If you’ve recently installed a new carpet in your home, you may be thrilled with the upgrade. But there’s one minor annoyance to contend with: that strong “new carpet smell” that lingers for weeks or even months afterward. While some people appreciate the scent, others find it unpleasant or overwhelming. Fortunately, getting rid of this odor doesn’t have to mean pulling up all the carpeting and starting from scratch. But first, here’s why your carpet gives off that chemical aroma.
Where is it coming from?
The odor of new carpeting is caused by chemicals known as volatile organic compounds or VOCs. This broad group of chemicals includes many that are frequently used in the manufacture of household products such as paint, vinyl flooring, and pressed-wood furniture.
Volatile in this case means they evaporate at room temperature. As a new carpet gradually releases, or off-gasses chemical residue, the chemicals enter the air where we can smell them. Within a few days to a few weeks, these fumes dissipate, and the carpet no longer smells.
The VOCs responsible for new carpet smell are 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) and, to a lesser extent, styrene. These usually come from the synthetic latex in the carpet’s backing, as well as from the padding and adhesives used to secure the carpet during installation. Dyes, water repellents, anti-static agents, and other chemical auxiliaries can also bring VOCs into your home if they weren’t completely rinsed out during manufacturing. Source: TodaysHomeowner
What to do about it?
There are a few ways to reduce odor and prevent fumes from escaping. In a small space, consider a portable air filter to help with new rug odor removal. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to give your new rug a quick once-over. These filters remove toxins and irritants from your home, minimizing that new rug smell and improving your indoor air quality.
If you prefer to avoid buying additional products, simply take your new synthetic rug outside. Leave it unrolled in a garage or on the porch so that most of the smell will dissipate outside and not in your indoor space. Want a quicker option? Cross-ventilation can whisk away unpleasant odors, so open those windows and place a fan where it can blow across your new rug. If you have an extra fan to set in the window, then face it outward to blow the chemicals outdoors. Source: Overstock
What NOT to do?
Detergents should not be used on carpeting in general and are especially unnecessary on new carpeting. Detergents tend to leave behind residue that can damage carpeting. Avoid removing smell via detergents. Source: WikiHow
Unless you have a heavily soiled carpet, professional cleaning shouldn’t be necessary. However, if the smell won’t go away on its own, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We have specialized equipment designed specifically for removing stubborn odors from carpets and other fabrics. If you’re having difficulty getting rid of the smell yourself or need more assistance with managing it, contact us; we’d love to help!
