The removal of odours depends on their source and the conditions under which they are treated. Odours are most commonly caused by spills. Spilled material may produce an odour directly, or odours may develop from bacteria causing decay on the spillage.
If the spilled material has not penetrated deeply into the fibres and thorough washing methods can be applied, complete removal is usually achievable. However, the deeper the material penetrates the fibres and the longer it remains, the more challenging it becomes to remove the odour completely.
When cleaning solutions are used in limited amounts, only a small proportion of the odour may be eliminated. It is particularly difficult to remove odour-producing stains from the backing of wall-to-wall carpeting and upholstered furniture.
Odours produced by materials such as animal waste are especially challenging and are often virtually impossible to eliminate completely. In such cases, the most practical solution may be to replace the affected part of the carpet and underpad or cushion with a new piece. In severe situations, the plywood subfloor may also need to be cleaned or deodorised and then sealed.
Some odours, such as those caused by mildew, can reappear with new mildew growth even after being removed. New textiles may have odours caused by natural fibres, dyes, finishing agents, or foam or latex backing compounds. A good airing usually dispels these odours, though it may take days to a few weeks for them to disappear completely.
For older fabrics, the most satisfactory solution is often to replace the unpleasant odour with a more pleasant one. Professional cleaners and restorers use highly effective deodorisers, specialised deodorising equipment, and freshening fragrances to reduce or eliminate unpleasant odours.
