Carpets, throw pillows, upholstery, bed linens, and window covers are magnets for smells. Once a spill dries or dirt gets wiped away, odor-causing bacteria can still stay behind. In carpets, a missed stain can lead to mold or mildew. The maker recommends having a professional steam-clean your upholstery and carpets once a year. For throw pillows, bed linens, and window covers, check the fabric care labels to see if they can be machine-washed.
The easiest way to avoid smells on a carpet is to quickly attack any spill. Biological stains, like an accident from a pet or a child, should be treated with an enzyme cleaner.