Strategies for Reducing New Carpet Odor

cleaning Jan 19, 2018

by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée

 

I was in junior high when my parents last installed new carpet. Well, at least, that was the last time I lived there. My sisters and I were on summer break, and so excited to get rid of the worn out carpeting that the previous owners had left behind.

Giddy with excitement, the three of us sat on the couch outside of the living room, watching the installers lay carpet and secure it with tack strips. After a short time, we retreated upstairs. I remember feeling dizzy and nauseous as we left our post.

That was quite some time ago.

Even after all these years, I vividly remember that new carpet smell.  It was so potent.

What I didn’t know back then is that the ‘new carpet smell’ was created by chemicals off-gassing into the air.

Chemicals found in carpet.

Standard carpeting is made from synthetic fibers, dyes, and finishes. Chemicals that are commonly used to make and/or protect carpeting include:

  • PBDEs
  • PFCs
  • Flame Retardants
  • Preservatives such as formaldehyde and sodium benzoate
  • Solvents including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Surfactants/Sulfates

In addition, when chemicals mix, they may produce other toxic fumes that could be harmful to health. This is known as the chemical cocktail effect.  As an example, think of bleach and ammonia. When chlorine bleach is mixed with ammonia, it creates additional toxic gases called chloramines. (1)

These types of chemicals can also be found in the foam padding under carpeting, as well as in the adhesives during installation.

How do you get rid of new carpet fumes?

Getting rid of new carpet fumes can take some time, but planning in advance helps. Below are three tips.

1. Don’t bring them home.

The most effective way to have less carpet odor in the home is to not bring them home. Carpets and padding made from natural materials—such as organic wool or cotton—typically has fewer chemicals than synthetic carpeting and padding, which is made from several chemicals.  When installing carpeting, consider non-adhesive installation methods where possible. If adhesives are needed, choose adhesives that are lower in VOCs.

2. Air purifiers with carbon filters.

Investing in an air purifier may reduce the amount of new carpet fumes circulating in the home. Air purifiers come in many variations. Opt for one that has a carbon filter or “activated charcoal.” Please know the type of charcoal we’re talking about here is not the same as the charcoal used to grill. It’s a special type of charcoal (or carbon filter) meant to remove chemicals from the air.

3. Fresh air circulation.

Increase the amount of fresh air in the house. Open windows and larger doors such as a patio door to let the fresh air in. If possible, get a cross breeze by opening windows and doors opposite of each other to increase circulation. Turning on a fan will help circulate the fresh air as well.

The popular new carpet smell is familiar to anyone that has had new standard carpet installed. The smell can be stuck in memory for decades to come, and the health effects may stick around as well.

Consider installing solid surface flooring—such as tile or solid hardwood flooring—with area rugs instead of a fully carpeted floor. If carpet is non-negotiable, consider natural carpets with fewer VOCs, and padding made from natural materials, like cotton. Use installation methods that don’t require adhesives, if possible. If adhesives are required, choose those with fewer VOCs and overall fewer chemicals.

 


References

(1)  Washington State Department of Health

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Ruan Living simplifies a nontoxic lifestyle through its Practical Nontoxic Living podcast, free detox workshops, online D-Tox Academy, and transformative 40-Day Home Detox. It aims to help you avoid toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from what you buy, own, and do— without compromising your joy and convenience. Ruan was founded by Sophia Ruan Gushée, author of the bestselling critically acclaimed book A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Your Toxic Exposures and several detox workbooks. A graduate of Brown University and Columbia Business School, Sophia has served on the Brown University School of Public Health Advisory Council and Well+Good Council. A popular nontoxic living speaker, consultant, and teacher, Sophia lives in New York City with her husband and three daughters. Her passion for empowering others to enjoy nontoxic living began with the birth of her first daughter in 2007. Everything she creates is a love letter to her children and for the healthiest, brightest future possible. You can learn more here: Sophia’s Impact.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. This information is provided “as is” without warranty.

It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. We do not offer medical advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other opinion on your conditions or treatment options. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Ruan Living.

In no event will Sophia Ruan Gushee or Ruan Living be liable for any damages or loss of any kind resulting from the use of this website. Anyone relying upon or making use of the information on this website does so at his or her own risk.

Some of the services and products recommended on this website provide compensation to Sophia Ruan Gushee or Ruan Living. All recommendations are based foremost upon an honest belief that the product, service, or site will benefit our site visitors in some way.  

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