Using Vinegar As a Carpet Mould Remover

Using vinegar as a carpet mould remover is one of the most popular methods available. Vinegar kills mold spores and disinfects the affected area. It is best used for small patches of mold and mildew.

First, use a dry cloth to blot the sprayed area. Avoid rubbing the affected areas; vigorous agitation can send spores airborne, making the problem worse.

Vinegar

While chemical cleaners may be best for large mold and mildew infestations, they aren’t always needed. Vinegar has natural antifungal properties that can eliminate small-scale fungus outbreaks in carpeting and other surfaces. It’s best used in combination with baking soda or other home remedies that have fungicidal properties.

Mold spores require water to grow, so removing any moisture from a surface is one of the best ways to prevent an infestation. Mold can cause serious health problems in families, especially those with allergies or asthma, and immunocompromised individuals.

Use a brush to apply a light coating of vinegar to the affected area. Allow it to sit for about an hour before blotting it with a dry cloth to soak up excess liquid. Resist the temptation to use a fan to accelerate drying, as this can blow spores to other areas of your house. Let the carpet air-dry and sanitize with a dehumidifier or heat before reusing it.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Mold spores can cause health problems like allergies, asthma attacks, and breathing concerns. Breathing in these spores can be a real problem for those who are susceptible to them, but it can be prevented.

One of the best ways to prevent mildew and mold from growing in your carpet is to keep humidity low, as spores love damp environments. A humidity meter can be used to monitor the air quality in your home.

Another great way to prevent mildew and mold from growing is to have your carpets cleaned regularly. Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning can help to keep your carpets free from mold and other bacteria.

Hydrogen peroxide can be an excellent alternative to vinegar for removing mildew and mold from your carpets, but it is more likely to discolor the fibers of your carpet. If you are concerned about the effect of hydrogen peroxide on your carpet, spot test it first.

Baking Soda

The same chemical reaction that makes baked goods rise also works to eliminate mold stains from carpet. Sprinkle the moldy area generously with baking soda and leave it overnight to absorb moisture and bad odors (2). This natural ingredient is also effective for absorbing organic stains like pet urine (3).

You can even use it as a replacement for Borax, which is often used in laundry detergents to increase fabric freshness and reduce the buildup of mildew (4). Baking soda can also be spread at the bottom of trash bins to remove garbage odors by neutralizing acidic odour molecules.

If you have serious problems with mildew, you should seek professional help. A trained technician may be able to kill the mildew from the roots and use more intensive cleaning methods, such as dry ice blasting (5). These can be more expensive, but they’re much safer and more effective than harsh chemicals. Besides, they’re less likely to cause further damage to your home.

Hot Water

While the fluffy fibres of carpet are great at keeping homes cosy and warm, they can also trap airborne mould spores. These spores are easy to clear from walls and woodwork but can be more difficult to remove from the more absorbent carpet.

The first thing you need to do is make your carpet as inhospitable as possible for the fungus. This means opening windows, using fans and dehumidifiers to dry any residual moisture or water from the carpet, then cleaning.

You can do this by scrubbing the affected area with hot soapy water and then spraying with an anti-fungal treatment. Always do a patch test before spraying – apply the treatment to an inconspicuous part of the carpet, wait a few minutes and then blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel. If the colour of the carpet doesn’t transfer, you can safely use the treatment on the whole area. Then, allow the area to dry and blot it again with a fresh, clean rag.

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