, or drink areas where smells recur.
• Strong suction for stubborn debris: With up to 20,000 Pa suction, the E28 robot can remove hair and dust embedded in carpet fibres, helping clear the “base layer” of odours.
• Better edge and corner reach: Tools like DuoSpiral™ detangle brushes and a CornerRover™ arm pull dust out of corners and along skirting boards, common spots for trapped odours.

eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S2

The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S2 is built for deeper, more automated cleaning and excels on thick carpets where smells can hide in dense fibres.

• Very high suction for dense or plush carpets: S2’s Deep Cleaning System is rated at up to 30,000 Pa of pressure and 100 AW suction power. It’s designed to keep peak suction for up to 90 days with cyclone separation, and to clean thick rugs with fibres up to 5 cm long. That kind of lift helps pull dust, sand and pet hair from near the base of the pile, where old smells tend to linger.
• Ozonated water for germ-related smells: The HydroJet™ Mopping System uses ozonated water to clean the mop, the tank and your floors, eliminating 99% of germs. Fewer germs means fewer sour, lingering odours.
• Advanced 12-in-1 UniClean™ station: The station empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop with 60°C water, and manages water and ozone cleaning automatically, so you can run deep cleans often with minimal effort.
• Certified for deep cleaning: The S2 is also TÜV Rheinland-certified for efficient dust removal, effective pet-hair cleaning on carpets, and its ability to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria. So, you know the cleaning power has been properly checked, not just claimed.

Method 1: Use Baking Soda to Absorb odors

Baking soda is a common go-to for carpet odours because its fine powder can absorb smells held deep in the fibres, rather than just masking them.

If you’re wondering how to get dog pee smell out of carpet, it’s especially useful. Baking soda helps neutralise the acidic compounds in urine, which can reduce both the sharp scent and the lingering musty notes that stick around afterward.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Sprinkle an even layer of baking soda: Dust a light, even coat over the smelly area. A sieve helps you avoid clumps and get better coverage.
2. Gently work it in: On thicker piles, you can lightly brush the powder into the fibres with your hand (wear gloves) or a soft brush, so it reaches deeper odours.
3. Leave it to sit: Let it rest for at least 1–2 hours. For stronger smells, leave it for several hours or overnight so it has more time to absorb odours.
4. Vacuum thoroughly: Vacuum the area slowly, making several passes from different directions to lift out the powder. If the carpet still feels dusty, vacuum again.

You can repeat this treatment if the smell is still noticeable, as long as your vacuum is picking up the powder well.

Method 2: Try a White Vinegar and Water Spray

White vinegar helps break down many odour-causing compounds and can neutralise everyday smells, including those from pet accidents.

If you’re figuring out how to get urine smell out of carpet, this method is often a helpful step because vinegar can reduce the alkaline residue left behind. It’s usually safe on synthetic carpets, but can be too harsh for wool or other natural fibres, so a patch test is essential.

You’ll need:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Water
• Clean spray bottle
• White cloths or paper towels

Steps:

1. Check the carpet type: Avoid vinegar on wool, silk, or carpets with special finishes, as the acidity may damage fibres.
2. Patch test first: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray a little on a hidden area, blot, and let it dry. Check for colour change or texture issues.
3. Lightly mist the smelly area: Once you’re happy with the test, lightly spray the solution over the affected patch. The fibres should feel slightly damp, not soaked.
4. Blot, don’t scrub: Use a clean white cloth to blot the area. This helps lift loosened residues without spreading them.
5. Let it air out: As the vinegar dries, the sharp smell should fade and take some of the unwanted odour with it. Good airflow (open windows, a fan) helps.

If the smell is strong, you can follow up once the area is dry with a baking soda treatment for extra deodorising.

Method 3: Use Salt to Help Absorb Odours

Salt can help with light carpet odours because its crystals draw out surface moisture, which is often where smells begin. It’s most useful for fresh spills or minor pet accidents, where the liquid hasn’t had time to soak deep into the underlay.

