Help! My Carpet Smells Like Mildew

When your carpet smells like mildew, it’s more than just an unpleasant odor, it’s a warning sign. A musty smell coming from carpet often means excess moisture is trapped deep within the carpet fibers, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Whether it’s from water damage, high humidity, or a plumbing mishap, ignoring the problem can lead to serious health risks and costly repairs.

In this guide, we’ll explain why mildew develops in carpets, DIY ways to remove mildew from carpet, and when to hire a professional for deep cleaning and restoration.

Why Does My Carpet Smell Musty?

The musty smell you notice is caused by mold and mildew. Mildew is a type of mold that grows quickly in damp, poorly ventilated areas. When excess moisture seeps into your carpet fibers, mold spores begin multiplying within 24–48 hours.

Some common causes include:

• Flooding or leaks that cause water damage

• High indoor humidity without proper ventilation

• Spills or pet accidents that weren’t dried thoroughly

• Carpets installed in basements or bathrooms

Once mold spores take hold, they produce the musty smell that lingers until the affected area is cleaned and dried completely.

The Health Risks of Mold and Mildew in Carpet

Mold growing in your carpet isn’t just unpleasant, it can affect your health.

Even if you don’t see visible mold, breathing in airborne mold spores can cause:

• Allergic reactions (sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat)

• Asthma flare-ups

• Respiratory irritation

• Worsened symptoms for people with weakened immune systems

Children, pets, and older adults are especially vulnerable. Prolonged exposure to mold and mildew can lead to chronic breathing issues. For this reason, removing mold isn’t optional, it’s essential to kill mold before it spreads deeper into your home.

DIY Ways to Remove Mildew from Carpet

If the mildew problem is minor and contained to a small affected area, you may be able to handle it with a DIY mildew carpet cleaner. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:

1. White Vinegar Solution

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 5 parts water in a spray bottle.

• Lightly mist the carpet fibers without soaking them.

• Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then blot with clean towels.

• Use a carpet cleaner or wet vacuum to extract moisture.

Vinegar helps neutralize the musty smell while working to kill mold and stop spores from spreading.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment

• Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water (5:1 ratio) in a spray bottle.

• Apply directly to the affected area where mildew is present.

• Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes before blotting.

Hydrogen peroxide is powerful for removing mold, but test it on a hidden spot first since it may lighten some carpet colors.

3. Baking Soda Freshener

• Sprinkle baking soda generously over the affected area.

• Let it sit overnight to absorb odors and moisture.

• Vacuum thoroughly the next day.

Baking soda alone won’t kill mold, but it helps control the musty smell while other treatments work.

The Importance of Drying the Carpet

Sprays and cleaners are only half the battle. If excess moisture remains, mold growing will return. To properly dry carpets:

• Use ceiling fans and opening windows to improve airflow.

• Run dehumidifiers to pull water out of the air.

• Position oscillating fans directly toward damp spots.

• Use a carpet cleaner or wet/dry vacuum with a water extraction feature.

Remember: a deep clean without full drying won’t solve the problem—it will just encourage mold growing back.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

If mildew covers a large area, if there’s significant water damage, or if the musty smell lingers after multiple treatments, it’s time to hire a professional.

Professional cleaning companies have industrial-grade dryers, disinfectants, and extraction tools that go far beyond what home remedies can achieve. Unlike DIY sprays, professional methods can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers and padding to ensure they kill mold completely.

Here’s when to call for help:

• After flooding or burst pipes

• If mold and mildew have spread into carpet padding

• When DIY efforts fail to remove the smell

• If you notice visible mold growing on carpet fibers

A restoration team can assess whether the carpet can be salvaged or if replacing it is safer. Acting quickly can often save your carpet and prevent long-term health risks.

Professional Cleaning vs. DIY

You might be tempted to stick with DIY ways to remove mildew from carpet, but here’s the difference:

• DIY cleaning is best for small, surface-level issues. A spray bottle with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can help with light mildew and odors.

• Professional cleaning is critical for major water damage, recurring mildew, or visible mold growing. Pros use commercial equipment to extract water, disinfect the affected area, and perform a deep clean that restores your carpet to safe condition.

Think of DIY as first aid, effective for small problems, but professional cleaning as the full treatment when the situation is more serious.

Preventing Mold and Mildew in Carpets

Once you’ve tackled the current issue, prevention is key.

Here are practical steps to stop mildew from coming back:

• Always dry spills immediately, don’t let excess moisture soak into carpet fibers.

• Run dehumidifiers in basements, bathrooms, and other damp-prone areas.

• Regularly deep clean carpets to remove hidden dirt and mold spores.

• Use area rugs in high-risk zones that are easier to wash and replace.

• Improve ventilation by opening windows or running exhaust fans.

• Inspect plumbing regularly to avoid unexpected water damage.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Fast if Your Carpet Smells Like Mildew

A carpet that smells like mildew is more than a nuisance, it’s a warning that mold and mildew are spreading. Whether you try DIY ways to remove mildew from carpet using white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a homemade spray bottle solution, or you call in experts for professional cleaning, the most important thing is to act quickly.

If the musty smell persists, don’t wait. Excess moisture can lead to serious health risks and permanent damage. Call Towers Restoration & Cleaning for expert service in removing mold, drying your carpets, and restoring your home to a healthy, fresh state.