The quickest way to get rid of the new carpet smell is to ventilate the room as much as possible for the first few days after fitting: open windows, keep internal doors open and use fans to push stale air outside. The smell comes from chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the carpet, backing, underlay and any adhesive, and it usually fades noticeably within a few days, though it can linger for a few weeks. Vacuuming, gentle warmth and good airflow all speed things up.
What causes the new carpet smell?
New carpets and the materials that go with them release small amounts of gases into the air as they settle. This is often called off-gassing. The distinctive smell many people notice comes largely from the latex or synthetic rubber used to bond many carpet backings, along with chemicals from the underlay and any glue used during fitting.
The amount of smell varies a lot. Synthetic carpets with a rubber or latex backing, foam underlay and glued installations tend to smell stronger. Wool carpets and felt underlay often smell less, though they may have their own natural odour for a short while.
Is new carpet smell harmful?
For most people the smell is an unpleasant nuisance rather than a serious risk, and it drops off quickly once the carpet has aired. Some people do notice headaches, a sore throat, irritated eyes or a feeling of stuffiness, particularly in a small, closed room. People with asthma or other breathing problems, babies and young children can be more sensitive.
If you or anyone in the home feels unwell, keep them out of the room and ventilate it well until the smell has faded. If symptoms carry on, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
How can you get rid of the smell faster?
- Air the room before and after fitting. If your fitter agrees, unroll the carpet in a garage or a ventilated space for a day before it goes down, so some of the smell is released outside your living area.
- Open windows and doors. Cross-ventilation, with windows open on opposite sides of the home, clears air far faster than a single open window.
- Use fans. Place a fan in the window facing outwards to pull air out of the room, rather than just moving it around.
- Keep the room comfortably warm. Warmth helps the chemicals release sooner, so they can be ventilated away rather than lingering for weeks. Combine heating with open windows.
- Vacuum thoroughly. New carpets shed loose fibres, and a good vacuum with a clean filter helps lift them and freshens the pile. Vacuum a few times in the first week.
- Run an air purifier with a carbon filter. Activated carbon can absorb some odours. A basic HEPA filter alone will catch dust and fibres but not gases.
- Stay out of the room at first if you can, especially overnight. Avoid putting a baby or anyone with breathing problems to sleep in a freshly carpeted room until it has aired.
Do home remedies like bicarbonate of soda work?
Bicarbonate of soda is safe to try and can absorb some everyday odours. Sprinkle a light, even layer over the carpet, leave it for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up thoroughly. It will not stop the carpet releasing VOCs, so think of it as a small extra rather than the main solution. Ventilation does most of the work.
A few things are best avoided:
- Heavy air fresheners and scented plug-ins. These only mask the smell and add more chemicals to the air.
- Soaking the carpet. Wetting a new carpet heavily can damage the backing and, if it does not dry quickly, lead to damp and a musty smell instead.
- Vinegar sprays on wool. Always check the manufacturer's care guidance and patch-test anything in a hidden spot first.
How can you reduce the smell next time?
- Ask the retailer about lower-emission carpets and underlays. Some products are independently tested for indoor emissions, so ask what certification a product has.
- Consider a fitting method that does not need glue.
- Arrange fitting at a time of year when you can leave windows open, and plan a few days before anyone sleeps in the room.
- Ask for any leftover offcuts and packaging to be taken away the same day.
What if the smell does not go away?
If a strong smell is still there after several weeks, something else may be going on. Carpet laid over a damp floor can develop a musty smell, as can underlay that got wet during fitting. Pets marking a new carpet, or odours from the previous flooring left underneath, are other possibilities. Lift a corner and check the underlay and floor are dry.
If the carpet is older and simply smells stale, a deep clean usually helps far more than any spray. Our carpet cleaning service in London and Essex uses professional hot water extraction equipment to lift trapped dirt and odours from deep in the pile, carried out by our own trained, insured cleaners. It starts from £49, and you can see your price by clicking Get a quote.