Installing a plush new carpet that ties together a room with your interior design style is a great feeling, but if you don’t love that new carpet smell, you can eliminate it with simple tricks. Our team at Preferred Flooring near Breese, IL, can help with products from several top flooring brands, and our experts can offer tips and tricks.
We’re always happy to match you with your perfect carpet while sharing a few tips and techniques to eradicate your new carpet’s smell.
How Long Does New Carpet Smell Last?
New carpeting can smell for days because of off-gassing. Off-gassing can have potential side effects because of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released when installers lay out the carpet. These can affect the nervous and respiratory systems and cause fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, skin irritation, eye irritation, and throat irritation.
Without help, these VOCs can linger in the air for a long time. Luckily, you can try some DIY tricks to help lessen the scent.
How to Get Rid of New Carpet Smell
To remove the new carpet smell, let it air out for at least 72 hours. Good ventilation will help, so open windows if you can and ensure excellent ventilation for as long as possible.
From there, some of the best options include:
- Using hot water extraction to eliminate the chemicals or hire professional cleaners.
- Vacuuming daily, or even multiple times per day, will loosen the carpet fuzz and dust to eliminate the smell
- Spreading baking powder around the room, let it sit for 24 hours, and then vacuum it up. Test the baking powder on a hidden portion of the carpet.
- Placing vinegar in small bowls around the room because it can absorb the odors
- Having houseplants can reduce odors by producing oxygen, forcing the VOCs out of your home. You can try lilies, bamboo palms, or aloe vera plants.
What to Avoid Doing With New Carpet Smell
If the new carpet smell persists after you try some tricks, it can be tempting to cover it up with furniture. However, this action can backfire and lock the scent in further.
Similarly, cooking scents can mix with the odor from the VOCs, and the carpet fibers can trap them, causing an even worse experience.
Shop High-Quality New Carpet Near Breese, IL
When you’re ready to replace your carpet, the experts at Preferred Flooring can help. We will work with you to find the right pile and color carpet, handle measurements, and install it. Our extensive collection also includes tile, laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring. We will gladly help you determine which flooring options are best for your needs and the different rooms of your home, including re-sharing these tips on how to get rid of new carpet smells.
Start today when you visit our store, call (618) 526-9393, or complete our contact form. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL.