How To Treat Mold Under Carpet

Schedule Professional Carpet Cleaning Services

Mold is a health hazard and can cause unsightly staining and offensive odors in your home. Professional carpet cleaning can help return your carpets back to their original condition by killing mold and mildew. For more information about what kills mold and mildew in carpet or to schedule professional carpet cleaning services, contact the expert carpet cleaners at Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning.

Consider Retreating Or Replacing Carpeting

If an initial white vinegar or Borax treatment is not effective, a property owner should weigh the pros and cons of attempting another DIY mold removal treatment. The longer mold is permitted to grow in a structure, the more severe an infestation may become, leading up to a more extensive and expensive professional cleaning.

Mold remediation experts can help homeowners and commercial building owners make informed decisions about attempting to clean moldy carpet. In some cases, the cost of replacing the carpet may be less in terms of money and time than repeated cleanup attempts. In other cases, natural cleansing solutions, such as vinegar, may not kill a particular type of mold.

It is impossible to identify the species of mold growing on carpet without professional testing and lab analysis. Air, batch or surface samples submitted for lab analysis can be positively identified, along with the allergenic or toxigenic status of an infestation.

In general, carpet that is supporting toxigenic mold should be replaced. It is also worth noting that while most mold cleaning solutions kill spores and reduce the amount of microbial volatile organic compounds released into the air during the growth cycle of colonies, toxigenic compounds can linger in a structure even after cleanup is complete.

How To Kill Carpet Mold With Vinegar Or Bleach

• Spray an even layer of cleaning solution over the moldy spot, then let it sit for at least an hour
• After that, give it a good scrub while wearing your respirator
• You can let this dry overnight blow dry it or if the carpet is easily removable you can hang it outside in direct sunlight
• Sunlight can kill mold outright, but its best to combine that method with a cleaner to remove the mold with certainty

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Dry And Ventilate The Affected Area

So, youve found the mold and/or mildew. The first thing you need to do is make the carpet an inhospitable environment for the spores. Mold is looking for a place that is dark, damp, and warm.

Open the windows and turn on the fans. Dry up any residual moisture or water, then focus on lowering the humidity in the room. Not only will this discourage the spores from spreading more, but it will also likely minimize the effects youve been noticing such as unpleasant odors, allergic reactions, etc.

How Often Should I Deep Clean

Twice a year deep cleaning is usually sufficient for a family of 4 in a home without allergies or asthma. However, if you have pets, allergies or asthma, or high traffic areas of carpet such as in a school or business, deep cleaning more frequently is recommended. Check out How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Carpet? for more information about commercial cleaning frequency.

Hard surfaces can be much more easily sanitized or disinfected, and they hold much lower levels of allergens and pollutants. We highly recommend that you remove as much carpet as possible and replace the carpet with hard surface flooring.

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Seal Moldy Areas After They Dry

• Set out dehumidifiers and new fans to dry the now-cleaned areas for at least three days, then check them by sight and smell for mold.
• Pro tip: If you discover more mold, clean again with bleach for mold remediation.

How To Prevent Mold Growth In Carpet

The best method for combating mold isto not allow mold growth in the first place. The best way to do sois by ensuring that conditions conducive to growth do not exist. Beloware some ways to prevent mold growth in carpets.

Reduce indoor humidity. The use of dehumidifiers will help control moisture in the air, depriving mold spores of the water they need to grow into mold. A range of 30% to 60% humidity is acceptable for interiors.

Install intelligently. Do not install carpeting in areas that are likely to be subject to frequent, high moisture. Carpet in a bathroom, for example, will quickly turn to a breeding ground for mold growth due to the high humidity from constant water use in that area.

Choose high-quality carpet padding. Solid, rubber-slab carpet padding with anti-microbial properties is available. It is slightly more expensive than other types of padding but can be helpful for preventing the growth of mold, especially in climates prone to periods of high humidity.

Clean smart. When carpeting needs to be cleaned, try to use a dry form of cleaning, when possible. If any water, liquid, or other moisture has come in contact with the carpet during cleaning, be sure it is dried thoroughly afterward. Open windows and direct blower fans on it.

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You Should Hire The Company That Offers The Lowest Price

If money is your only concern, then yesgo ahead and spend as little money as possible. But dont complain when your carpets are underwhelmingly clean or, in the worst case, destroyed.

