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How can I remove odors from a rug?

Step-by-step methods to naturally remove rug odors using ventilation, sunlight, and baking soda.

If a client reaches out regarding an odor from their rug, kindly recommend airing it out in a well-ventilated area to help eliminate any lingering smells that may have been absorbed during packaging or transit. If the odor persists, they can also try lightly vacuuming the rug or placing it in indirect sunlight for a few hours.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Ventilate Immediately
    Unroll the rug in a well-ventilated space as soon as it arrives. Use fans to circulate fresh air around the rug—this is an essential first step to allow trapped odors to begin dissipating.

  2. Place in Direct Sunlight (if possible)
    If weather permits, place the rug outdoors in direct sunlight for a full day. Sunlight and fresh air work together to naturally neutralize odors and help evaporate residual moisture.

  3. Apply Baking Soda
    Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda across the face of the rug. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that helps absorb lingering smells.

  4. Let It Sit Overnight
    Allow the baking soda to sit on the rug overnight, giving it ample time to absorb moisture and odor from the fibers.

  5. Vacuum Thoroughly
    The next day, vacuum the rug thoroughly to remove the baking soda. Use a vacuum appropriate for wool rugs to avoid damaging the fibers.

  6. Repeat If Needed
    Some rugs may need more than one cycle. If the smell persists, repeat the above steps. Often, just airing the rug out is enough; in stronger cases, combining ventilation, sunlight, and baking soda will resolve the issue.

Communication Tip: When speaking with customers about rug odors, reassure them that it’s a normal and temporary occurrence, then guide them through easy steps to freshen their rug.

Example approach:

  1. Normalize the issue:
    “It’s not unusual for rugs to have a slight odor when first unwrapped—this is just from packaging and transit, and it will fade with a little airing out.”

  2. Lead with the easiest solution first:
    “The best first step is to place it in a well-ventilated area so fresh air can circulate around it. Most odors fade quickly this way.”

  3. Offer additional options if needed:
    “If it needs more help, you can try setting it in indirect sunlight for a few hours or using baking soda overnight to absorb the smell before vacuuming.”

  4. Set expectations:
    “Some rugs may take a couple of days or cycles to fully clear, but these methods usually work well.”

Pro Tip:
Keep the tone confident and calm—framing the odor as common and fixable helps prevent the customer from thinking the rug is defective.