After a leak or flood has made it’s way within the carpeting, the moisture must be dried immediately to prevent a moldy aftermath from developing. The stale stench and visual appearance of mold can be unbearable and require attention to make the the affected room livable.
Although it may seems like the damage is irreversible, there are several household remedies that can help to remove the mold and have the carpeting smelling like new. By following the below solutions, you can be sure that your carpeting is mold-free and smelling it’s absolute best.
Smell Removal Solutions for Moldy Carpet
1 Blot + Shampoo Scrub
Initially, you will want to get as much of the moldy moisture out of the carpeting as possible. Using an old towels, proceed to blot dry the affected locations making sure that you place your entire body weight behind the press so that the maximum amount of moisture can be drawn out. Once this has been accomplished, you will need to mix a solution of hot water and shampoo together and begin scrubbing the musty carpeting. This sudsy foam will help in lifting out any visible signs of mold and temporarily minimize the problem to an odor issue.
2 Drown in White Vinegar
A white vinegar acidic solution will work to kill any mold spore that are living within the carpeting or underlying padding. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to five parts warm water and proceed to pour over the affected areas of the carpeting so that the entire mold smelling area becomes soaked. Next, allow this solution to sit and for 4-5 hours while it goes deep within the carpeting fiber and padding to neutralize any mold spore. Once this time has passed, you will need to return to blot dry the location with an old towel to pull out as much of this acidic mixture as possible.
3 Soak Carpet in Enzymes
If white vinegar has been ineffective at eliminating the moldy odor, the use of an enzyme carpet cleaner can deliver an even deeper deodorizing effect. Enzyme carpet cleaner is available for purchase at pet stores and most large supermarkets. Once you have acquire this substance, you will want to pour heavy amount of it over the affected carpeting to ensure that the carpet fiber and padding become drenched in the formula. The enzymes within the solution will have the effect if actually eating through any organics residues like mold spore that exist within the space. Allow the product to soak within the carpeting for 24-48 hours before return to blot dry as much of the deodorizing compound from the carpeting and padding as possible.
4 Dry Out with Area Fans or Dehumidifier
After applying a deodorizing compound, you will need to make sure that no moisture exists within the carpeting. Getting the area dry quickly is extremely important as this will help to assure that mold spore will return to the carpeting. To ensure a quick drying process within the carpeting, you will either need to run an area fan pointed at the location or a dehumidifier within the room. Although a dehumidifier is much more effective, a fan can usually work as a substitute when one is not readily available.
5 Run an Ozone Machine
As a final solution when nothing else has worked, the use of an ozone machine can help to ensure that any remaining musty odors within the carpeting are wiped out for good. Take extreme precaution to avoid running it while anyone is spending time within the home. Misuse of this machine can cause several negative health implications or even death. As a final advisory, be sure to open all of the windows after the machine has run and do not breath the air inside until there has been sufficient time for the home to air out.
Photo credit: Adria Garcia
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As a final deodorizing compound, bleach can also work to kill mold spore and neutralize difficult odors within the fabric fiber. Mix a solution of one part bleach with eight parts water within a tub and proceed to dunk the mold affected clothing within the mixture. Allow the clothing to sit for 1-2 hours before removing the clothing to place through a normal detergent wash. To add an additional boost, an extra cup of bleach can be added to your detergent wash. Finally, be sure to only use this on all white clothing to prevent unwanted whitening of clothing.
As a finalizing solution, be sure that you opt to hang the clothing outside within direct sun rather than drying the clothing within a clothes dryer. The ultraviolet rays of the sun will work to kill any remaining mold spore and ensure that the clothing is left smelling fresh. For best results, hang clothing within a location of the yard where it is sure to receive a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight.
Using this household deodorant can help to absorb unwanted dog odors before they develop. Sprinkle 3-4 teaspoons of baking soda over the area rug and lightly rub the absorbent powder within the textile fiber. When dealing with a stronger odor, you can place your area rug within a remote corner of your home and pour heavy quantities of baking soda on top of the rug. For this solution to work properly, you will need to allow the rug to sit for 3-4 days with the baking soda on top. Once this time has passed, the rug can be vacuumed to removal the large amount of baking soda residing on it’s surface.
Using an specialized enzyme product spray can work wonders to literally eat through the odorous organics that your dog has left within the rug. Mist liberal amount of this spray over the entirety of the rug and making sure that no area has been untouched. Proceed to hang the area rug outside within direct sunlight and allow the spray to naturally evaporate away.
