You’ve finally done it.

Maybe you’ve convinced your spouse or housemates, there’s finally wiggle room in your budget, or you’re at long last remodeling the house.

The time has come and you’re getting new carpets!

Your excitement glides you through the installation process, but once all those work boots have come and gone and you have new carpet installed, you notice something. The excitement that once filled the air is now replaced by a chemically, nose-tingling new carpet smell. 

So how do you get rid of it?

In this article, we will discuss what causes new carpet smell, how to get rid of it, and other tips you may want to consider.

Table of Contents

how to ge trid of new carpet smell naturally

Why Does New Carpet Smell? 3 Contributing Factors

You love your new carpet, but not the smell. New carpet smell is often attributed to the materials and chemicals in your carpet. 

But don’t be afraid, these chemicals are federally regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. 

Let’s talk about what your carpet is made of, and provide alternatives for those who may be sensitive to the chemicals associated with carpet installation.

#1: Carpet Materials

The most common reason for new carpet smell is the off-gassing of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). While high concentrations of VOCs may be potentially toxic, carpets do not emit enough to be considered harmful. 

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpet is one of the lowest VOC-emitting household additions and the off-gassing is short-lived.

The carpet fibers may also contribute to the smell. Most synthetic carpet fibers are machine-made by processing oils and natural gas. 

There are four synthetic carpet fibers commonly used in carpet  installation, including:

  • Nylon
  • Polypropylene
  • Polyester
  • Triexta

If you are worried about VOCs in your carpeting, you may request natural carpeting that contains low or no VOCs. Wool is the only available ballroom (wall-to-wall) carpeting option that is natural and contains little to no VOCs.

#2: Adhesives

Carpet adhesives, also known as carpet glue, are specially formulated products designed to endure high-traffic areas in your house. 

There are two different types of carpet adhesives:

  • Solvent-based: This type of adhesive contains a higher amount of VOCs but is not as tenuous as water-based carpet glue.
  • Water-based: This type of adhesive emits less chemical fumes but does not have the same durability as solvent-based carpet glue.

Carpet adhesives do emit some VOCs, but not enough to be considered injurious. If you are worried about the chemicals emitted from carpet glue, you may want to consider having your carpet installed in an alternative way, such as directly tacking or nailing it down onto the subfloor. 

#3: Padding

Carpet padding is used to extend the lifespan of your carpets by creating a protective layer and providing cushion. 

This padding is usually composed of foam scraps that are chemically bonded together — and may contribute to the new carpet smell.

If you’re in the market for new carpet and are concerned about the chemical smell, there are natural padding options you may choose from, including:

  • Untreated wool
  • Felted wool
  • Rubber
  • Synthetic felt

Carpeting, like any home renovation, can be a handful. You have multiple decisions to consider and then have to find the right company to help you choose and install your carpet. 

At Interior Motives Flooring, we provide an expert level of care and attention with the selections and pricing you would expect to find at a big box store. Our 35 years of experience have given us the skill and knowledge to help you avoid having to worry about new carpet smell. 

Book a free estimate or schedule a tour of our showroom today.

how to get rid of new carpet smell

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid of New Carpet Smell?

How long your carpet smells could depend on the type of carpet and installation methods. 

Typically, new carpet smell may take 1-2 ½ weeks to fully dissipate. In some cases, VOCs emitted from new carpets may take 24 hours to five days to fully resolve. 

Is It Possible To Prevent the Smell of New Carpet?

While it is not possible to completely get rid of new carpet smell, you may be able to lessen the effects by eliminating elements that may cause a chemical smell. 

Some suggestions and alternatives you may want to use to avoid new carpet smell include:

  • Choose carpet fibers made with natural or low-VOC/VOC-free materials.
  • Choose natural or low-VOC/VOC-free padding.
  • Staple or nail your carpet instead of using adhesive.
  • Allow the carpet to air out a few days before installing.

How To Get Rid of New Carpet Smell: 2 Preferred Recommendations

Sometimes your preference and/or budget don’t allow you to go with natural, less chemical-smelling alternatives. In that case, to get rid of new carpet smell during and after installation, we recommend these two tactics. 

#1: Ventilate

Two key factors in getting rid of new carpet smell are time and airflow. 

Make sure to keep all your windows open during and after installation to maintain airflow. You can turn on a fan and kick up the air conditioning to speed up the process of pushing the fumes out. 