By pulling moisture out of the top fibres, salt can reduce the chance of lingering smells forming.

To use it:

1. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of table salt over the damp or smelly area. Aim to cover the surface rather than pile it thick.
2. Leave it until the carpet dries. As the salt sits, it absorbs some of the moisture and light odours from the upper fibres.
3. Vacuum thoroughly once everything is dry. Move slowly and make several passes to lift all the salt away along with any debris it has absorbed.

Method 4: Use Enzyme Cleaners for Pet or Food Smells

Now, if you’re asking how to get pee smell out of carpet or how to remove odours from milk, meat, and other organic spills, an enzyme cleaner is often the most reliable option. These products contain enzymes that help break down the organic matter causing the odour, rather than just masking it.

What to look for:

• A cleaner labelled for pet stains/odours or enzyme-based use
• Instructions stating it’s safe for carpets and your specific fibre type

How to use it:

1. Blot up as much as possible first: If the spill is fresh, use paper towels or a clean cloth to remove as much liquid as you can before applying any product.
2. Read the label carefully: Follow the dilution and contact-time instructions closely. Enzyme cleaners usually need time to stay wet on the stain so they can work.
3. Patch test: Try the cleaner on a hidden area first to check for colour changes or damage.
4. Apply generously to the source area: For urine or deep spills, you may need to apply enough product to reach the underlay, as odours can sit below the surface.
5. Allow the stated dwell time: Leave the cleaner on the area for as long as the instructions say, so the enzymes can break down the odour-causing material.
6. Blot and rinse lightly if advised: Some products ask you to blot and then lightly rinse; others simply dry on the carpet. Follow the specific guidance on the bottle.
7. Dry thoroughly: Once treated, help the area dry quickly to prevent new smells from damp.

Enzyme cleaners are particularly useful when other home methods haven’t fully removed a strong pet or food smell.

Dry the Carpet Fully with Fans or Open Windows

Even the best cleaning method can leave a musty smell if the carpet stays damp. Moisture trapped in the backing and underlay can encourage mould and odour. After any wet cleaning, whether white vinegar or enzyme cleaner, good airflow and quick drying are key.

• Improve airflow: Open windows and internal doors when the weather is dry and mild. This helps move moist air out and pull fresh air in.
• Use fans: Aim fans across the carpet, not straight down. Position them so they push air across the surface and out of the room if possible.
• Add a dehumidifier if you have one: In damp or humid conditions, a dehumidifier helps pull moisture from the air and speeds up evaporation from the carpet.
• Avoid walking on wet areas: Foot traffic pushes moisture deeper into the pile and underlay and can make drying slower.

When to Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner

DIY methods handle many everyday smells, but some situations need a professional touch. Here’s when it makes sense to call one.

• The smell keeps coming back: If odours return within a day or two, the source is likely in the underlay or subfloor, not just the carpet fibres. Professionals can flush out deeper layers using hot water extraction and specialised tools.
• You notice damp or signs of mould: A lingering musty smell, dark patches, or a cold, damp feel underfoot suggests moisture trapped below the surface. Mould can develop within 24 hours after a leak, so a professional clean — or even underlay replacement — may be needed.
• A large area has been soaked: Leaks, floods, or heavy spills push water into the underlay, where it’s hard to reach with home equipment. Professionals can use industrial extractors, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry everything properly and prevent long-term odours.
• Strong or repeated pet accidents: Enzyme cleaners work well on small, fresh pet accidents. But if you’re dealing with strong urine odours across a room or pets using the same area over and over, there’s a good chance urine has soaked into the underlay. A professional can apply targeted treatments and extract residue that home machines can’t reach.
• Someone in the home has allergies or asthma: Carpets can trap dust, dander, and mould spores that worsen symptoms. A professional clean removes far more fine soil and moisture, helping improve indoor air quality.

