How To Get Rid Of New Carpet Smell Quickly (12 Ways)

We can all agree that while you’re trying to unwind in your newly remodeled area, the smell of the “new carpet” can be a bit overwhelming, whether you like it or not. You are in the perfect place whether you have a sensitivity to smells or simply don’t want your house to smell like a chemical cloud.

💭 To Begin With, What Smells Like That New Carpet?

There’s more to the aroma that greets you when you enter a room with brand-new carpet than just “newness.” In actuality, it is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the atmosphere.

This is what’s happening:

Source	Contributor
Carpet support	Formaldehyde and styrene
Adhesives used in installation	Benzene and toluene
Fibers in carpets	Synthetic material off-gassing
Padding	Latex plus other chemicals

Don’t worry; even though it all seems frightening, there are ways to quickly get rid of it.

⏳ How Much Time Does the Smell of New Carpet Last?

Quick response? A few days to a few weeks, at most.

Longer response? It is dependent upon several factors:

Ventilation: VOCs are expelled more quickly from a room with adequate ventilation.
Carpet type: Compared to synthetic carpets, wool carpets emit far less gas.
Method of installation: Compared to tack-strip installations, glue-down installations emit higher scents.

Normal Timetable:

Mild odor: 2 to 3 days
Moderate smell: 5–7 days
Lingering odor: Up to 3 weeks (if improperly ventilated)

😴 Can I Sleep in a New Carpeted Room?

Here’s the real deal.

🚨 The initial forty-eight hours are crucial. Off-gassing is strongest at that time.

If you’re:

Chemically sensitive
Expectant
Having respiratory conditions or asthma
Have pets or small children

👉 At least 48 to 72 hours should be spent away from sleeping in the room.

If you have to sleep there, everyone else:

Break a window.
Make use of a fan
In order to encourage airflow, keep the door open.
Pro Tip: To capture volatile organic compounds overnight, use an air purifier equipped with an activated carbon filter. (Your lungs will appreciate it!)

🚀 Let’s Clear the Air: 12 Quick Ways to Get Rid of the Odor of New Carpet

It’s not necessary for you to sit and wait! The following are useful, simple, and efficient methods to expedite the process:

1. Open Every Door and Window

It should go without saying that this is the best air refresher. Your best friend is cross-ventilation.

💡 Bonus Tip: To generate airflow, position fans at opposite corners and force air out.

2. Switch On the Box and Ceiling Fans

If at all possible, use many fans to move the air around. To expel the VOCs, point one in the direction of an open window.

3. Baking Soda: A Natural Way to Get Rid of Odors

Baking soda is an excellent odor absorber.

How to utilize it:

Sprinkle the carpet liberally
Give it 12 to 24 hours to sit
Completely vacuum

🔁 If necessary, repeat. Completely toxin-free and safe!

4. Charcoal Activation

These passively absorb smells and are packaged in bags or pouches. Put them close to the margins of the carpet or in corners.

✅ Advantages	⚠️ Drawbacks
Durable	Not an easy solution
Organic	For large spaces, several bags are required

5. 🌿HEPA + Carbon Filter Air Purifiers

If you’re remodeling your house, these are well worth the money.

Seek those that have:

HEPA (particle-trapping) filters
Activated carbon filters (to absorb VOCs)

🌿Check Out Amazing Air Purifier Here

🌿Also 6 Best Air Purifiers for Dust Allergies & Improved Sleep

🌿Best Aham Certified Air Purifiers

6. Bowls of White Vinegar

Arrange white vinegar in shallow dishes throughout the space. It naturally eliminates smells. Yes, there is a slight scent at first, but it goes away fast.

7. Air-Detoxing Houseplants

In addition to their aesthetic value, plants have the potential to improve indoor air quality.

Some VOC-fighting champions are as follows:

🌿 Plant Name	🌬️ Advantage
Spider Plant	Excellent for formaldehyde
Snake Plant	Works around the clock, even at night
Peace Lily	Absorbs trichloroethylene and benzene
Bamboo Palm	Filters air and adds moisture

8. Clean the Carpet With Steam

Following waiting at least 48 to 72 hours following installation, a mild steam cleaning can aid in the quicker release of stored volatile organic compounds.

✅ Make sure the steam cleaner is dry to reduce the possibility of mold or mildew.

9. Apply a Deodorant to Your Carpet

Select a deodorizer that is natural and non-toxic—and safe for children and pets.

Apply it
Let it sit
Then vacuum it up

10. A Diffuser With Essential Oils

Some essential oils, like eucalyptus and tea tree, offer antimicrobial qualities in addition to helping cover up odors.

Try these blends:

Lemon + Lavender
Peppermint + Eucalyptus
Orange + Tea Tree

11. Steer Clear of Harsh Cleaning Agents

Avoid aggressive cleansers that may react with VOCs and deteriorate air quality. Stay with odorless and natural options.

12. If at All Possible, Keep the Room Empty

More airflow results from less clutter.
Till the odor subsides, keep rugs and furniture away from the new carpet.

📌 Review: The Fast-Action Strategy

This is your quick reference for “get rid of that carpet smell“:

✅ DO:

Continue to ventilate
Utilize air purifiers and fans
Use charcoal or baking soda
After 72 hours, steam clean

❌ DO NOT:

Sleep in the room too early (particularly if you’re sensitive)
Apply severe chemicals
Cover the carpet immediately with furniture or rugs

🛌 Is a Room With New Carpet Safe to Sleep In?

Let’s dissect it chronologically:

Duration Since Installation	Is It Safe to Sleep?	Notes
0 to 24 hours	🚫 Steer clear	VOCs during peak
24–48 hours	♠️ Be careful	Utilize purifiers and fans
More than 72 hours	✅ All right	Ventilate
At least a week	✅ Safe	Most smells have vanished

🙋 Time for the FAQ!

What happens if I own pets?

Pets frequently have higher olfactory sensitivity. For a minimum of 72 hours, keep them out of the room.
Make sure there is adequate ventilation when you reintroduce them.

Can I use air fresheners to cover up the odor?

Although it’s not advised, you can.
VOCs are not removed by air fresheners; they merely add a new chemical fragrance.

How can I tell if a fragrance is harmful?

If you encounter:

A headache
Lightheadedness
A sore throat
Eyes that are watery

👉 Leave the room and give it more time to air out.
If you’re extremely sensitive, think about purchasing a VOC meter.

🧼 Choosing Low-VOC or No-VOC Carpets to Go Green

Ask for the following the next time you lay new carpet:

Organic fibers or wool
Adhesives with low volatile organic compounds
Options verified by Green Label Plus

Without the unpleasant smells, you’ll still feel fresh.

It’s thrilling to get new carpet since it gives your house a new, comfortable, and fresh vibe. However, that chemical odor? Not at all.

You may enjoy your new, silky floors without holding your breath if you have the correct equipment and a little patience.

So, open those windows, add baking soda, and perhaps purchase a few plants for yourself…
And soon your place will smell like home again in addition to looking fantastic.

✨ P.S. Did you have a tip that really helped you? Post it in the comments section! We’d love to hear the collective ideas of our fellow homebodies.