Best Rug Deodorizers & Fresheners (2025) | How to Get Smell Out of Rugs Naturally

Best Rug Fresheners & Deodorizers: How to Get Smell Out of Rugs for a Fresh-Smelling Home

Persistent rug odors are more than just unpleasant; they often signal trapped bacteria, moisture, or allergens that affect both your indoor air quality and the health of your home.

Whether you're dealing with pet accidents, mildew, or lingering musty smells, choosing the best rug deodorizer and learning how to get the smell out of rugs is key to a clean, welcoming environment.

This guide explores expert-approved strategies to deodorize rugs using powders, sprays, and DIY hacks.

We also examine why your current rug deodorizer may not work as well as you think and how to fix that.

Why Do Rugs Smell Bad? Understanding the Source of Rug Odors

Before diving into how to get odors out of rugs, it's important to understand where the smells come from. Rug odors can stem from:

• Pet urine or dander
• Mildew or mold caused by dampness
• Food and drink spills
• Foot traffic and body oils
• Inadequate drying after cleaning
• Low-quality or overly fragranced rug powders

Each of these sources embeds odor-causing particles deep into rug fibers. So, to remove the smell from the rug, you need more than surface cleaning; you need odor neutralization at the fiber level.

How to Get Smell Out of Rug Using Natural Powders

Why Baking Soda Is the Best Rug Deodorizer Powder

If you're asking, "How to get musty smell out of rug?" the answer is often baking soda.

This natural, non-toxic substance absorbs odors instead of masking them. Here's how to use it:

Step-by-Step:

1. Vacuum the rug to remove loose debris.
2. Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda across the rug's surface.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes to overnight, depending on severity.
4. Vacuum again, slowly and thoroughly.

This method works for how to get rid of pet smell in a rug, how to get sour milk smell out of a rug, and even how to neutralize damp rug odors.

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to the baking soda for extra freshness and mild antibacterial benefits.

Best Rug Deodorizer Powders (2025 Edition)

When commercial products are needed, the following are top choices for rug odor removal:

1. Aunt Fannie’s Rug Refresher

• Ingredients: Baking soda, lemon peel oil, peppermint oil
• Safe for kids and pets
• Excellent for removing musty rug odors

2. Arm & Hammer Rug & Room Extra Strength

• Known for its deep-penetrating formula
• Specifically designed to remove old rug smells
• Budget-friendly and widely available

3. DIY Borax + Baking Soda Blend

• Mix 1 cup baking soda and ½ cup borax
• Powerful for how to get stink out of rugs that have mildew or pet-related issues

How to Deodorize Rug with Sprays

When spot-treating or dealing with wet rug smells, sprays may be more effective.

Vinegar Spray for Rug Odor Neutralization

How to use:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
2. Lightly spray onto the affected rug area.
3. Blot with a clean microfiber cloth.
4. Allow to air dry.

Note: If you're wondering how to get the vinegar smell out of a rug after treatment, let fresh air circulate the room; it will dissipate naturally in a few hours.

Best Commercial Rug Deodorizer Sprays

1. Paw Sense Pet Stain & Odor Spray

• Lemongrass scent.
• Targets pet urine, dander, and other organic odors.
• Ideal for those needing a rug deodorizer for pets.

2. Grove Co. Rug & Upholstery Spray

• Plant-based formula with lavender or thyme scent.
• Rated highly for rug odor removal from food and wine stains.

Powders vs. Sprays: Which Rug Deodorizer Is Best?

When to Use Powder

Use rug deodorizer powders when:

• Covering large surface areas.
• Managing ongoing smells (e.g., foot traffic or general mustiness).
• You prefer fragrance-free or natural options.

When to Use Spray

Use rug deodorizer sprays when:

• Spot-treating spills or urine stains.
• You need fast-drying action.
• Odor is localized (e.g., one corner of the rug).

Best Practice: Combine both. Use powder regularly for maintenance and spray for incident-specific deodorizing.

7 Rug Deodorizer Hacks to Get the Smell Out of Your Rug

1. Baking Soda Overnight Soak

Leave baking soda on your rug overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.

2. Vinegar + Water Mist

Spray lightly, blot, and dry. Perfect for how to remove odor from a rug caused by mildew.

3. Vodka Spray

Yes, really. Vodka is a natural odor eliminator.

• Mix 1 part vodka to 3 parts water.
• Mist over affected areas.
• Let it evaporate.

4. Essential Oil Boosters

Add 5–10 drops of lemon, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oil to baking soda.

5. Steam Cleaning with Enzyme Solutions

Perfect for how to get bad odor out of rugs when natural methods fail.

• Use an enzyme-based rug shampoo.
• Steam clean and dry completely.

6. Onion Hack for Musty Storage Rugs

Place halved onions in bowls near the rug overnight (do not apply directly). They absorb ambient odors.

7. Sunlight and Fresh Air

Sometimes the old ways are best.

• Hang your rug outdoors in full sun.
• UV rays kill bacteria and mold spores.
• Great for old rug smells.

Why Your Rug Deodorizer Might Not Be Working

Many commercial rug deodorizers only mask smells using artificial fragrances.

Key Problems:

• Synthetic perfumes trap odor instead of removing it.
• Moisture left behind causes more mold and mildew.
• Some products contain allergens or irritants like phthalates or formaldehyde.

To ensure effective odor elimination:

• Always dry rugs completely.
• Use enzyme cleaners or natural absorbers like baking soda.
• Avoid overuse of heavily scented products.

FAQs – How to Deodorize Rugs Effectively

How do you get bad smells out of rugs?

Use baking soda or vinegar solutions to absorb and neutralize odors. Avoid merely masking them.

What is the best rug deodorizer for pet smells?

Choose a product that contains enzymes or use baking soda + vinegar. Paw Sense Pet Spray is a top-rated option.

How long should rug deodorizer powder sit?

Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper smells.

Does baking soda eliminate odors in rugs?

Yes. It absorbs moisture and odor particles. It's one of the best rug deodorizers available.

Can I deodorize my rug without baking soda?

Yes. Try:

• Vinegar + water spray
• Vodka mist
• Essential oils in water spray
• Enzyme-based rug cleaners

Final Thoughts – The Best Way to Get Smell Out of Rugs

Deodorizing a rug isn’t just about making it smell nice; it's about creating a healthier living environment.

The best rug deodorizer removes odor at the source while being safe for your home, pets, and family.

Whether you choose a rug deodorizer powder, a spray, or DIY remedies, follow best practices:

• Clean spills promptly.
• Allow full drying time.
• Vacuum regularly.
• Combine odor removal with fresh air and sunlight.

Remember, rug smell removers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Test different methods, monitor results, and build a routine that keeps your home smelling clean and fresh.

Crafted with intention by Hazel Grace | Marketing & Content Team - Mannat Rugs.