Mold can appear anywhere in our homes, especially when there has been recent flooding or high humidity levels, and carpets are no exception. As anyone with experience knows, removing mold from a carpet can be extremely tricky, which is why we will show you how to remove it the right way.
Topics Covered
- How to tell if your carpet has mold
- Methods for removing mold from carpet
- Deep steam cleaning
- Tea tree oil
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Baking soda
- Cutting
- Preventive measures
How to tell if your carpet has mold
In most cases, mold grows underneath the carpet and will begin to show on the top as black or brown blotches. It’s harder to see on dark colored carpets but shows very clearly on light colors.
Another clear indicator is a musty smell, while in more extreme cases, allergies will flare-up.
Methods for removing mold from carpets
There are multiple ways of dealing with a carpet mold problem, which we will discuss below. However, you first have to ask yourself if the rug or carpet in question is even worth saving. For example, if you have fitted wall to wall carpets in your basement or bathroom, then it would be best to remove them altogether and lay down tiles – since those are high-risk areas. We will further discuss this in the last segment of this page.
Furthermore, the severity of the infestation and how long it has been there is another thing to consider. The longer you had the problem on your carpet, the more damaged it has become, and the less likely it is that you will be able to save it.
Deep steam cleaning
Deep steam cleaning is a good way of killing fungi and bacteria since the steam and cleaning detergent penetrates right through all the carpet layers. You could hire an experienced steam cleaning company to do the work, or you could buy your own small, portable steam cleaner.
Either way, your carpets will be damp after the cleaning process, which could fuel further mold growth. That is why it’s essential to vacuum as much water out as possible with the steam cleaner and place a blow dryer or fan on the carpet until it’s thoroughly dry.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has many incredible anti-bacterial properties, which makes it ideal for killing mold. To use it, fill a spray bottle with warm water and add a teaspoon of tea tree oil. Spray the mixture onto the affected area and allow it 30 to 60 minutes to saturate. Afterward, wipe the moldy area with a clean cloth.
Grapefruit seed extract
Grapefruit seed extract yields very similar results as tea tree oil, as both are well suited for mold removal. Add ten drops of grapefruit seed extract to a spray bottle of warm water and spray onto the problem area. Allow 30 to 60 minutes to soak in before wiping clean with a cloth.
Baking soda and white vinegar
Using baking soda in conjunction with vinegar is another excellent method. Keep in mind that it’s best to use white vinegar to prevent staining the carpet. Pour some white vinegar onto the affected area and scrub it in. Let it soak for 30 minutes and then add a generous amount of baking soda and allow it to sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb the dampness left behind from the vinegar while removing odors from the carpet. Vacuum up all the remaining baking soda residue the following day.
Cutting out the affected areas
There may be some cases where mold has eaten its way right through the carpet. The best thing to do in this type of situation is to cut out the damaged area of the carpet and have those sections replaced. It might be best to call an expert if you lack the technical know-how.
Preventive measures
Removing mold from carpets is not a fun task, which is why taking the following precautionary steps are the best remedy. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Tile wherever possible: Lay down tiles wherever possible. Not only are tiles a lot easier to clean, but they are also far more hygienic.
Remove carpeting from sensitive areas: Do the high-risk areas in your home have wall to wall carpeting? Such areas include basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms – basically, anywhere you have regular high humidity levels and water use.
Vacuum regularly: Mold spores are a lot more common in our homes than one would think. Add humidity or a water source, and it won’t be long before this horrible fungi flourishes. Minimize the number of mold spores by keeping your carpet clean with regular HEPA vacuuming.
Keep your home well ventilated: Hot musty indoor air is your worst enemy. Keep your home well ventilated by opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate. A dehumidifier will significantly help in this regard.
Sun dry loose rugs: It’s strongly recommended to wash loose rugs regularly, and the best way to dry them is to hang them out in the sun.
Keep carpets dry: How many times have you or someone you know spilled some water or other liquids onto a carpeted area and just left it or put a towel onto the spot and hope for the best? The best thing to do in that situation is to put some baking soda on the wet spot for an hour or two and then vacuum it up. Baking soda does a great job of extracting liquids.
More information
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