A musty or wet carpet odour can leave the whole house feeling dirty, despite it being just freshly cleaned.

Other than being stinky, that smell might suggest underlying moisture, mildew, or even mould developing beneath the carpet.

Regardless of the cause, whether it is a spill, flood, condensation, or rising damp, eliminating the smell takes more than a quick spray.

Here is this full guide on how to get rid of damp smell in carpet, stop it from coming back, and keep your indoor air clean.

Why Does My Carpet Smell Damp

That characteristic musty smell results from water becoming trapped deep inside the carpet fibres or underlay, providing the ideal breeding ground for mildew and bacteria.

Typical Causes:

• Spilt liquids (e.g. beverages, pet accident) not fully dried
• Humidity or condensation in poorly ventilated rooms
• Flooding or leaks from plumbing, radiators, windows or doors
• Flooding or rainwater entering through the outside
• Lack of effective carpet drying following professional cleaning
• Rising damp in older or poorly sealed buildings

Did You Know? Mildew and mould spores can begin growing on damp carpet within 24–48 hours if not dried properly.

Signs You’re Dealing With a Damp Carpet Smell

• A musty, earthy odour that doesn’t go away after vacuuming
• The carpet feels cold, clammy, or damp to touch
• Stale air in the room, especially after rain
• Increased allergy symptoms or sneezing
• Dark patches or discolouration
• Peeling skirting boards or bubbling paint nearby

👉 Must read: How to Get Rid of a Damp Smell

Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Damp Carpet Odour

1. Find and Stop the Cause of Moisture

You will not eliminate the odour until you end the cause of wetness.

• Inspect for leaks, particularly around pipes, heaters, and windows.
• Survey for signs of rising damp on lower walls.
• Check the carpet and underlay in several places for dampness.
• Alternatively, use a damp meter or hire a damp surveyor if in doubt.

Useful Resource: Property Care Association – Find Damp Experts

2. Dry the Carpet and Room Thoroughly

Trapped moisture beneath the surface is the source of the odour. Pay attention to complete drying.

Drying Tools & Tips:

• Treat with high-powered fans or carpet dryers.
• Open windows for better ventilation.
• Use a dehumidifier for 24–72 hours (best for basements).
• Lift carpet corners to provide airflow underneath.
• Set absorbent towels or cloths to draw moisture up.

3. Deodorise with Natural Products

Once dry, neutralise lingering odours using natural, non-toxic remedies.

🌿 DIY Deodorising Methods:

Product	How to Use	Effect
Baking Soda	Sprinkle generously on dry carpet, leave overnight, vacuum thoroughly	Absorbs moisture & odour
White Vinegar Spray	Mix 1:1 with water, lightly mist, let dry	Kills bacteria & neutralises smells
Activated Charcoal	Place nearby in open containers	Absorbs musty air
Coffee Grounds	Bowl near carpet for a few days	Natural air freshener
Essential Oils	Add to baking soda (lavender, tea tree)	Freshens naturally

👉 Must read: How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles in the UK

4. Deep Clean the Carpet

Surface cleaning might not extend to the cause. A more penetrating method is usually required.

Cleaning Methods:

• Vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA filter
• Steam clean with hot water extraction (rent or buy a machine)
• Enzymatic cleaners for pet or organic stains

When steam cleaning, have carpets 100% dry afterwards to avoid additional damp buildup.

5. Treat or Replace Underlay If Necessary

If the odour continues, it can be emanating from under the carpet:

• Lift a corner with care and examine the underlay
• If there’s mould or staining, it’s worth replacing the underlay
• Clean and dry the subfloor completely before installing a new one

👉 Related Blog: What is Rising Damp – A Complete Guide

Prevention Tips: Freshen Up the Carpet

After you’ve removed the odour, use the following tactics to prevent it from coming back:

Do:

• Utilise dehumidifiers in basements or humid rooms
• Open windows once a day to ventilate rooms
• Immediately and thoroughly clean up spills
• Install rugs or mats in high-traffic or entry points
• Clean carpets every 6–12 months

Don’t:

• Leave carpets wet after mopping or cleaning
• Neglect small leaks or condensation accumulation
• Put furniture or rugs over a damp-smelling spot

Real-Life Example

Scenario: Resident detects a damp odour in the living room close to the wall. No recent spillage.

Actions Taken:

• Checked for damp walls—minor rising damp found around skirting board
• Used a dehumidifier and raised the carpet edge
• Treated with vinegar spray, then sprinkled with baking soda overnight
• Used the fan for 3 days, then vacuumed
• Steam cleaned and deodorised repeatedly

Outcome: Odour eliminated and prevented from coming back by adequate ventilation and moisture management.

When It’s More Than Just Smell: Mould Risk

At other times, the odour indicates that mould is already growing underneath or in the carpet.

Look out for these signs:

Warning Signs:

• Deep green, white, or black blotches
• A very strong, musty, earthy odour
• Better allergies, coughing, or wheezing
• Mould is seen under the carpet or on the underlay

In such a case, it might be best to:

• Take out the damaged carpet and underlay
• Treat the subfloor with mould-killing treatments
• Use professional remediation services

Health Risk Info: NHS – Damp and Mould Risks

When to Replace the Carpet

If the smell persists even after intensive cleaning and drying, replacing the carpet might be the next step, particularly if:

• It’s more than 10–15 years old
• The underlay is irreparably damaged or has an odour
• There’s obvious mould or deep discolouration

In damp-prone areas, consider:

• Low-pile or synthetic carpets
• Moisture-resistant underlay
• Improved ventilation and dehumidifiers

Final Thought

Eliminating damp carpets smell involves more than masking the odour. It’s about:

• Identifying and fixing the moisture source
• Thoroughly drying the carpet and the room
• Using natural or deep-cleaning solutions
• Treating or replacing the underlay if necessary
• Adopting long-term prevention strategies

By following these expert-backed steps and resources, you’ll restore a fresh, healthy indoor environment—and prevent that stubborn smell from coming back.