Fall is a fantastic time of year, with its beautiful foliage, crisp weather, and pumpkin spice everything. However, it’s not all pumpkin patches and hayrides – if you’ve ever left a pumpkin sitting around for too long, you know that the smell can be pretty unpleasant. Not to worry, though. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily banish that rotten pumpkin smell and get back to enjoying the autumn season.
So let’s dive into some effective methods for getting rid of that stinky smell and restoring freshness to your home.
Do Rotting Pumpkins Smell?
Yes, rotting pumpkins can emit a very strong and unpleasant odor. As the pumpkin begins to decompose, bacteria and mold growing on the surface, causing a chemical reaction that produces a gas called methane.
This gas is responsible for the foul smell commonly associated with rotting pumpkins.
What Does Rotten Pumpkin Smell Like
When a pumpkin starts to rot, it can produce a pungent, unpleasant smell that’s often described as similar to that of a vegetable compost bin. The smell can be strong and overpowering, with a musty or moldy undertone.
Some people also describe the smell as sour or acidic. If you’ve ever smelled rotten vegetables or spoiled fruit, the odor of a rotting pumpkin is similar in nature
Can Rotten Pumpkin Make You Sick?
Yes, a rotten pumpkin can make you sick if you consume it. When pumpkins start to rot, they can develop bacteria and mold that can cause food poisoning or other illnesses.
These bacteria and mold can produce harmful toxins that can make you sick if ingested.
Symptoms of pumpkin poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
How to Get Rid of Rotten Pumpkin Smell (5 Effective Ways)
If you’re dealing with a rotten pumpkin smell in your home, there are several ways you can tackle it. Here are five methods you can try to get rid of that unpleasant odor:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can absorb odors from the air. To use baking soda to get rid of the rotten pumpkin smell, follow these steps:
- Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the area where the pumpkin was located.
- Let the baking soda sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb the odor.
- Vacuum up the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural deodorizer that can help neutralize the smell of a rotten pumpkin. Here’s how to use it:
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture over the area where the pumpkin was located.
- Let the vinegar mixture sit for at least an hour to absorb the odor.
- Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Ozium Air Sanitizer Spray
Ozium Air Sanitizer Spray is a popular air freshener that can help eliminate strong odors. Here’s how to use it:
- Spray the Ozium Air Sanitizer Spray in the air around the area where the pumpkin was located.
- Let the spray settle and dry on its own. Do not wipe it away.
Lysol Disinfectant Spray
Lysol Disinfectant Spray can also help eliminate odors and kill bacteria. Here’s how to use it:
- Spray the Lysol Disinfectant Spray over the area where the pumpkin was located.
- Let the spray sit for a few minutes to allow it to disinfect and absorb the odor.
- Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
DampRid Moisture Absorber With Activated Charcoal
DampRid Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal is a product that can help absorb excess moisture in the air, which can cause odors. Here’s how to use it:
- Place the DampRid Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal in the area where the pumpkin was located.
- Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb excess moisture and odors.
- Replace the DampRid Moisture Absorber with a new one as needed.
How to Get Rotten Pumpkin Smell Out of Carpet
If you have a rotten pumpkin smell on your carpet, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove the odor:
- Remove any visible pumpkin residue from the carpet. Use gloves and paper towels to pick up as much of the pumpkin as possible. Discard the paper towels immediately.
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove any remaining pumpkin debris.
- You can use a commercial odor-removing cleaner, or you can make your own cleaner with white vinegar and water. For the homemade cleaner, mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the cleaner over the entire carpet, making sure to saturate any areas where the odor is particularly strong.
- Let the cleaner sit on the carpet for at least 15 minutes. This will give it time to break down the odor-causing bacteria.
- After the cleaner has had time to work, use a clean, damp cloth to blot up the excess moisture. Repeat this process until the carpet is only slightly damp.
- Finally, let the carpet air dry completely. This may take several hours, but it’s important to let the carpet dry completely to prevent any mold or mildew from forming.
