How to Get Mold Out of Carpet
Mold spores thrive in moist environments and can cause serious health issues for your family. If your carpet is affected, take steps to get it mold-free as soon as possible.
A mildly infected area can quickly develop into a major issue, especially since the spores are undetectable at first. Regular inspections and the right cleaning tools can prevent mold from spreading throughout your home.
Causes
Mold growth can happen when dirt is left in the carpet for a long time. This happens because dirt is hygroscopic and can soak up moisture easily. This is why it is important to vacuum regularly and clean stains right away. If you have a high-humidity environment in your home, it is best to use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels below 50%.
Mold can also be caused by spills and stains that are not cleaned immediately. This is because mold spores thrive in a moist environment and will quickly grow if the stain is not treated right away.
Another common cause of mold in carpet is a leaky roof or faulty plumbing. The water that is leaking into the carpet will create a perfect environment for mold to grow and can even lead to further damage to your home. Mold spores release toxins that can cause allergies, eye irritation, sneezing, itching and other respiratory problems. This is especially true for infants and children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms
A musty odor is one of the most common symptoms of mold in carpet. This musty odor is caused by the release of toxic spores by the mold. The spores then spread into the air where people breathe them. This can cause health problems for people with allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma. It is especially harmful for infants and children.
If you notice a musty smell, it is important to have the carpet tested for mold. It is also a good idea to have the floor underneath examined for mold. You should always wear personal protective equipment when working with mold, including a mask and gloves. You can clean mildly infected carpet by scrubbing the affected area with a mixture of water and dishwashing detergent. You should also saturate the back of the carpet and the floor beneath with an anti-fungal spray that is safe for use on carpet. Allow the carpet to dry completely before using it again.
Treatment
A mold problem in a carpeted room or bedroom can be quite an annoyance, but if you act quickly, the issue can be resolved. Ensure you wear personal protective equipment as some moulds can cause allergic reactions, and consider bringing in an expert to assess the situation and clean it.
If the area rug or carpet can be removed, hang it outside and let it dry in direct sunlight for several days to kill mold spores. If that isn’t possible, you can also saturate the affected area with a fungicidal solution. Look for products that specifically state they are safe to use on carpets and follow the application instructions carefully.
Vinegar is another do-it-yourself option to treat mildly infected carpets. Use it in a spray bottle, or mix it with water and a teaspoon of tea tree oil or 10 drops of grapefruit seed oil. Be sure to test the spray on an inconspicuous part of the carpet beforehand to ensure it does not discolor it.
Prevention
To prevent mold growth in carpet, remove any porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours. These include carpeting and carpet padding, wallpaper, floor and ceiling tiles, drywall, and insulation material. These items must be cleaned and dried or replaced.
When cleaning a moldy area, it is important to wear face masks and rubber gloves. This will help prevent mold spores from blowing into other areas of the home. It is also important to use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels.
Regularly vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum will reduce dust and other allergens that can trigger mold growth in the future. It is best to avoid installing carpet in rooms that are susceptible to moisture such as basements. Instead, consider using hard floors or high quality rubber-slab carpet padding with antibacterial properties.
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