Mold infestation is a serious problem, and it needs immediate intervention. Mold spores are dangerous as they can cause health problems. Not to mention they destroy your furniture, property and other valuable items.
Cleaning mold on a hard surface like metal is pretty straightforward. You only need to scrub the surface with a mold removing solution, and that’s it.
However, when mold finds its way to a carpet or area rug, it’ll need a lot of work to remove.
Thankfully, this is not impossible. Here is how to remove mold from carpet quickly.
How to Remove Mold from Carpet?
#1. Allow Enough Ventilation
Ventilation is a crucial step when cleaning mold from a room.
You need to ensure that the room gets enough air to get rid of mold smell and moisture. So open the doors and windows fully.
Additionally, while the mold isn’t dangerous, it doesn’t hurt to take the necessary precautions.
So wear gloves, eye protection and a facemask before you start cleaning.
You may also want to remove your carpet from the room and take it outside for about two days to get fresh air.
#2. Lift the Side of the Carpet with Mold
If mold is in a small area, cleaning with the right solution can get it out.
However, if it is on the entire rug, you should consider replacing it.
Cut out the area where mold is on the carpet, ensuring that you leave about 12 inches around.
Then, find a replacement piece and fix it in that area.
If this doesn’t help, you may need to replace the carpet.
#3. Use Baking Soda to Remove Mold
Baking soda has been used for a long time as a mold cleaner.
Put some baking soda in the mold and leave it overnight.
The baking soda will soak moisture and odor from mold.
Then in the morning, add vinegar to the mold and use a scrubbing brush to get the mold out.
#4. Use a Vacuum with a HEPA Filter to Remove the Remaining Mold
Once you have used it, remember to change the filter as it might contain mold.
Consider using a broom and dustpan as an alternative for vacuums without a HEPA filter.
Make sure you have a trash bag to throw away the remaining mold into it.
#5. Use a Fan or Dehumidifier
Vinegar will make the carpet moist. So make sure to open the window or use a fan/dehumidifier to dry out the room.
Also, when choosing vinegar, opt for the white distilled as it’s not harmful to your health, objects or the environment.
How to Remove Musty Smell from Carpet?
Mold can cause an unpleasant and dangerous smell. But, you can easily remove the smell.
Step 1: The first step is to dry out the rug. Note that often the smell comes from excess moisture in the carpet. Therefore, drying it can help get rid of the smell.
Step 2: Once your rug is dry, vacuum it to remove any mold remnants.
Step 3: Then, apply a mixture of water and vinegar. Vinegar helps absorb stubborn odors. Also, consider adding baking soda as it neutralizes the odor.
Step 4: Then, wait overnight for the mixture to work.
What Kills Mold and Mildew in Carpet?
1. Consider Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture
Baking soda and vinegar mixture is the best solution to kill mold and mildew for those who want a natural cleaning method.
Sprinkle baking soda in the area, then use a spray bottle to spray vinegar into the carpet.
2. Use Steam Cleaners
You can also consider heating mold and mildew in carpets using a steam cleaner.
Apply heat to the affected areas for at least twelve seconds.
Then after treating the carpet, dry it immediately to prevent the moisture from steam from encouraging new mold to grow.
3. Consider Anti-Fungal Treatment
Lastly, think of using an anti-fungal treatment to kill mold and mildew.
This usually includes an encapsulate or mold barrier that kills and prevents mold from growing in the feature.
Saturate the treatment in the affected area and the other nearby areas, blot using a rug and give it time to dry.
Can Mold in Carpet Make You Sick?
Yes.
If you are sensitive to mold, touching or inhaling mold spores can activate allergic reactions.
Therefore, you may experience sneezing, red eyes, runny nose or skin rash. In severe cases, one may experience trouble breathing.
Also, breathing the spores can cause asthma attacks for people with asthma.
Additionally, mold exposure can cause skin, eye, throat, lungs and nose irritations.
Children, the elderly, people with a compromised immune system and those with chronic lung disease are at a higher risk of a mold reaction.
