What Kills Mold And Mildew In Carpet? Learn From The Best Guide!

A mold infestation in your house is never something you want to see, especially in areas like your carpet that get a lot of foot activity. When carpet mold is present, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid becoming a health danger. When dealing with mold, you should always consult a mold remediation specialist because there are numerous dangers that are difficult for the untrained eye to detect.

Having said that, it is possible to safely and organically remove some types of mold from carpet without resorting to harsh chemicals or spending a lot of money. Before we get started, make sure you’re well protected. Allergies to mold and its toxins can lead to a variety of unpleasant health effects, including irritation of the eyes, throat, nose, and other mucous membranes. Make sure to wear a face mask, goggles, and gloves when removing mold from carpets.

How Mold Grows

In addition to being in the air, mold spores will fall and thrive in damp regions, as previously described. Because of the high relative humidity, this is a common occurrence in restrooms. Mold will begin to grow and spread as soon as the carpet becomes wet. Before we ever see the fungus, our noses can detect it. This is a solid reason to take action as soon as you see any signs of mold.

Also, keep an eye out for mold on the neighboring walls to be sure it isn’t spreading. If this is the case, you may have a far more serious issue on your hands.

Why does mold grow on carpet?

Fungi like mold spread through the release of spores. Even in your own home, mold spores are a fact of life. Moisture is necessary for the spores to proliferate and evolve into mold, which is why mold is commonly found in damp areas like a wet basement or a poorly ventilated restroom. Carpets encourage the growth of mold because of their ability to retain moisture.

It is impossible to entirely dry a carpet once it has become wet from any source, whether it is from a ceiling leak, a basement flood, plumbing issues, or simply because you cleaned the carpet but did not allow it to completely dry before using it. The weave is linked to the backing of most carpets. Carpet can be damaged if the carpet’s backing is damp or if moisture seeps beneath it. A damp carpet will remain wet until you use fans, hot air driers, or dehumidifiers to actively dry it. It won’t take long for mold to grow on a drenched carpet.

The carpet is often overlooked in many parts of our homes. Carpet may be hiding in a closet or under a piece of heavy furniture that is rarely moved. If the carpet in one of these places gets wet, you may not notice it for a long time, allowing the mold to grow and spread.

Why is carpet mold a serious problem?

Mold can have a severe impact on the quality of the air in your home. People who are allergic to mold may experience health issues if they inhale mold spores. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that mold sensitivity can cause upper respiratory symptoms, exacerbated asthma symptoms, and eye irritation.

More severe asthma symptoms have been linked to the presence of mold by the World Health Organization (WHO) after a review of numerous studies. People who are allergic to mold may also experience allergic reactions when exposed to mold spores. Because children frequently play on the floor, carpet mold is especially dangerous because the spores can be released into the air just by stepping on it.

Mold can also produce issues that aren’t health-related. When you have mold, the musty mildew odor can permeate your entire home. Surfaces that are infested by mold are also damaged. You may wind up ruining the floor or baseboards if mold is trapped under your carpet.

What Kills Mold And Mildew In Carpet

1. Dish Washing Detergent and Water

This is the simplest remedy on this list, but it can be useful for mild mold infestations. A shop vac or rug shampoo machine can be used in conjunction with it. Remember to add the dish soap after you’ve added the hot water to prevent a buildup of bubbles. Rug wash machines make it simple to get a mold-free carpet in just a few minutes with simple instructions.

2. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda have been shown to inhibit the growth of mold while also eliminating unpleasant odors. Before flushing the area with hot water, immerse the affected area in vinegar for about an hour. A thick paste made from warm water and baking soda is then applied to the carpet and left there for another hour. To remove the mold paste from the carpet, use a brush or shop vac.

3. Lysol and Water

Using lysol and hot water in a spray bottle, you may quickly and effectively eliminate mildly affected carpet mold. Spray the affected area with a solution made from one cup of Lysol and one bottle of hot water. Wait for 25 minutes before vacuuming or using a shop vac to remove the mold and other impurities from the carpet.

4. Tea tree and Grapefruit Seed Oil

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of these potent natural oils are just two of their many excellent cleaning properties. A cup of hot water and either a teaspoon of tea tree oil or ten drops of grapefruit seed oil can be added to a spray bottle to create a solution. To remove mold and other impurities from the carpet, use a vacuum or shop vac after applying the spray and letting it sit for 10 minutes.

Act Quickly to Prevent Long-Term Effects

The mold is a concern now, regardless of how long it has existed. Aside from the fact that it’s unattractive and often smelly, it also poses a health risk to everyone who lives in the house.

Attempt to solve the problem on your own if possible. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to deal with mold problems on your own. You can stop small mold development with a spray bottle and some white vinegar, but once it’s out of control and growing like wildfire, you’ll need a lot more than that.

Flooring by the Shore has a lot of experience dealing with mold and mildew problems. Mold spores lurking in carpet fibers pose a serious health risk to New Jersey residents, and we’re devoted to removing them.

To get rid of mold, we first vacuum the area to remove any dirt, debris, or pet dander that may be present. After that, our crew employs ecologically friendly cleaning technologies to thoroughly clean your carpet. Our Hot Water and HOST Dry Extraction technique removes dust mites, mold, and other toxins effectively. – EPA

How to Prevent Carpet Mold

Most mold problems can be avoided by following these simple precautions. To avoid mold in the future, follow these guidelines:

1. Increase Ventilation

You may assist prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your house by increasing airflow. Open the windows during the day to let fresh air in if you’re in a carpeted room. We strongly advise you to do this for at least two hours a day, if not more.

Always Keep An Eye On the Weather

2. Use a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is a great way to keep a room dry and prevent mold and mildew. If you want to keep your gadget dry, face it toward the carpet. A solid rule of thumb is that it’s best to operate the air conditioner at night to remove any moisture from the atmosphere.

Place a fan next to the dehumidifier in order to circulate dry air over the carpet.

3. Treat Sources of Moisture

Spaces that are prone to condensation should be sealed off. If there are small gaps between the carpet and the floor, an anti-microbial polyethylene covering may be useful. Because plastic prevents water from penetrating the region, it will keep it dry (7).

Mold can also be found in the vents, the upholstery, and the closets. Staph infections can quickly spread through the air in any home.

4. Vacuum

It’s possible that even after you’ve removed the mold, spores are still present in the fabric. You can keep mold at bay by vacuuming on a regular basis.

When dealing with a huge mold colony, a HEPA-filtered vacuum is your best bet. These have an unique vent that collects microscopic particles and prevents them from being released into the atmosphere. The Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum has a HEPA filter, which traps 99.9% of allergens.

Conclusion

As soon as you notice the growth of mold, you’ll want to get rid of it immediately. If you need help removing it or have additional ideas for eliminating mold from carpet, please let me know! Send us a message using the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!