A beautifully crafted Persian Oriental rug can be a cherished piece in your home, adding elegance, warmth, and culture to any room. But sometimes, even the most meticulously maintained rugs can develop an unpleasant odor. If you’ve noticed a funky smell coming from your rug, you’re not alone.
Here are five common reasons why your Persian Oriental rug might smell and tips on how to address them.
1. Pet Problems
If you have pets, particularly dogs or cats, their presence can lead to odors lingering on your rug. Pet accidents, such as urine stains, can seep deep into the fibers of the rug and cause persistent smells. Wool rugs absorb smells easily, causing a strong scent. Pets may also shed fur, which can accumulate over time and contribute to unpleasant odors.
How to Fix It:
Start by blotting the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. You can use a mixture of water and mild dish soap or a pet-safe cleaner to gently clean the area. For deep-set odors, consider professional cleaning services that specialize in pet stains, as they have the right equipment and cleaning agents to eliminate the odor completely.
2. Moisture or Dampness
Moisture is one of the biggest culprits behind musty smells in rugs. If your rug has been exposed to high humidity, spills, or leaks, the dampness can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive, which leads to unpleasant odors. Rugs in the kitchen, doorways, or bathrooms are the most common rugs affected by wet shoes and general spills.
How to Fix It:
Ensure your rug is thoroughly dry by rolling it up and placing it in a dry, well-ventilated area. You can also use a fan or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. In some cases, professional cleaning may be needed to fully address moisture-related odors, as mold and mildew can be stubborn.
3. Age
As Persian Oriental rugs age, the fibers, dyes, and materials naturally begin to break down. The aging process can lead to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and oils that can cause a musty or stale smell. Older rugs, especially those that haven’t been cleaned in years, may retain the scent of the environment they’ve been kept in, such as tobacco smoke or cooking odors.
How to Fix It:
Regularly clean and care for your rug to prevent dirt from building up. For older rugs, professional cleaning services that specialize in antique or vintage rugs can help remove dirt and odors. Some older rugs might also benefit from a protective treatment to help preserve their longevity and reduce the smell.
4. Wool Rugs
Wool is a popular material for Persian rugs due to its durability and luxurious feel. However, wool fibers can absorb moisture, dirt, and oils from the environment, which may result in an unpleasant odor over time. This is especially true if your wool rug has been exposed to a damp or humid environment.
How to Fix It:
Wool rugs require careful cleaning. While regular vacuuming helps, be sure to avoid over-wetting the rug during cleaning. You can also sprinkle baking soda over the rug, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up to help neutralize odors. For persistent smells, consider a professional cleaning service that specializes in wool rugs.
Contact Persia Oriental Rug Gallery For Professional Rug Cleaning
If you reside in the Massachusetts area and are in need of professional cleaning and rug care for your Persian Oriental rug or a wool rug, we have you covered. We have the knowledge and expertise to clean your old or dirty rug and maintain its beauty, and bring it back to life. Trust us to clean your rug, and give us a call at 508-753-4667 or contact us through our contact form to get started!