Do you suspect that you have mold in your carpet or have you seen signs of hazardous fungi growth? If so, it is important to approach the problem quickly and with care. Mold in the home can result in a wide array of health complications, such as throat and eye irritations, stuffy nose, wheezing, and in severe cases allergic reactions. While killing mold in carpeting is no easy task, it is possible. Before discarding your carpet, take the necessary steps to properly clean and sanitize your flooring.
Steps to Removing Mold From Carpet
When dealing with mold, it is important to take precautions to protect your eyes, mouth, and hands. If possible, use a mask to avoid breathing in the spores. Also use eye protection, such as goggles, and rubber gloves to avoid direct contact with the mold. You may also want to perform a basic mold test using a mold testing kit to ensure that the mold is limited to the carpet and does not exist elsewhere in the home.
The process of how to remove mold from carpet involves a series of steps, each one consecutively important.
1. Use Steam Cleaner For a Base Cleaning
When trying to remove mold from carpet, begin with a base cleaning. This can be achieved with a steam cleaner. Unlike certain cleaning agents that discolor the mold making it unnoticeable against the surrounding carpet, steam cleaners actually kill mold by penetrating the fibers. In the absence of a steam cleaner, performing a base cleaning can be done manually with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. Using a rag, gently scrub the mixture into the carpet to help loosen and remove the bulk of the mold.
2. Prepare Solution & Apply
After a thorough base cleaning, the next step involves a bleach mixture. Bleach has the ability to kill mold on contact and neutralize spores and allergens. However, bleach can also discolor carpets so it is important to dilute the bleach. For the average household carpet, create a mixture of one cup household bleach, also known as hypochlorite solution, with one gallon of water. Apply the bleach solution directly to the affected area of carpet and allow it to soak in for about 10 to 15 minutes before moving onto the next step.
3. Extract & Repeat
After waiting the allotted time for the bleach solution to kill the mold, extract any remaining solution from the carpet using the steam cleaner’s extraction option or any other water extractor. A second heat treatment with the steam cleaner will help kill any remaining mold. The steam cleaner will also serve for other functions, such as removing dirt and bacteria from the carpet. The heat emitted from the steam cleaner helps sanitize the carpet and discourages new mold growth.
4. Dry the Carpet
The final step in the process involves drying the carpet. Moisture is what encourages mold to grow making this a critical step. Dry the entire carpet as much as possible right after cleaning. Start by using dry towels to pat down the carpet and absorb any excess moisture that may be lingering. Placing fans near the carpet will help encourage the carpet to dry faster. Remember to thoroughly wash the towels that you use to dry your carpet to prevent the spread of mold spores, using hot water and bleach.
Why Consider a Professional Carpet Cleaning?
Do-it-yourself mold removal can sometimes be effective if you are able to recognize the first signs of mold growth and stop it early. However, the process can become much more complicated if the problem is more progressed. Household cleaners are often inefficient at cleaning mold and fungicide sprays may only remedy the problem temporarily.
When you contact a professional carpet cleaning service, you can ensure that the mold will be removed completely without causing damage to your carpet. In addition, professional carpet cleaners possess the proper equipment and products needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Speak to a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company
Need help removing mold from carpet? Contact the carpet cleaning experts at Safe-Dry. Safe-Dry uses a textile-safe carbonated solution to thoroughly clean rugs, upholstery, and carpets. When it comes to mold growth in carpets, it is important to work quickly to ensure that the mold does not spread or become airborne, resulting in a host of respiratory illnesses. For more information on removing mold from carpet, contact Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning today.