Why do my carpets still smell after cleaning them and how can I fix it?
Picture the scene: you've just spent time, money, and perhaps even a
lot of your own effort getting your carpets nice and clean.
Naturally, you're expecting that
fresh, revitalised feeling to sweep through your home.
But instead of a clean, neutral
scent, you're greeted by something musty. Or even worse, a lingering odour that
smells damp and unpleasant, a bit like a wet dog.
What a nightmare - and what a
waste of time.
If the annoying scenario of
carpets still smelling after being cleaned is one that's all too familiar with
you, you're not alone.
In fact, this is one of the most
common complaints we hear from customers who've previously used traditional
carpet cleaning methods or DIY solutions.
The good news? It's fixable
thanks to Zerorez!
Below we've detailed the biggest
culprits for why your carpets still smell after cleaning them, and how we
effectively solve the issue.
1. Too much water and not enough drying
Most traditional carpet cleaners
rely on heavy amounts of water mixed with soaps or detergents to get the job
done.
The result? Oversaturation.
And when carpets are soaked right
down to the underlay, it becomes incredibly difficult to extract all that
moisture, especially if low-powered equipment is used.
The lingering smell you have to
endure afterwards is often the result of mould or mildew beginning to form
under the surface, where your carpet can't breathe and dry properly.
Once that happens, unfortunately
no amount of air freshener is going to fix it.
The Zerorez fix
Our proprietary Zr Wand uses advanced
water control technology, meaning less water, more powerful suction,
and faster dry times. This is typically within hours, rather than days.
No lingering dampness = no
lingering odours. Simple!
2. Leftover sticky residues trapping odours and dirt
Traditional soap and
detergent-based carpet cleaning solutions may seem effective on the surface,
but they leave behind sticky residues that cling on to carpet fibres.
These residues not only attract
more dirt which make your carpets look duller faster, but also trap smells like
food, pet odours, and smoke within the fibres.
These odours can then penetrate
the air again, leading to carpets that might look clean, but certainly don't
smell fresh!
The Zerorez fix
Our proprietary
Zr Water technology is completely chemical and soap-free.
It's a powerful alkaline cleaning
solution that lifts dirt and neutralises odours without leaving any sticky or
chemical residues behind at all.
It means you can have confidence
your carpets will dry soft, fresh, and be truly clean.
3. Pet stains and bacteria beneath the surface
If you have pets, you will know
this struggle: even if a mess was cleaned up months ago, the smell can still
return, especially after an attempt to clean it up.
That's because traditional
cleaning often only treats the surface, allowing biological matter like pet
urine to remain trapped in the carpet backing or underlay.
Then, as the carpet gets
re-wetted, the bacteria become reactivated, and the odour reappears. It's
incredibly frustrating, but worry not - it is avoidable.
The Zerorez fix
We offer specialised pet
odour treatments that dig deep into the carpet layers to treat
contamination at the source.
By using our advanced deep
saturation and extraction methods, we don't just mask odours, we eliminate
them.
4. DIY carpet cleaning mistakes
We get it - DIY carpet cleaners
seem convenient.
But shop-bought solutions or
rented machines often use the same high-moisture, low-extraction methods that ultimately cause more harm than good. By doing
it themselves, many people unintentionally leave behind:
●
Too much water
●
Soapy or chemical residues
●
Bacteria-friendly environments
All of which can potentially
create odours, even if there were none there before.
The Zerorez fix
Professional equipment matters,
and ours is the best around. Our cutting-edge technologies will ensure your
carpets are deep cleaned like never before.
No damage, no mess, no surprises
- that's the Zerorez way.
How to properly get rid of carpet smells
If your carpets still smell after
a clean, here's what to do:
- Stop using over-the-counter carpet
sprays or DIY methods: These only mask the issue temporarily.
- Book a professional Zerorez clean: We clean carpets better than
anyone and go far deeper than surface-level cleaning.
- Keep a maintenance routine: Regular
vacuuming and professional cleans every 12-18 months help stop odours from
building up again.
Remember, when you choose
Zerorez, you can enjoy complete peace of mind that we:
●
Are 100% safe for people, pets, and the planet
●
Will deliver sticky residue-free cleans thanks to our
Zr Water
●
Ensure your carpets dry super fast
●
Can provide expert pet stain and odour removal
●
Ensure your happiness with our Gotta-Love-It Guarantee
So don't let bad carpet odours
take over your home. Whether it's caused by pets, previous cleaners, or
persistent dampness, Zerorez has the technology, training, and team to make it
right.
Ready to book your clean?
Once you experience the Zerorez
difference, you will wonder how your home ever coped without it. So if you're
ready to give your home the clean it truly deserves, please get in touch with
our friendly team today.
You can phone us on 01923 605
020, or see prices and schedule your clean online. Use the code LOVEZEROREZ15 to get 15% off your
booking.
We look forward to hearing from
you!
