How to Clean a Wet Rug and Stop the Mildew Smell

If you're currently standing in a puddle wondering how to clean a wet rug before it starts smelling like a damp basement, you need to act fast. Dealing with a wet rug is a race against time, mostly because mold and mildew don't wait around for you to finish your coffee before they start moving in. Whether it's a spilled gallon of water, a leaky pipe, or a surprise from the dog, the goal is the same: get the water out, clean the fibers, and dry it completely. ...

May 9, 2026 · 6 min · Venkata Godat