Do this for at least 72 hours after installation, or until you no longer notice the smell.

#2: Evacuate

For those who are extremely sensitive to new carpet smell, you may want to leave the house during installation and for a time afterward. 

Depending on several factors, the time that it may take to install your carpet might vary, but this could be an excellent excuse to take a vacation or that long due visit to your relatives that live by the beach.

get rid of new carpet smell

How To Get Rid of New Carpet Smell Naturally: Try These 5 Tricks

If you have tried everything and still feel like you need a few more tips and tricks in your arsenal, you might find these ideas to be helpful when getting rid of new carpet smell naturally.

#1: Scatter Baking Soda and Vacuum

Baking soda is a known deodorizer and an alkaline compound. Most VOCs are acidic, so baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate) may bind and diffuse chemical emissions. 

To help get rid of the new carpet smell, try sprinkling baking soda on your new carpet and allowing it to sit for 24–48 hours before vacuuming. You may then repeat this process until you achieve the desired effect. 

#2: Place Plants in the Room

Plants serve an important purpose in the home beyond looking pretty. 

The process of photosynthesis makes plants great air purifiers. Strategically place a large potted plant or two around the room to force the fumes out of the building.

Plants that could help purify the air in your home and get rid of the new carpet smell might include:

  • Aloe vera
  • Pothos
  • Rubber plant
  • Bamboo
  • Peace lily

#3: Use Vinegar To Absorb Odors

Despite the smell, vinegar is a great natural deodorizer. 

Place a few bowls of vinegar on a stable surface in the smell-affected area to reduce chemical odor until the smell has passed.

#4: Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming every other day may also help reduce the smell and rid your carpet of chemical emissions quicker than simply ventilating the space alone. You may also use an air filter while vacuuming to help filter VOCs. 

#5: Use a Portable Air Filter

Portable air filters can purify the air and diffuse chemical smells. Some products even have a carbon filter that traps and filters air pollutants like VOCs. 

If you do not have a portable air filter or would prefer not to purchase one, you could install an air filter onto your existing central air conditioning system. This may also help get rid of carpet smell quickly.

how to get rid of the smell of new carpet

3 Things To Avoid if You Want To Know How To Get Rid of New Carpet Smell Quickly

Understandably, you may want to diffuse the carpet smell immediately but be wary of the methods that may exacerbate the smell — or worse, damage your newly installed carpet.

Masking the Smell

Drop that candle lighter and unplug your fragrance diffusers, because no amount of orange oil or champagne toast scented candles will get rid of the new carpet smell.

Attempting to mask the odor could even worsen the smell or cause it to absorb into your carpet fibers, making it even more difficult for the smell to dissipate. 

Using Detergents

Avoid using detergents when attempting to get rid of new carpet smell. The effort at best will just mask the odor. Detergents may also leave behind residue that may add to the natural wear and tear of your carpet, or worse — damage it.

Some flooring professionals offer warranties on your carpet, so you may want to check your warranty when researching the preferred methods of carpet cleaning.

Steam Cleaning

Your first reaction to getting rid of new carpet smell may be to pull your steam cleaner out of the closet. While it may seem like a good idea, this may accelerate the wear of your new carpet. 

You should steam clean as infrequently as possible because steam cleaning causes unnecessary wear and tear. Steam cleaning on a freshly installed carpet could expedite this process. 

Steam cleaners also leave the carpet soaking wet, which may lead to compound damage over time. Some steam cleaner cleaning solutions leave a soapy residue on carpets that may attract more dirt and dust after cleaning. This solution may also contain chemicals and might mix with the smell of the new carpet, worsening the chemical smell.

Interior Motives Flooring: Full-Service Carpet Installation Services in Auburn, WA

If new carpet smell is standing in the way of you and your home flooring remodel — we’re happy to say there are plenty of options for your ideal flooring solution.

Interior Motives Flooring has been providing expert flooring care to the area of Auburn, WA, for 35 years. We are a family-owned business that offers affordable, quality care with a wide array of flooring options. 

The flooring services we provide include:

  • Tile 
  • Vinyl 
  • Hardwood 
  • Carpet 
  • Laminate

If new carpet smell is an issue for you, we can help you find options that work around your concerns and your budget. 

Call today to book a free consultation or schedule a tour of our expansive showroom. 

how to get rid of new carpet smell