Almost any brand new carpet does give off some voc s fumes that leave a musty scent especially the ones made from synthetic fibres.
Remove new carpet fumes.
As a new carpet gradually releases or off gasses chemical residue the chemicals enter the air where we can smell them.
If your health is affected by the smell of new carpeting go for a voc free carpet.
Ask your carpet installer to vacuum the new carpet with a hepa filter and clean it with a hot water extraction immediately after installation to remove some of the harsh strong smelling chemicals.
Removing smell from a new carpet.
Short of removing toxic carpeting and replacing it with a healthier alternative there is a way to significantly minimize the toxic off gassing of new carpet with minimal investment.
Firstly make sure you buy a carpet having carpet and rug institute cri green label and green label plus tags on the carpet.
Within a few days to a few weeks these fumes dissipate and the carpet no longer smells.
Ask to have the carpet aired out in advance in a warehouse prior to installation to help cut down on the concentration of chemicals entering your home.
These are highly recommended as they off gas low emission chemicals.
I will never buy new chemical laden fitted carpets again.
First go with a carpet that has a carpet and rug institute green label and green label plus tags on it.
You only have to go in to a carpet store and the smell knocks you back.
Just to relate my experience with carpet moth eaten carpets which i took up and left the bare boards with wool old oriental rugs down hopefully non toxic but watching out for carpet moth.
These are highly recommended since they have been tested in the laboratories for off gassing.
So as the new carpet gradually releases or off gasses the chemicals they enter the air where we can smell them.
The popular new carpet smell is familiar to anyone that has had new standard carpet installed.
The vocs responsible for new carpet smell are 4 phenylcyclohexene 4 pch and to a lesser extent styrene.
The smell can be stuck in memory for decades to come and the health effects may stick around as well.
New woollen carpets will also come with a weak wool smell which can get stronger if the material is wet or damp.
Some people are very sensitive to voc s and may have respiratory problems in response to new carpeting.
3 steps to remove new carpet odor.
Consider installing solid surface flooring such as tile or solid hardwood flooring with area rugs instead of a fully carpeted floor.