Tips to Prevent a Smelly Carpet

A few simple habits make carpets far less likely to develop stubborn odours. These tips keep the fibres cleaner, drier, and fresher for longer.

Vacuum on a Steady Routine

Regular vacuuming stops dust, grit, pet hair and food particles from settling deep into the pile, where they feed bacteria and start to smell.

A practical schedule:

• High-traffic areas: 2–3 times a week
• Bedrooms and low-use spaces: once a week
• Use crevice tools around edges and check filters often so the vacuum works efficiently.

If you struggle to keep up with regular vacuuming, a eufy robot vacuum can take over the routine work. Models like the E20, E28 and S2 follow set cleaning schedules, reach under furniture, and maintain strong, consistent suction.

Because they clean automatically and return to their stations to empty the dustbin or wash the mop, it’s easier to keep the carpet fresh between deeper cleans.

Deal with Spills Right Away

Smells become much harder to shift once a spill has dried into the fibres and underlay. When something hits the carpet:

• Blot, don’t rub
• Work from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain.
• Use enzyme cleaner for pet or food spills
• Dry the area thoroughly with airflow

Quick action limits how far liquid can travel and how much long-term odour it can cause.

Keep Carpets Dry

Moisture is the fastest route to musty smells. Try to:

• Ventilate rooms daily, even for a short burst
• Use a dehumidifier in damp-prone spaces
• Make sure carpets dry within 12–24 hours after cleaning

If a carpet consistently feels damp or “spongy”, check for leaks.

Manage Pet-Related Odours

Pets, rugs and soft furnishings can all feed odours into the carpet. To stay ahead of that:

• Wash pet beds, throws and blankets regularly
• Use washable rugs in spots pets frequent
• Treat accidents immediately with enzyme cleaner

Protect Heavy-Use Areas

Entrance zones and hallways wear down quicker and hold more dirt.

• Use doormats and consider a shoes-off policy
• Place runners in busy walkways
• Give these spots an extra vacuum pass

Conclusion

Learning how to get smell out of carpet is mostly about removing what’s trapped deep in the fibres, treating the source of the odour and keeping the carpet dry. With steady vacuuming, quick action on spills and the right targeted methods, most smells can be cleared at home. When the odour keeps returning or there’s a sign of damp or mould, a professional clean is the safest next step. With those habits in place, your carpets stay fresher, last longer and feel far more comfortable day to day.

Related Blogs

Check out these articles for more information:

• What are the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaning Solutions in UK
• Cordless Home Vacuum Cleaner: A Complete Buying Guide
• How to Vacuum Carpets Properly Like a Pro

FAQs

How do you get a bad smell out of a carpet?

Start by finding and cleaning the source of the smell, then give the carpet a really thorough vacuum. Sprinkle an even layer of baking soda over the area, gently work it in and leave it for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming again to help absorb odours. For stubborn smells, lightly mist a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, blot well, let it dry completely and air the room.

Can I leave vinegar on carpet overnight?

You can usually leave a diluted white vinegar solution on many synthetic carpets overnight, but it’s important to be cautious. Always mix it at least 1:1 with water, test a small hidden patch first and avoid soaking the carpet or underlay. Don’t use vinegar on natural fibres like wool or sisal. After treatment, blot any excess, let the area dry fully and ventilate; check your carpet’s care instructions if you’re unsure.

What is the best odor remover for carpet?

There isn’t one single “best” odour remover, because it depends on what’s causing the smell. For general mustiness, baking soda followed by a really good vacuum works well. For pet accidents or other organic mess, an enzymatic carpet cleaner is usually most effective, as it breaks down the odour-causing residues instead of just masking them.

Does baking soda really deodorize carpet?

Yes, baking soda really does deodorize carpets because it absorbs moisture and traps odour-causing particles. To use it, sprinkle a light, even layer over the carpet and let it sit for at least 15 minutes—longer if the smell is strong. Then vacuum thoroughly to remove the powder. Sifting the baking soda beforehand helps it spread more evenly and work more effectively.