My toilet overflowed onto carpeting outside the bathroom. There was a lot of water. Now the carpet smells like rot. Can the carpet be saved? My husband tried using Resolve and Carpet Fresh. It worked for a day but the smell came back the next day. Does the carpet and/or the padding need to be replaced?

Credendovidis

It does not need to be replaced : it needs to be cleaned.
Note : your carpet and padding has been soaked with watered down sewage !!!
With such a contaminating I strongly suggest to take it up, and "wash"/"rinse" it in the bathroom tub.
I doubt the padding can be "rinsed", so you may have to replace that.
No other way will remove so much of the dirt that is in it now.
Afterwards hang it to dry outside. Do not apply any heat (crimping).
Of course if you can afford it, the (next) best thing to do is replace both carpet and padding!
Success!
As always : if this solves your problem, please rate the answer(s) provided! Feed back is always appreciated!

ballengerb1

The padding will be extremely difficult to clean and dry, throw it out. Keep in mind that the sub floor is probably soaked by now also. The carpet might be salvagible but thats a crap shoot too.

ac101

The padding is a lost cause just get rid of it, I agree with ballengerb that whether or not the carpet can be saved is a crap shoot there is a chance no matter how well you clean it some odor may still remain. I would start by pulling up the carpet and removing the pad then let the subfloor dry out completely a floor fan could speed this up some. this will also allow the carpet to some dry time. Next replace the pad and finally either reuse your old carpet and hope or replace with fresh new carpet. I personally would opt for replacement if at all within my budget. good luck, ac