What is the Cause Behind That “New Carpet” Smell?
Carpets really feel great, mostly on your bare feet. It keeps them warm and introduces a new character into your home. But what causes new carpet smell? Have you ever been worried about that smell? Is it caused mainly by chemicals used during manufacturing? What is the easiest way to get rid of the new carpet smell?
Why Is My New Carpet Smelling?
What causes the new carpet smell? The smell that comes from a new carpet is usually caused by chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These types of chemicals include some chemicals that are mostly used in manufacturing other household products like vinyl flooring, floor finishes, wall coverings, and paints, among others. Volatile means they usually evaporate at any given room temperature. The new carpet releases the chemicals, and they enter the air, thereby starting to smell.
How to Get Rid of New Carpet Smell
When purchasing a new carpet, select the one that has the Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Plus and Green Label tags on it. This type of carpet is highly recommended because it has low emission chemicals. Before the carpet is installed, unroll it in a well-ventilated room that is dry for at least 3 days to enable it to off-gas some of the chemical fumes. Make sure to have the carpet tacked or stapled down instead of glued down. By gluing the carpet down, it adds a number of chemicals that are not advisable, and the glue smell is very irritating.
The Best Way to Eliminate New Carpet Odor
Ventilation is the best way to get rid of the new carpet smell. Ensure your room is ventilated well so that it will be easy to get rid of the smell. Open the windows, turn on the fans, and direct others directly toward the window during and after installation to help push the fumes outside. Keep doing this for at least three days, or until the odor goes away. You should also consider turning on your heater or air conditioner to help increase the ventilation in the air.
What Not to Do
Even though there are many ways to get rid of the smell from your new carpet, there are certain things that you should avoid to prevent making the odor worse.
- Do not mask the odor with food. The carpet fibers quickly absorb the cooking smell, and it is very difficult to get the smell out.
- Avoid using detergents to get rid of the scent because they leave a residue behind that can easily damage the carpeting.
Bottomline
Now that you know what causes new carpet smell and different ways to get rid of a new carpet smell, it is time to get over the fear of purchasing new carpet because of the smell. Visit All American Carpet Inc. to purchase new carpet for your home. We are located at 300 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, or contact Shawn Coyle at (661) 325-3767.
Categorised in: Carpet