There are many different kinds of carpet, made of all sorts of material. One thing they all seem to have in common is their ability to hold odor.
Musty-smelling carpets make your home unpleasant and uncomfortable, and they can pollute the air in your home or business with mold spores.
Removing musty odors is an important part of carpet care, whether you’ve just moved into a new space and want to freshen it up, or you’re getting ready to sell a property or host a party.
Common Types of Carpets
The type of carpet in your home or business affects its ability to retain odors. Since musty smells often come from mold or mildew growth, a carpet’s ability to hold moisture has a big impact its tendency to produce offensive odors.
The most common types of carpet:
- Wool (durable, flame retardant, and comfortable, but prone to absorbing and retaining moisture).
- Nylon (durable, soft, and holds colors well, but more likely to produce electricity than other types).
- Polyester (soft, durable, and holds color well, but often retains indentations from furniture)
- Cotton (lighter and softer than wool, but can absorb moisture and stain)
- Jute (similar to wool, but less plush and more coarse)
- Sisal (made from fibers of agave plants, durable for high traffic)
- Acrylic (less prone to static, but less durable than nylon)
- Triexta (synthetic fiber and stain resistant, but requires more upkeep than other types)
- Olefin (synthetic fiber that’s easy to maintain)
Why Musty Odors Enter Carpets
When water damage occurs in a carpeted area—from a flood, burst pipe, or other cause—mold and other bacteria can grow. Materials like wool and cotton, which are rather absorbent, run the risk of retaining moisture more than other types of carpet.
While mold can never be completely eradicated, given that it’s a natural part of the environment, it is important to clean carpets as soon as damage occurs to mitigate the spread of contaminants and other health effects. In addition, you can avoid future headaches and costs down the road that may be associated with delayed remediation.
Tips for Musty Odor Removal
Along with cleaning carpets, here are some tips for limiting the chance of mold growth in carpets and other areas:
- Maintain good ventilation throughout the property. Always use fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- If possible, avoid installing carpet in moisture-prone rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Keep your home or business clean and dry at all times.
- Vacuum your floors frequently.
- Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep humidity below 50%.
- Use doormats at all entrances.
- If you smell a musty odor, search under carpeting, furniture, or other stored items that may not be frequently moved.
SERVPRO’s Carpet Cleaning Process
Depending on the degree of soiling and type of fiber, SERVPRO may employ one of several carpet cleaning processes, including:
- Bonnet cleaning
- Deluxe condition and pre-rinse
- Rotary jet extraction
- Hot water extraction
- Dry cleaning
- Showcase premier cleaning
When you require the services of a professional cleanup and restoration company, look no further than SERVPRO. Our carpet cleaning process employs the following steps:
- Evaluation
- Preparation
- Staging
- Pre-treatment and spot removal
- Cleaning
- Soil protection
- Wrap-up
SERVPRO’s Odor Removal Services
If, after carpet cleaning, you require odor removal services, your local SERVPRO franchise will follow a four-step process to remove the offending odor and leave your home or business smelling pleasant and clean. These steps include:
- Locate and remove the odor source
- Clean residues from affected surfaces
- Re-create the conditions that caused the odor and follow the source
- Seal surfaces which were exposed to the offending odor
SERVPRO is Here to Help® 24/7
With over 2,000 franchises across the United States and Canada, SERVPRO is available no matter the time. Whether your damage occurs on a weekend, holiday, in the middle of the night, or in the middle of the week, a team of dedicated professionals is on standby, ready to assist with all manner of cleanup, restoration, and construction services. With 24/7 availability, rest assured there is a SERVPRO franchise nearby. With over five decades of experience, we operate in all 50 states. So, when you find your carpets in need of cleaning, require deodorization services, or need us for water, fire, or other damage restoration, give your local franchise a call, and SERVPRO professionals will help return your property to pre-loss condition, “Like it never even happened.”
For more information, visit our FAQ and Glossary.
Sources:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-carpet
https://www.servpro.com/services/cleaning-services/general-cleaning/carpet-upholstery-cleaninghttps://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/mold