Carpet mold can produce an unpleasant odor, damage the carpet and cause shortness of breath for people with asthma. Check under furniture regularly for mold on carpet surfaces. It will be much more difficult to deal with mold problems if the mold has reached the back of the carpet. However, there are several ways you can try. Professional carpet cleaners have certain machines and treatments, but some of the equipment can be rented from an equipment rental service without having to call professionals.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing Carpet Mold with Home Appliances
Step 1. Check the carpet
If the mold has reached the bottom of the carpet, you'll need extra effort to remove it. In this case, consider calling a professional carpet cleaner. If mold has developed in large numbers on the back of the carpet, you will need to replace the carpet.
Step 2. Blow air into the room
Open all windows and doors in the room where the carpet is moldy. Airflow will reduce humidity that can encourage mold growth and reduce the odor caused by mold. If you want to use a chemical cleaning product, the airflow can reduce the risk of irritation to your lungs and eyes.
If there are no windows in the room, turn on a fan that points to the door to the outside
Step 3. Dry the carpet if possible
If the rug is removable, take it outside and hang it on a sturdy drying rack. 24-48 hours of direct sunlight can help kill mold spores and remove moisture that can encourage mold growth.
It will take longer for the carpet to dry if the moisture has seeped into the back of the carpet, not just the top fibers. Leave the carpet in direct sunlight in an area with good airflow for a few days
Step 4. Remove moisture with baking soda
This can absorb moisture and reduce unpleasant odors. However, apart from the mildest fungal problem, further work needs to be done. Sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area. Leave overnight and then clean with a vacuum cleaner.
You can use talc-free baby powder. Avoid using baby powder that contains talc because it can cause serious damage if inhaled
Step 5. Rub with white vinegar
While vinegar doesn't kill every species of fungus, it is an inexpensive and often effective option. Use white vinegar to avoid stains, apply a small amount with a spray bottle, then scrub with a strong brush. Dry the rug with a dryer or air it in a well-ventilated area to avoid leaving moisture behind, which can invite mold back.
Some people report success in mixing equal parts vinegar with roasted spirit
Method 2 of 3: Remove Carpet Mold with Commercial or Professional Treatment
Step 1. Use an antifungal medication
Antifungal sprays are available in most supermarkets and drugstores. Check the label for instructions on how to use it and make sure that the product is carpet safe. Antifungal medications made specifically for kitchens or bathrooms can have the potential to fade or damage carpets.
Products containing "encapsulating" or "mildew-inhibiting" drugs leave a clear barrier on the carpet fibers preventing future mold growth. This is recommended for carpets that are in humid conditions
Step 2. Try using a carpet cleaning product
Carpet cleaning products that contain deodorant will remove the moldy smell and kill the fungus itself. Follow the steps listed on the product label because these products vary.
Several people have reported success using Vanish detergent for carpets
Step 3. Use chlorine dioxide with care
Some mildew removal products are made from chlorine dioxide. However, you need to be careful because these chemicals can change the color of the carpet. Do a test on a small area that is usually covered by furniture. Follow the instructions on the product label. You may need a water vacuum to remove the substance from the carpet after use.
Use chlorine dioxide in areas with good airflow, as it can produce vapors that can damage the lungs and eyes. Move to another room if you feel short of breath or start coughing
Step 4. Rent a steam cleaner
Specialized steam cleaners are available for homeowners to borrow. This tool can be an effective way of removing tough-to-clean mold. It is very important to dry the carpet immediately after cleaning. Otherwise, the water used in this way will be left behind and encourage the growth of new mold. Use an air dryer or keep the carpet out of the sun and turn on the fan pointing at the carpet.
Do not attempt to steam clean carpets without a special machine. If not done properly, the use of steam or hot water can shrink or damage the carpet
Step 5. Call the professionals
Professionals may have more experience identifying specific fungi, as well as have specialized equipment and chemicals. If you have tried steam cleaning, call in a professional to perform dry ice blowing or other means.
Step 6. Remove the affected area
If you are dealing with large colonies of mold that have grown to the back of the carpet, you may decide to replace the area as a more cost-effective method of time and money. When cutting the damaged area of the carpet, cut more than 30 centimeters on all sides to ensure complete cleaning.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Carpet Mold
Step 1. Treat possible sources of mold and moisture
Antifungal polyethylene cloth or professional handling is required for crawl spaces or underfloor padding to prevent further mold growth. Check the vents, cabinets and underside of the upholstery to ensure that all sources of mold have been found and removed. If possible, also check the underside of the carpet.
Most moldy upholstery can be treated in the same way as carpet. Do a test on the edges to make sure that the color of the coating is not affected
Step 2. Increase airflow
The airflow helps evaporate the moisture, drying out the wet areas where mold thrives. Open a window or turn on a fan at least two hours a day.
If possible, open windows in the morning to remove any moisture that has built up overnight
Step 3. Turn on the air dryer
If you live in a humid area or there is no easy way to get air into the room, buy an air dryer. Turn it on at night to remove part of the moisture from the air before it settles on the carpet.
Step 4. Clean with a vacuum cleaner regularly
Sweeping can be effective, but dust and mold spores will be trapped by the carpet in the carpet fibers. This makes vacuum cleaners the preferred choice. “Shark” vacuum cleaners can be more effective, but tend to be much more expensive.
Step 5. Leave the room lights on
Mushrooms thrive in dark places. Turning on the light can reduce its spread. You can try using energy-saving lamps for a certain time. You can also try using a light sleeper at night.
While an ordinary fluorescent bulb can prevent the spread of mold, a special UV C lamp can help detect and kill mold spores
Step 6. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner after removing major mold colonies
Once serious mold colonies are removed, it is recommended that you rent a HEPA vacuum cleaner or filter to remove the last mold spores from the area. Close air ducts and windows before using them to minimize the number of spores moving to other areas of the house.
