You’ve been looking forward to your new carpet for months. After carefully choosing the color, thickness, and style, your home finally has the refreshed look you wanted. But then it hits you: the strong, unpleasant new carpet smell.
That odor comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during a process called off-gassing. While generally harmless in small amounts, VOCs can still cause irritation or discomfort, especially for children, pets, or anyone sensitive to chemicals. The good news? You don’t have to live with that smell for long. Here’s how to get rid of new carpet smell quickly and safely.
New carpet odor is caused by VOCs found in carpet fibers, adhesives, and backing materials. These chemicals are also common in household products like paint and furniture. In large quantities or with prolonged exposure, VOCs can cause symptoms such as:
The American Lung Association recommends choosing low-VOC carpets and adhesives when possible and ventilating the area for at least 72 hours after installation. If you feel unwell from the odor, step into fresh air and consult a doctor.
For most households, the smell of new carpet lasts about two weeks, though this varies based on ventilation and carpet type. Without proper airflow, the odor may linger longer. The fastest way to shorten that window is by increasing ventilation and cleaning the carpet soon after installation.
Here are the most effective ways to reduce or eliminate new carpet odor:
Professional cleaning helps remove VOCs, installation dust, and carpet fibers that shed after installation. At HydroClean, we use gentle, non-toxic cleaning solutions and steam cleaning methods that reduce off-gassing while leaving your carpets fresh and safe.
Pro tip: Schedule your first professional cleaning soon after installation, then every 12-18 months to maintain freshness and extend carpet life.
Vacuuming removes allergens, VOC particles, and loose fibers. Use a HEPA-filter vacuum to capture the smallest particles and keep them from circulating back into the air. For best results, vacuum daily during the first few weeks after installation.
Many DIY guides recommend sprinkling baking soda on new carpets, but its fine particles can sink beneath the carpet padding, making it difficult to remove completely. Instead, stick with professional cleaning, vacuuming, and ventilation.
Fresh air is your best defense against new carpet odors. Open windows, run fans, and point them toward open doors or windows to push fumes outside. If possible, ventilate the area for at least 72 hours after installation. Staying elsewhere for a couple of days can also help reduce exposure.
If you’re planning ahead, opt for low-VOC carpets or natural materials like wool. These choices release fewer chemicals, helping prevent strong odors in the first place. While they may cost more upfront, they’re healthier for your family and better for long-term air quality.
The fastest and most effective solution is a professional steam cleaning. HydroClean’s IICRC-certified technicians use safe, non-toxic cleaning agents and hot water extraction to reduce VOCs while leaving your carpet soft, clean, and odor-free.
If your new carpet smell is keeping you from enjoying your home, don’t wait weeks for it to fade. Book a HydroClean cleaning today and replace that harsh chemical odor with a truly fresh carpet smell. For all things carpet cleaning in Colorado Springs, trust HydroClean to get the job done right.
If you’re researching carpet cleaning services in Colorado Springs, you’ve probably noticed that professionals use different techniques like carpet shampooing, dry cleaning, and steam cleaning. Sorting through each method to figure out what’s best can be time-consuming, so your Hydro Clean experts are here to help.
In this guide, we’ll explain the five main professional carpet cleaning methods, outlining the pros and cons of each. If you’re looking for a quick answer, steam cleaning (hot water extraction) is the best carpet cleaning method. It’s recommended by most carpet manufacturers, removes dirt and allergens more effectively than other options, and helps extend carpet life.
Keep reading to learn how steam cleaning compares to other methods and when you might consider an alternative.
Carpet cleaning professionals generally rely on five main methods (beyond routine vacuuming and spot cleaning):
Carpet shampooing is one of the oldest cleaning methods. A detergent-and-water solution is worked into the carpet with a rotary brush, then extracted with a wet vacuum. This method penetrates deep into fibers, helping to loosen dirt and pet hair.
Bonnet carpet cleaning uses a cotton or synthetic pad (instead of a rotary brush) to absorb dirt. A cleaning solution is applied and then removed with the pad.
Dry cleaning uses an absorbent powder brushed into the carpet to trap dirt. A powerful vacuum then removes both the powder and debris.
Encapsulation uses a liquid or foam detergent that crystallizes around dirt as it dries. Once hardened, the residue is vacuumed away.
Steam cleaning injects hot water and detergent into carpet fibers under high pressure, then extracts the solution with a powerful vacuum. Top providers use truck-mounted systems for maximum soil and moisture removal.
It’s also important to bear in mind that some carpet manufacturers even require steam cleaning every 12-18 months to keep your carpet under warranty.
When it comes to professional carpet cleaning, steam cleaning is the clear winner. It combines hot water and detergent to remove stubborn dirt, odors, and allergens while preserving carpet fibers. Though drying time is required, the results are superior to other methods, leaving your carpets looking, feeling, and smelling fresh.
Whatever method you choose, make sure your carpet cleaner is licensed, certified, and uses professional-grade equipment designed for carpets.
Ready to experience the difference of professional steam cleaning? Contact HydroClean today to book a time with our IICRC-certified technicians.
With our cutting-edge equipment and expert carpet cleaners, we eliminate an average of over 90% of common household allergens, ensuring a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
