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Ideas & Advice > Rug Size Guide > How to Get Rid of the New Rug Smell

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How to Get Rid of the New Rug Smell

When you get a new rug in your home, the last thing that you want to deal with is an unpleasant odor coming from the rug. However, you may find yourself in that exact situation and wonder what the smell is and how to quickly get rid of it. Fortunately, this issue is easy to address and can be dealt with fairly quickly.

Learn More About New Rugs

  1. Why New Rugs Smell
  2. Ventilation The First Step in Odor Elimination
  3. Natural Odor Absorbers
  4. Sun Exposure: A Natural Way to Reduce Odors
  5. Using Rug Deodorizers
  6. Deep Cleaning Solutions
  7. Preventative Measures for Future Purchases
Queen Size Runner Rug

Why New Rugs Smell

New rugs can smell because of the fibers they’re made of or any final treatments applied to the rug. Synthetic rugs are more prone to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the fibers are made, dyed, or glued to the rug’s backing. Some rugs are also treated to be fire resistant with some of these chemicals, and so that can be another source of the smell. Some people especially sensitive to smells may have headaches when exposed to these VOCs, but in general, they are harmless and dissipate over time.

Ventilation The First Step in Odor Elimination

The first step in getting rid of the odor is just ventilating the room the rug is in. Opening the windows does wonders in refreshing the rug, especially in warmer months. In both warm and cool months, you can use floor fans, tower fans, and ceiling fans to help circular fresh air throughout the room. It’s simple, but this process can resolve the off-gassing issue in just a few days' time.

Round rug for queen size bed

Natural Odor Absorbers

Even if you do ventilate the room, your rug may still hold onto some of its odor. You can treat the rug with natural odor absorbers to help remove that stench more quickly and neutralize the chemical scent. Two popular options are baking soda and a white vinegar solution. With baking soda, you simply sprinkle the powder onto the rug and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, vacuum it up and smell the difference. 

Using a white vinegar solution is a bit more complicated, but not much harder. Mix together water and white vinegar so that it’s a 50/50 ratio. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the solution over the rug. The moisture will dry on its own, and as it does, it will neutralize the new rug smell.

Queen Size Runner Rug

Sun Exposure: A Natural Way to Reduce Odors

Another simple way to reduce those off-gassing odors is to expose the rug to sunlight. There is a deep scientific explanation for this, but in short, the heat from the sun causes an energy reaction within the rug and helps speed up the process of off-gassing. If you hang the rug outside on a washline, not only will it be exposed to natural sunlight and heat, but it will also have plenty of fresh air to ventilate it. With this though, it is important not to leave the rug in direct sunlight for hours on end, since many rugs are prone to fade if they’re in the sun too long.

Using Rug Deodorizers

Finally, if you don’t want to make your own concoction or use baking soda, there are official rug deodorizers available at most stores. Follow the deodorizer’s specific instructions for application and removal, and be sure to use the formula only as intended. If you buy a general deodorant or detergent, it may leave a residue behind that will ultimately damage the rug. Buying an eco-friendly, rug-safe deodorizer is vital in getting the results you want.

Round rug for queen size bed

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Deep Cleaning Solutions

If your rug doesn’t respond to the other treatments detailed above, then it may be time to consider a professional. Professional rug cleaners have a wide array of tools and knowledge to help them treat specific odors and types of VOC emissions. They have more knowledge and types of detergents that can treat your rug’s smell. Similarly, they may use a steam cleaner to draw out the scent. If you have a steam cleaner at home, you may try that cleaning technique yourself as long as you do it with caution and avoid exposing the rug to excessive heat or moisture. These cleaning techniques typically aren’t needed unless you have a particularly stubborn odor or a more delicate rug.

Preventative Measures for Future Purchases

It may be too late for the rug you already own, but in the future, you can take steps to prevent dealing with that new rug smell. Some delivery services and vendors will take requests for airing out the rug pre-delivery so that the odor is nearly or completely gone before it arrives at your home. You can also choose rugs that are made with more natural, eco-friendly materials to avoid high VOC levels. Some natural materials include wool, cotton, jute and sisal. These materials are all natural and unlike synthetic fibers, they do not emit volatile organic compounds.


Dealing with that “new rug smell” is irritating, but it can be treated with straightforward and easy solutions. This common issue can be treated with proper ventilation, limited sun exposure, home solutions, and professional cleaning solutions/ rug cleaners. As you deal with the smell, be patient with the process and diligent in using these solutions. In the end, it will pay off and you’ll be able to fully enjoy your new area rug.

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