Did Your Rug Get Wet and Now it Smells Strange? This Is How to Save It

The smell of a wet or damp rug is unmistakable. It hits you the second you walk into the room – a musty, sour odor that clings to the air and makes your whole space feel less clean, no matter how tidy everything else. Whether it was a spilled drink, a leaky roof, or your dog’s latest accident, moisture trapped deep in the rug fibers can create the perfect environment for mildew and bacteria to thrive. And once that stink sets in, it doesn’t just go away on its own.

With the proper steps (and a little urgency), you can stop the smell in its tracks, prevent lasting damage, and get things smelling fresh again. Let’s break down the steps you need to take to fix the issue for good, not just cover it up.

Step 1: Act Fast – Time Is Everything

When it comes to a wet area rug, waiting is the worst thing you can do. The longer moisture stays trapped in the fibers, the higher the risk for mold, mildew, and permanent damage. That strange smell? It’s usually the first sign that bacteria are already settling in. And once that sets in deep, even professional cleaning might not be enough to fully fix it.

Moreover, the materials underneath, such as wood floors, carpet pads, or subflooring, begin to soak up moisture, too. Before you know it, you’re looking at not just rug cleaning, but floor repairs and mold remediation.

Here are a few things you should do right away:

• Remove the water source. Stop the leak, shut off the appliance, or clean up the spill.
• Roll up the rug immediately and take it to a dry, ventilated space, preferably outside or in a garage.
• Blot excess moisture using towels or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner (we’ll get into that next).
• Set up fans or a dehumidifier to get the drying process started.
• If you live in a humid area like Minneapolis, use air conditioning or turn on exhaust fans to reduce moisture in the air.

Step 2: Blot, Don’t Rub

Your first instinct might be to grab a towel and start scrubbing, but don’t do it. When you rub a wet rug, all you do is force moisture and whatever bacteria or dirt comes with it, deeper into the fibers. That makes the smell worse and spreads stains further. It can also damage delicate textiles, especially in Oriental rugs or rugs with natural fibers like wool.

Blotting, on the other hand, gently lifts moisture up and out without spreading it around. It’s a much safer and more effective method to remove moisture without causing further harm, especially if you’re dealing with a natural fiber rug like wool or cotton.

Here are some quick tips for proper blotting:

• Use clean, dry towels or absorbent cloths. Press them firmly into the wet areas to soak up moisture.
• If available, use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Slowly move it across the surface to pull out water – go over each spot multiple times.
• Replace towels when they get soaked and continue blotting until no more water comes up.
• Avoid using dyed towels that could transfer color onto your rug, especially on light-colored or patterned rugs.

Step 3: Air It Out

Without proper airflow, that trapped moisture in your rug is going nowhere and that’s when the musty odor really sets in. When you air out your rug the right way, you accelerate the drying process, prevent mold growth, and help eliminate that sour smell before it becomes a permanent problem.

Remember: it’s not just about drying the top surface. Water seeps into the base of the rug and even the floor underneath, especially if your rug sits on tile, wood, or carpet.

Try these simple, effective tips to air out your rug the right way:

• Hang the rug outside over a railing, fence, or sturdy clothesline. Make sure both sides are exposed to air.
• If it’s rainy or cold out, move it indoors and elevate it using chairs or crates so air can reach the underside.
• Use oscillating fans, open windows, or dehumidifiers to keep air moving through the room.
• Check underneath frequently to make sure the floor and rug pad are drying too.
• If your rug covers hardwood floors, wipe the floor dry and don’t put the rug back down until everything is completely moisture free.

Step 4: Use Baking Soda for Odor Control

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer – it absorbs moisture and neutralizes smells without adding any harsh chemicals to the mix. It’s especially useful when your rug still smells funky even after it’s dry. A good baking soda treatment can tackle everything from mildew and water damage to pet and food odors. It’s also safe for most rug materials and totally environmentally friendly, making it a great go-to for homes with children or pets.

Here’s how to use baking soda effectively on a rug that’s been wet:

• Make sure your rug is mostly dry before applying. Damp but not soaked is fine.
• Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the entire surface – don’t skimp!
• Let it sit for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight for stronger odors.
• Vacuum thoroughly using a clean vacuum cleaner with good suction. Go over it a few times in different directions.
• Repeat if necessary – this method is safe to do multiple times.

Step 5: Clean with Vinegar and Water (If Safe)

White vinegar is acidic, which makes it great at breaking down odor-causing bacteria and mildew. It’s a popular cleaning trick that works well for many household textiles, but it’s not suitable for every rug type. Always test a small hidden area before applying it broadly, especially on wool, silk, or antique Oriental rugs. If safe, vinegar can help disinfect the rug and kick that musty smell to the curb.

Here’s how to safely use vinegar and water on your rug:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Lightly mist the affected areas of your rug – do not soak it.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot with a clean towel.
• Allow the rug to air dry completely.
• If the smell lingers, follow up with the baking soda method mentioned above.

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Underfloor and Padding

Even if your rug looks dry on the surface, the pad underneath or the flooring below may still be wet. And if those stay damp, they’ll continue to release odor and even worse, may start growing mold. This is especially dangerous if you have wood, tile, or laminate flooring, which can warp or stain if not dried quickly.

Moisture trapped underneath is one of the most overlooked causes of ongoing rug odor. Cleaning the rug alone won’t help if the surface it sits on is still wet.

Here’s what to do to make sure everything underneath your rug is properly taken care of:

• Lift the rug and inspect the pad. If it’s soaked, you’ll likely need to replace it.
• Dry the floor thoroughly with towels and let it air out before placing the rug back.
• Disinfect hard surfaces with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner especially if there was standing water.
• If the floor is carpeted underneath, consider calling a carpet cleaner in your area to professionally extract moisture and deodorize.

Get Professional Help from Clean’n’Press Before the Odor Gets Worse – Schedule an Area Rug Cleaning Service With Us Today!

Don’t let a small stain or a musty smell turn into a ruined rug – address those signs of damage while they’re still manageable. At Clean’n’Press, we specialize in restoring rugs affected by moisture, stains, and allergens, using high-grade cleaning methods that truly go beyond the surface. Whether you have a treasured Persian rug, a delicate Oriental piece, or a durable synthetic floor staple, we know exactly what it takes to bring it back to life safely, thoroughly, and professionally.

Live or have your office in the Twin Cities Metro Area or a nearby suburb? We’ve made professional rug care hassle free with FREE Pickup and Delivery Service right to your doorstep, anywhere you are in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the surrounding areas. All you have to do is book a slot, and we’ll take everything from there.

Have questions or need to schedule a pickup? Just email us at contactus@cleannpress.com or call us at 651‑378-5713.