Another slow but effective solution is to place activated charcoal briquettes within the rug to absorb the doggy odors. Begin by acquiring 8-10 activated charcoal briquettes and placing them within an old pair of nylon stockings. Tie a knot to enclose the briquettes and proceed to line the length of the nylon enclosed briquettes along the edge one end of the rug. Proceed to roll the entire rug around the briquettes and place the rug within trash bags. Allow the area rug to sit for 5-7 days while the charcoal works to extract the dog related odor and leave the rug smelling fresh. Upon completion the rug can be removed and placed back within use.
As a quick solution, you can use this party beverage to help deodorize the area rug. The high alcoholic volume content within vodka works to neutralize many odors on contact and leave them smelling fresh. Pour a small amount of vodka within a generic spray bottle and proceed to mist down the area rug. Once you have performed this function, hang the area rug outside and allow the vodka to quickly evaporate away.
The citric acid within this compound can work to cut through much of the dog dander odor within the area rug. Mix a formula of one part lemon juice with eight parts water within a spray bottle. Proceed to mist down the area rug making sure that no spots are left untouched. Once the entire rug is sufficiently moist, proceed to hang it outdoors within direct sunlight until is becomes fresh and dry.
Though normally associated with treatment of cat waste, the use of cat litter can be a very effective absorbent for foot odors. Scoop a half cup of this deodorizing granule to be poured within each moccasin. Next, proceed to lightly shuffle the moccasins to ensure that the granules make there way to the toe area of the footwear. This method can be perform this task nightly until the moccasins are smelling fresh. In addition, the cat litter can be stored after use to be reapplied the following night.
Bath wipes can be used to clean and deodorize a cat when bathing it within soapy water is out of the question. As an additional benefit, cats often prefer bath wipes because they feel as though they are receiving a massage during its application.
In addition to bath wipes, deodorizing cat product sprays can be helpful in neutralizing cigarette odors within a cat’s fur. These types of cleaning solutions are advantagious because they can deliver a deodorizing effect after only a few brief sprays. However, cats will almost always be adverse to direct sprays, so it may be a good idea to team up with a second person to hold the cat in place while you perform this function. 
This product solution comes out as foam and can be worked within the cat’s fur with your hands. Initially, most cats will not feel the moisture and will not be adverse to the shampoo’s application. For best results, first spray the deodorizing foam within your hands rather than applying the foam directly on the cat. This will help to minimize any shock within the cat during the cleaning process.
As a final solution, small quantities of baking soda can be used to absorb cigarette odors within your cat’s fur. Mix a solution of one part baking soda with eight parts water within a small bowl. Proceed to dip a cloth within this mixture and lightly apply it to your cat. It is important not to apply too much of this formula, as large amounts of baking soda can result in adverse health problems if indigested by your cat. As a rule of thumb, keep this solution as light as possible while applying it within your cat’s fur.
If you have the time, placing the Crocs outside within direct sunlight for several days can be a deodorizing charm. Find a location within the yard where the Crocs are sure to receive a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight. At the end of each day perform a smell test on the Crocs. Once non odor remains within the Crocs, they can be taken inside and put back within your daily footwear collection.
Foot odors have a nasty way of building within rubber footwear unlike any other material. It is important that the Crocs are treated as soon as the smallest hint of an aroma develops. If the odors go untreated, sweat and dead skin cells can accumulate and odorous bacteria that feeds upon these residues will not be far behind. The longer you wait, the smellier they will get and the more challenging the Crocs will become to deodorize.
As a final solution, using the home remedy of cutting up onions will help to absorb difficult odors from a new mattress. Take one onion and cut it up into quarters, placing one part within four different bowls. Fill each of these bowls with a half cup of water and place them in key locations around the mattress. Allow the onions to work their absorption magic over the course of the following 2-3 days before removing the bowls and enjoying a freshened mattress.
Smells often develop within Converse shoes when they are worn too often. Constant use can have the effect of not allowing the needed airing out time required to dry out the odorous residues. As a preventative solution to this problem, the shoes can be rotated with another pair to ensure that one pair is being aired out while the other is being worn. This method can also help with maintaining a fresh apperance on a daily basis, as Converse shoes come within a range of colors and styles.
As a product solution, many people would not think to use denture cleaner for deodorizing rubber Chacos. However, this ingredient can work wonders in cutting through smelly foot residues to leave the Chacos smelling fresh. Fill a large rectangluar dish with water and drop in one tablet of Efferdent. Next, place the Chacos within the solution upside down and allow the sandals to soak for 2-3 hours. After this time has passed, remove the Chacos and air dry them within the sun. 
Most Airwalks allow for the use of a washing machine to clean and deodorize the shoes. Be sure to check your Airwalk’s tag to see if this is a possibility before running them through the washer. If so place the shoes within the washer and add in your normal clothing detergent along with a half cup of baking soda. Run the wash on the coldest setting and place the shoes outside within direct sunlight for drying to prevent shoe shrinkage.