Don't get skunked by a stinky rug

Q: I bought an area rug and now it really stinks. I've tried airing it and cleaning it. Is there anything else to be done? What causes rugs to stink?

A: Odors, unless caused by pets or mildew, have to do with how the rug was made. Typically, odors occur when rugs are made by punching fibers into a latex backing, sometimes called hand-tufted. It's the type of latex used that causes the odor, which is sometimes described as a burning-rubber smell, moldy or acrid. It can start within weeks or over time. Odors can become more noticeable with high humidity or when there's less air movement in a room. Cleaning or treating the rug won't help. It's best to move on.

If it isn't a punched rug, however, cleaning may solve the problem. A rug cleaner can help you identify the type of rug and determine whether it's better to clean it or throw it away.

The next time you buy a rug:

• Learn about the different types of area rugs: hand-knotted, hand-tufted, machine-made, etc. Although not all machine-made or hand-tufted rugs will have odor problems, they are more likely to cause problems.

• Buy from a reputable company or store, one that will be around if you should have problems. Carefully review the company's return policy.

• Keep copies of sales slips and all materials that come with the rug purchase.

• Be careful when buying secondhand rugs, especially those you can't "nose test," such as from online sites like eBay or Craigslist. What seems like a good deal may not be.

Includes information from Keljik's Oriental Rugs in Minneapolis.

Fix It is an occasional feature. Send your questions to fixit@startribune.com. Sorry, no personal replies.