Your new rug has been waiting for you! Which means it may have been sitting for a short while wrapped up in its manufacturer packaging and retain some unfamiliar smells, the same way that t-shirt from your attic might give off a particular odor. Don’t worry though, because this is a natural occurrence that will pass with a few easy steps:
Ventilation: The best way to get rid of unfamiliar odors is to put your rug into contact with fresh open air. If possible, hang your new rug outside on your patio or lay it out flat if the weather conditions are dry and avoid any type of damp conditions. If you don’t have access to a large enough outdoor area, open any windows or doors for up to 72 hours or as long as possible until the odor fades out.
AC, Heater and Fans: In addition to contact with fresh air, use your AC, heater or fan to increase ventilation and air circulation. Make sure to keep windows and doors open for up to 72 hours or as long as possible until the odor fades out.
Vacuuming: (See section on vacuuming to know which setting to use) Vacuum your rug right away after unpackaging, regardless of odors, as there may be loose debris or remnants. Try vacuuming every other day on a low setting until odor fades.
Baking Soda: Baking Soda is a natural odor absorbant. Note that not all rugs will react to baking soda the same way, so use with precaution. Place a light layer of baking soda across your rug and let sit for up to 2 days, then vacuum immediately. If the scent still persists, you may need to re-apply a second time.
Steam Cleaning: This should only be used as a last resort, and not all rugs react to steam cleaning the same way. We recommend if you choose to steam clean, that you consult with a professional cleaning service and let them know what material your rug is before applying this step.