4 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Musty Smells on Your Carpet

Date Published: October 31, 2025, Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Nathan Hodge

If your carpet smells musty, you’re not alone. Many homes, especially older ones or those with pets, kids, or damp zones, experience lingering carpet odours that just won’t go away. 

Whether the smell is coming from years of wear or a specific spill that wasn’t cleaned up properly, a musty carpet can make your entire space feel stale. But the good news is: you don’t need to live with it. 

This guide from your carpet experts in Melbourne will walk you through simple, effective ways to eliminate musty smells from your carpet and prevent them from coming back.

Looking for new carpet in Melbourne? We supply and install quality carpets across the region. Book our mobile showroom or visit our store to see the latest styles.

Tired of That Musty Carpet Smell? Here’s How to Fix It

1. Start with a Proper Deep Clean

Before reaching for air fresheners or home remedies, it’s important to clean the source of the smell. Often, a deep carpet cleaning is the most effective way to lift odours and bacteria hiding in the fibres.

• Vacuum thoroughly (including edges and under furniture)
• Use a carpet shampooer or steam cleaner with an odour-neutralising solution
• Dry the area completely to avoid new mould growth

2. Use Natural Deodorisers (The Right Way)

Some pantry staples work wonders on musty smells, but only if used correctly. Try using these common household items:

Baking Soda

• Sprinkle baking soda generously over the carpet
• Let it sit overnight to absorb odours
  Vacuum thoroughly the next day

White Vinegar

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle
• Lightly spritz the carpet (avoid soaking it)
• Let it air dry completely
• Always test on a small patch first, especially if you have wool carpets

Activated Charcoal

• Place small bowls of activated charcoal around the room or near problem carpet areas
• Ensure it is secured safely in a container away from children and pets 
• Let it sit for 1–2 days to absorb odours from the air and carpet
• Replace regularly until the smell fades

3. Check the Underlay and Subfloor

If odours keep returning, the problem may lie deeper. Moisture or spills that soak through the carpet pad (underlay) can lead to mould and mildew beneath the surface. Signs this may be the case:

• Musty smell is more pungent near skirting boards or furniture
• You’ve cleaned the surface, but the smell returns quickly
• The area feels damp or spongy underfoot

In these situations, replacing the carpet and underlay may be the most hygienic and long-term solution.

4. When Smells Linger, Replacement Might Be the Answer

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, odours hang on. If the carpet is old, has water damage, or the underlay has never been changed, replacement may be your best option.

At Carpet Sales Centre, we make it easy with:

• A wide range of stain-resistant and wool carpet options
• Expert supply and installation
• A mobile showroom service so you can browse styles at home

Removing Specific Odours from Carpet

By now, you’ve tackled the key ways to freshen up your floors: vacuuming, steam cleaning, and natural deodorisers. But if you’re still catching a whiff of something unpleasant, it may be time to go deeper or take targeted action.

Sometimes, the musty smell comes from a specific incident. Here’s how to tackle some of the most common ones:

How to Get Urine Smell Out of Carpet

Pet and toddler accidents are common culprits of lingering odour. To treat:

• Blot the area immediately with paper towels
• Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle
• Saturate the carpet stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes
• Blot again, then sprinkle baking soda over the area
• Let dry completely, then use a vacuum cleaner

For older or set-in urine smells, an enzymatic cleaner is your best bet. These break down the proteins in urine that cause odour.

How to Get Vomit Smell Out of Carpet

Vomit smells linger because of both the acid and bacteria involved. To clean it properly:

• Scoop up solids and blot moisture
• Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with warm water
• Clean the area with a cloth, then rinse with water and blot dry
• Finish with baking soda overnight, then vacuum

Use gloves, ventilate the space, and consider steam cleaning after for a complete refresh.

How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell in Carpet

Cat urine is one of the most pungent and persistent odours to remove from carpet. Its high concentration of ammonia and uric acid means the stain can linger long after it appears to be gone. Here’s how to tackle it:

• Blot up the mess immediately using paper towels or a cloth. Do not rub, as this can spread the urine deeper into the carpet fibres.
• Use an enzyme-based carpet cleaner formulated specifically for cat urine. These break down the uric acid crystals that traditional cleaners can’t fully remove.
• Let the enzyme cleaner soak for 10–15 minutes (or as directed), then blot the area dry with a clean towel.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the treated area to absorb residual odour, allowing it to sit overnight.
• Vacuum thoroughly the next day.

Avoid using steam cleaners on cat urine, as heat can set the stain and odour permanently. If odours return, repeat the process or consult a professional carpet cleaning service for deeper treatment.

How Do You Get Dog Pee Smell Out of Carpet?

Dog urine contains higher levels of ammonia and bacteria, which can leave behind stubborn smells if not treated thoroughly. Here’s how to get rid of the odour effectively:

• Blot the area immediately with paper towels or an absorbent cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible.
• Spray a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water directly onto the affected area. This helps neutralise odour and break down the bacteria.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot the area again to absorb excess moisture.
• Apply baking soda over the damp area and allow it to air dry overnight. This draws out lingering smells.
• Vacuum thoroughly the next day to remove the baking soda residue.
• For added effectiveness, use an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for pet urine. These cleaners break down the proteins in dog urine that cause long-term smells.
• If pee stains are hard to find, a blacklight can help you identify older, dried spots.

Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning products, as these can intensify the smell and may encourage dogs to re-mark the area.

Say Goodbye to Musty Carpet Smells for Good

A fresh-smelling home starts from the ground up. Whether you choose to deep clean or upgrade to something new, you deserve a space that smells as good as it looks.

Need help finding the right carpet in Melbourne? Contact Carpet Sales Centre, book our mobile showroom, or call us on 03 9357 8444.

Page Title: Meta Description: Discover simple, effective ways to get rid of musty carpet smells in your home. Learn how to remove odours from urine, vomit, pet stains and more.