How to Eliminate Fish Odor from Carpet

Quck answer

Fish smell in carpets can be unpleasant and difficult to remove. To get rid of the odor, follow these steps:

1. Begin by blotting the affected area with paper towels or a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture.

2. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

3. Spray the solution onto the fish-smelling area of the carpet and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

4. Blot the area again with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb the vinegar solution.

5. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit overnight to absorb any remaining odor.

6. Vacuum the carpet the next day to remove the baking soda.

7. If the odor persists, repeat the process or consider using a carpet cleaner specifically designed for pet odors.


There are several effective methods to remove an oily fish smell from carpet spills. Dried coffee grounds, cat litter, baking soda, and activated charcoal can all safely remove or neutralize the unpleasant fishy odor.

Clean Up Spills First

When fish oil or spills from fish dishes get onto the carpet, it is important to clean the spill immediately to aid in odor removal.

  • Create a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 1 part spring water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the affected area on the carpet thoroughly.
  • Allow the vinegar and water mixture to sit for approximately 15 minutes.
  • Blot up any excess moisture using a clean cloth or paper towels.

Lemons

Both chefs and individuals who fish are aware that lemons not only add flavor to fish but also eliminate the unpleasant fish odor from hands or utensils. Before applying this method to the entire carpet, test it on a hidden area to avoid color fading. Once confirmed, pour a small amount of lemon juice from a concentrate or a real lemon directly onto the smelly part of the carpet. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, then blot up any excess moisture.

Baking Soda, Coffee Grounds, or Activated Charcoal

Generously sprinkle your chosen product, whether it be baking soda, dried coffee grounds (used and then dried or new), or activated charcoal, directly onto the cleaned but still smelly area of the carpet. Leave the treatment on the carpet for at least 24 hours before vacuuming. To add a pleasant scent to the room, simmer the peel of an orange, a stick of cinnamon, and a teaspoon of whole cloves in water or place a few bowls of vinegar in the room to freshen the air.

Cat Litter Rescue

To quickly remove the odor, sprinkle cat litter over a fish oil spill on the carpet.

  • Allow the cat litter to sit on the stain until it absorbs all the liquid.
  • Do not vacuum the cat litter, as it will leave a smell in the vacuum cleaner. Instead, sweep the debris into a dustpan and dispose of it in an outdoor trash can.
  • Sprinkle the spot with baking soda and let it sit overnight before vacuuming.

Commercial Carpet Deodorizers

After cleaning the area with mild detergent and warm water and allowing it to dry, apply a fragrant commercial carpet deodorizer directly onto the fish-smelling area of the carpet. Work the deodorizer into the carpet and leave it until the next time you vacuum. These fragrances essentially mask the odor until the baking soda in the product absorbs the odors.

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