On the other hand, if you think long term, you should ask around and compare both the prices and the quality of service that companies offer. You will very likely find a company that will make your carpet super clean for just a slightly higher price.

Cleaning Mold From Carpets Using Baking Soda And White Vinegar

If you are looking for the best way to kill mold, white vinegar, and baking soda are the colossal team that refuses to quit. This combination is great for cleaning everything from clothing to bathtubs and works wonders on your carpet.

White vinegar alone is a disinfectant and kills most bacteria and mold. Baking soda is also a great way to get mold out of leather car seats and materials that cannot be machine washed.

• 1-2 cups of baking soda
• A few drops of essential oil

For an easy and effective DIY mildew remover, spray your carpet with a solution of water and vinegar. If the smell of white vinegar is too unappealing, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to quell the odor. Citrus scents like lemon and orange work particularly well.

Let the vinegar solution sit for about two minutes, then dab away excess moisture with a dry cloth until the carpet is barely wet. After thoroughly cleansing the area with the vinegar solution, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the carpet.

Depending on the size of the mold patch, use either one or two cups of baking soda. Let the powder sit overnight to absorb odor and the mildew. In the morning, vacuum away the remnants of the baking soda and enjoy the fresh scent! Your mold problem is solved.

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Top Ways To Kill Mold & Mildew In Carpet

So, what kills mold and mildew in carpet? This depends on the extent of the fungi growth, the type of carpet you have, and the amount of time you have to dedicate to mold and mildew removal. As mold and mildew can grow very fast in the right conditions, it is important to start treatment immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse. Here are a few ways homeowners can kill mold and mildew in carpet.

How To Get Rid Of Mold Using A Carpet Cleaning Machine

If you are using a cleansing machine to get rid of the moldy issue, then you will want to make sure you use it properly. First of all, make sure you give the machine ample time to heat up for the best results. Additionally, you need to use a proper cleaner to remove issues from the flooring. As we discussed, there are natural and chemicals cleaners you could choose from that will remove any moldy patches. If you choose to use a steam cleaner, do not use any chemicals or anything other than water with it. And make sure you read all instructions with the machine before operating it.

If you are dealing with moldy flooring and need assistance in cleaning, reach out to us for a free quote.

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Common Causes Of Carpet Mold

Mold growth can be a dangerous element, especially if it occurs in or underneath the carpet. Homeowners may not realize they have mold beneath their carpets until they suffer from symptoms such as increased allergies and respiratory problems. To prevent mold growth, homeowners should know the common causes, like insufficient carpet cleaning . Continue reading to learn about the common causes of carpet mold, including improper carpet stain removal near Tampa.

High Humidity

Mold requires warmth, bacteria, and humidity to grow. If a carpet or area has been exposed to these 3 elements, then moldor symptoms associated with moldwill likely begin to appear. Mold will often grow under the carpet or within the carpet padding, making it difficult to diagnose. If there was a recent spill or flooding, then there is a high risk of mold growth. Mold can also grow in homes and rooms that experience high humidity. Carpeting in or near bathrooms and kitchens should be inspected regularly to ensure there is no mold growth.

Insufficient Cleaning

Improperly cleaned carpet stains are a significant source of mold growth. If a spill or stain has not been cleaned at all, then mold can quickly follow and spread underneath the carpeting. If a spill is not cleaned properly, then mold may grow soon. Carpet cleaning should consist of a balance between dry and wet cleaners. If a carpet is exposed to too much water or liquid, then it can cause mold to grow.

Low-Quality Carpet

Baking Soda And Vinegar

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One of the most notable duos in the DIY cleaning world is baking soda and vinegar. It works great in this application, too.

The reason these guys work so well together is because they create a chemical reaction that makes a lot of bubbles and energy.

The funny thing is vinegar alone can be used to kill mold on a non-porous surface, and baking soda can be used to kill mold on a leather car seat. Together, they can kill mold in carpets.

Make a 1 to 1 ratio of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Take it to your moldy carpet and spray away.

If you dont like the smell of vinegar, you can put some drops of essential oils to try to mask the smell. Citrus fruit scents work pretty well here.

Let the water and vinegar mixture sit there for about five minutes before patting it with paper towels. You dont want to completely dry it that way the baking soda can do its part.

Next, sprinkle baking soda on the area you just sprayed. You want to put a thin layer that completely covers the sprayed area.

Let the baking soda sit overnight and vacuum it up the next day.

