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A rug deodorizer is a product that is used to eliminate or mask unpleasant odors in carpets and rugs. They come in various forms, including sprays, powders, and gels, and can be used simply to freshen up a room or to eliminate specific odors caused by pets, smoking, or cooking.

One of the main benefits of using a rug deodorizer is that it can help to improve the overall air quality in a room. Air quality is especially important for individuals who suffer from allergies or asthma, as dirty carpets and rugs can harbor dust mites, mold, and other allergens. Using a rug deodorizer can help reduce the number of allergens in the air and create a cleaner, healthier living space.

Another benefit of using a rug deodorizer is that it can help to mask or eliminate specific odors. For example, if you have pets that spend much time indoors, your carpets and rugs will likely start to smell like pet dander. And if your pets are prone to accidents, that’s an additional layer of smell you want to eliminate. A rug deodorizer can help neutralize these odors and leave your home smelling fresh and clean. Similarly, if you smoke or cook pungent food frequently, these odors can become ingrained in your carpets and rugs. A rug deodorizer can help counteract the presence of these smells.

Can You Trust the At-Home Deodorizers?

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, there are dozens of rug deodorizing products that claim to be safe to use on your carpets and rugs. But do they really work?

Spray Deodorizer

One popular option is a spray deodorizer, which is easy to apply. It’s usually used to target specific areas of carpets and rugs. You would need a lot of spray to cover an entire area rug or carpet. These deodorizers can leave behind a sticky residue. If not rinsed out thoroughly, the residue is a magnet for dirt and grime. They can also release dangerous chemicals into the air you and your family breathe. 

Powder Deodorizer

Another option is a powder deodorizer. You sprinkle it on your carpet or rug, leave it to set for a certain amount of time (usually about 30 minutes), and then vacuum it up with your regular vacuum. This method is messy and time-consuming, especially if you have children and pets in the house who may be running all over your rug while you’re trying to deodorize it! These powders can also be dangerous for children and pets, and for you if you inhale them while applying! They can also set stains, cause wicking or crocking, and potentially ruin your carpet. 

Gel Deodorizer

A third option is a gel deodorizer. It is applied to your rugs and left to sit for a while before being vacuumed. Some may be left until they evaporate. Like spray deodorizers, these can release toxins into the air. And similar to powder deodorizers, they can be pretty messy and actually ruin your carpet. 

Filtration Method

Another method advertised for rug deodorizing is using a rug deodorizer incorporated into your vacuum cleaner. This technique is known as the filtration method, where your vacuum filters the air and absorbs odor in the process. While this option is safe and may work temporarily, it is not addressing the cause of the odors, so they will unfortunately return.

Trust the Professionals

In our many years of experience, we have discovered that the only way to safely remove odors from a rug is with professional rug cleaning. Rather than masking odors or adding residue, our thorough cleaning process will flush out any remains of the material causing the smell. Then, we apply our deodorizing product that goes into the fibers and the foundation, attacking the odor molecules. After all the products have been thoroughly rinsed out, we hang the rug up to dry in our temperature-controlled dry room. Lastly, we check it for any odors. If we find that there is still an odor, we will send the rug back through the same process.

There’s no substitute for professional rug cleaning. Heavily used rugs in living rooms, kitchens, and hallways should be cleaned professionally at least once a year. Carpets or rugs in other areas, such as studies or living rooms, need cleaning every 18 months. Entrusting your rug cleaning to professionals ensures you’re not merely covering up tough odors in your home. You’re actually eliminating them!

At Simonian, we offer the best, most thorough rug cleaning you could ask for. Unlike dry cleaners or other rug cleaning services, we don’t use harsh or toxic chemicals on your rug. And our 12-step process cleans it until it looks brand new. In addition to rug cleaning,  we also deodorize, repair, and protect your rugs to ensure they remain clean and beautiful for longer. Contact us today to make an appointment or get an estimate here.