Wet Dog Smell After Carpet Cleaning

Updated on April 14, 2014
L.A. asks from Sartell, MN
9 answers

I cleaned the carpets two says ago. I used allergy free cleaner in the machine so there isn't a fragrance smell however the whole house smells like wet dog! I had the doors and windows open all day with a nice breeze flowing through. Then we brought up the dehumidifier and a Ionizer and had them running for two days. The dog hasn't had any accidents it's just a nasty dog smell. I'm wondering if it's worse because I used a scent free mix? I will try sprinkling baking soda tomorrow. I'm just wondering if it's because of the scent free mix. The carpet is only two years new with one dog in the house. Any help is appreciated and no we cannot take the carpet out of this room. We spent a lot of money on it two years ago. I also smell it strong when walking into the front of the house. Our dog has allergies and constantly licks her paws and leaves wet spots on the carpet from it as well. I thought a good cleaning would help.

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*.*.

answers from New London on

Sounds like the carpet didn't dry thoroughly. I hope this isn't a mold smell...Could be an odor bacteria smell. I had to get rid of my wall to wall carpet. Carpets trap all kinds of things...
I would have an expert carpet cleaner tell you if the carpet is dry or if it needs to be cleaned again.

Maybe there is a leak somewhere...

One of my dogs had allergies...I changed to organic dog food (dry)- There is no soy, wheat, corn (allergens)..in the food and my pup is doing much better. I wash her bedding in clear detergent only.

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M.W.

answers from Billings on

if you carpet is made of wool (which some are) it will smell like wet dog when wet.

2 moms found this helpful
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D.F.

answers from St. Louis on

Mix equal amounts of liquid fabric softener and vinegar (white) with 2x's the amount of water. Spray on carpets like you would fabreez . I do this after everyone else has gone to bed, this allows for at least 8 hrs of drying time. The vinegar is a little overpowering at first, but always removes the smells. You can also place a piece of bread in a dish and pour vinegar over it to help control room odors. Set out at night then remove in the morning. Aren't dogs fun LOL.

1 mom found this helpful

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

That happens after we clean our carpets too, especially in the master bedroom, where our dog sleeps. It takes two to four days for it to completely dry out and go away. It just depends on how wet the carpet is and how hot/dry the air is.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

I have dogs and if I am gone more than a few hours sometimes they have accidents. I regularly clean my carpet with a vinegar water mix in my carpet scrubber. It's amazing how much better my house smells after I treat the carpets.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from New York on

Yikes - you might want to get a pro in to do another cleaning. Better to spend a little on that then spend a lot on a new carpet.

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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

that wet dog smell is usually the smell of mold. maybe the pad got wet?

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F.B.

answers from New York on

Not to add to your worries, but do a spot check of your house, to see if you don't have a small/ slow leak elsewhere. i.e. the pipes to the ice maker of the fridge, a problem with your hvac, a leaving faucet within a vanity.

My mom's dedicated water heater, a small unit in her gf bath, blew right around the time that she had her carpets cleaned. It was leaking for over a week until she figured it out. what would have been a small fix amounted to a costly one.

Best,
F. B.

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C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I think what you're smelling is from the dog licking and it getting into the pad. Then, when you shampooed all you did was pull that up from the pad. You will probably have to get a pro to do it over and if that doesn't work, you'll need to change the pad.

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