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Heat With A Steam Cleaner

Heating mold and mildew in carpets has been found effective in killing fungi. Steam cleaning is one way that the average homeowner can kill mold and mildew in carpet via heat treatment. To be effective, heat must be applied to each affected area of carpet for at least 12 seconds. Once the carpet has been efficiently treated, it must be dried immediately as the moisture from the steam can encourage new mold to develop. If you do not have a steam cleaner and do not want to purchase a new one, you can usually rent a steam cleaning machine from your local home improvement store.

Leave It To The Professionals

If youre feeling out of your depth, calling in some professional help might be best. Professional carpet cleaners will know how to identify the mold in your carpet and treat it. They also have access to the right equipment and chemicals to kill the mold from the source.

Professionals often use dry ice blasting. This method consists of a pressurized machine that applies the solid form of carbon dioxide dry ice to the area.

If You’re Out Of Options

If youve tried the above methods and still see signs of mold, theres not much more you can do. The mold has likely infected the whole carpet, and youll have to discard it.

Before cutting the carpet, measure out an additional 12 inches on all sides . This will ensure all mold is gone.

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Add Borax To Kill Harmful Molds

Many detergents use Borax to increase the freshness of laundry and reduce the buildup of mildew in clothing. Its high pH levels are what kills mold in carpet fast, making it an effective solution to counteract water damage and even the toughest mold spore. The following recipe uses Borax and white vinegar, which is also an excellent way to kill black mold.

• ½ cup of white vinegar
• 4 cups of water

Mix the ingredients in a bucket. Soak a soft towel and dampen the moldy carpet with the cleaning product. Leave the solution for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Dry the carpet thoroughly to prevent the wet carpet from causing additional mold growths or water damage.

Use A Steam Cleaner Or Carpet Cleaner To Remove Mold

A simple solution for removing mold from carpeting is to use a steam cleaner or carpet cleaner. Steam cleaning uses high temperatures that are hot enough to kill most mold colonies and bacteria. The brushes on both steam cleaners and carpet cleaning attachments also flake away excess dirt and dust particles from between the carpet fibers to ensure a deep clean.

Carpet cleaners are equally as impressive at killing mold colonies due to their heat levels and effectiveness of cleansing shampoos. If using a carpet cleaner, use an industrial cleaner solution for carpet or make a DIY carpet cleaner.

• 1 teaspoon of fabric softener
• 1 gallon of hot water

Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Most carpet cleaners have a reservoir where you add clean, hot water and an additional one where you add the cleaning solution. Use this cleaning solution for every gallon of water you add to the first reservoir.

Add your homemade carpet cleaner to the shampoo reservoir and use the machine to clean your carpet. Its as simple as that!

For tougher areas or places with visible patches of mold, use a stiff brush attachment to chip away at the stuck-on flecks of mold. Vacuum the carpet after you finish cleaning to collect remaining particles.

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Prevention Of Future Growth Of Mold In The Carpet

Apply A Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture

For homeowners who prefer natural cleaning methods, a baking soda and white vinegar mixture can be effective for killing some mold. In addition, baking soda and vinegar can help eliminate tough odors resulting from musty fungi. For light mold problems, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the carpet. Next, pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and generously spray the affected area overtop the baking soda. Use a stiff brush to loosen the mold from the carpet fibers. Use a blow dryer to thoroughly dry the carpet. Once dry, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any leftover baking soda and debris.

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How Problematic Can Mold Be On Your Health

Mold spores are tiny structures naturally found in the air. They are attracted to and rely on moist conditions to thrive. They also have no problem finding their way into your home. They can travel through doors, windows, heating and cooling systems, or even hitch a ride on your clothes or pets. Once they have found a conducive environment, such as your carpet, and have combined with the dust in your home, the perfect condition has been created for mold to grow.

Mold spores will exist in your home air in some capacity. Theyre everywhere and not really harmful at low levels. The key to successfully “managing” mold spores is keeping it from collecting in large numbers. To do this, one must deprive the spores of moisture, cellulose, and time.

When left untreated, mold can impact your health in several ways. According to the EPA, it releases allergens and can even release toxic substances, called Mycotoxins. If touched or inhaled, it can result in throat, skin, and eye irritation, as well as coughing and a stuffy nose. In more severe cases, when coupled with a weakened immune system, mold inhalation can even cause respiratory infections or bronchitis, as well as exacerbate symptoms in asthma sufferers.