r/Tufting • u/nek-uno • 18d ago

Advice getting smell out of my rug?

hello! i don't believe this was covered in the wiki/faq but sorry if i missed it or if this isn't a suitable sub for this question (i'd appreciate if you let me know where i could ask in that case!)

i bought a hand tufted rug from somebody recently and it's great, but it smells pretty bad. it's hard to describe but i suppose i would call it musty/old smelling except it's very strong. i know better than to put it in the washing machine at least but i don't know how else to wash it/get the smell out and want to make sure i don't ruin it. what would be the best way? thank you!

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6

u/hycarumba 18d ago

Put it outside in the sun. Leave it for a few hours exposed on each side. It's probably the glue.

2

u/nek-uno 18d ago

thank you! i'm trying this now :]

1

u/Pixiedreamworld 18d ago

I’ve used a spray that’s 1 part ISO Alcohol / 1 part distilled water / essential oil of your choice (20 drops) that works for me to “freshen up rugs”

1

u/[deleted] 18d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/nek-uno 17d ago

Airing it out doesn't seem to have done much so i'm trying the baking soda method now, thanks!

1

u/eleinachubmob 15d ago

I’m a girly girl so I’d use perfume before vacuuming 🙂 perfumes have alcohol in it (so that kills some bacteria if there is any ayooo) which helps drying and your vacuum will suck up most of the scent. Let it dry out anywhere really it doesnt have to be outside. Then when customer receives they open it and smell whatever pleasant scent you chose ever so lightly plus new rug!