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If you’ve recently experienced a water leak in your home, you may be dealing with more than just the initial cleanup. Even after your carpet dries, a lingering damp smell can stick around, which can be frustrating and confusing.
This is a common problem faced by many homeowners in Cambridge, and it needs professional attention. Let’s explore why your carpet smells damp after a water leak but feels dry and why professional carpet cleaning is the best solution.
After a water leak, it’s easy to assume that once your carpet feels dry to the touch, the problem is solved. However, they make carpets with several layers, and moisture can get trapped deep within the fibres or in the underlay beneath.
While the top layer may seem dry, hidden moisture beneath the surface can create the perfect environment for mould and bacteria to grow. These microorganisms are what give off the musty, damp odour. Cambridge’s sometimes humid climate can make this issue worse, as moisture tends to linger longer than expected.
In addition, the dirt, dust, and other organic debris that naturally accumulate in carpets provide a food source for bacteria and mould. Even after the carpet dries, these microorganisms can continue to thrive and produce a foul smell.
The smell isn’t just an unpleasant side effect. It’s a warning sign that mould and bacteria could grow on your carpet, seriously affecting your home and health. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore it:
You might think you can get rid of the smell yourself using air fresheners, carpet sprays, or by leaving the windows open. However, these quick fixes rarely solve the problem for good. Most DIY cleaning solutions only target the surface of the carpet, which isn’t where the problem lies. The moisture and bacteria that cause the smell are often trapped deeper down, and household cleaners simply don’t have the power to reach them.
In fact, some over-the-counter cleaning products can even make the problem worse by adding more moisture to your carpet, which can encourage more mould growth.
This is where professional carpet cleaners in Cambridge, like Art of Clean, can make a huge difference. We use industrial-grade equipment and specialised cleaning solutions designed to reach deep into your carpet’s fibres, removing the moisture and the bacteria causing the smell.
Here’s why a professional carpet cleaner is your best option:
The faster you act, the easier it is to resolve the problem. Leaving the issue unchecked can lead to more severe and long-lasting damage. Here are some key benefits of getting your carpets professionally cleaned as soon as you notice a damp smell:
At Art of Clean, we understand how frustrating dealing with damp, musty smells in carpets after a water leak can be. While we always do our best to restore your carpets, it’s important to be honest—if the smell has been there too long, we may be unable to remove it completely. We pride ourselves on being upfront and will let you know if replacing the carpet might be better.
If that’s the case, our sister company, Art of Flooring, specialises in carpet fitting and would be more than happy to assist. If you’re outside our area, you can find trusted local carpet cleaners by searching your area on the NCCA website.
Whether we can fully restore your carpets or simply offer guidance, you can rely on us for transparent and dependable service.
Your carpets will be thanking you – and so will your nose!
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry-Cleaning service
