When you realize the smell is coming from those patches, it can be really frustrating. After a quick check, the truth hits — mold is growing on your carpet.
It’s normal to panic, but that won’t fix the problem. The best thing you can do is remove the mold as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
In this article, let’s discuss natural methods to get mold out of your carpet and when it’s time to call a professional.
Table of Contents:
- What Causes Mold Formation?
- What to Do Before You Take Out That Mold
- Steps to Remove Mold From Carpet
- How to Prevent Mold From Growing Again
- When to Seek Professional Help
What Causes Mold Formation?
Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist, humid, and dark areas. It appears as fuzzy green, black, brown, or white spots.
Mold growth usually starts underneath the carpet. It feeds on substances like dust, food particles, paper, or even fabric, and it can completely damage your carpet.
Here’s what causes mold formation:
- Wet or moist environments: Areas like the kitchen or bathroom usually stay damp, and using a carpet there will lead to excessive moisture buildup in the carpet.
- Rainfall or leakage: Interior leaks from your ceilings or pipes can cause frequent water retention in your carpet. When your carpet constantly absorbs water, there’s a high chance that you’re creating a breeding ground for mold.
- Poorly ventilated house: When the air in your house is stuffy, humidity increases, and this gives mold a chance to form and thrive on your carpet.
- Poor cleaning: If you don’t clean your house regularly, dust and debris can accumulate over time. This serves as food for mold, thus promoting its growth in your home, especially on the carpet.
What to Do Before You Take Out That Mold
Here’s everything you need to do before you grab your cleaning equipment and begin removing mold:
- Wear safety gear: Mold can cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Before removing it, make sure to wear gloves, fully covered clothing, goggles, and a respirator.
- Mark the affected area on the carpet: You should know exactly where to focus, so use a marker, plastic, or tape to mark the affected region.
- Increase the ventilation of the affected room: Trying to remove mold in a stuffy environment will only put your health at risk. Start by opening the doors and windows, and turn on the fan or air conditioner for better ventilation. Proper airflow helps reduce humidity in the room.
If mold has spread over a large area, you can’t use DIY techniques to remove it from the carpet. You either need to hire a pro, or if the infestation is severe, it would be more cost-effective to just replace the whole carpet.
Steps to Remove Mold From Carpet
If mold is spreading on your carpet, you need to act fast so it doesn’t spread further.
Supplied Needed
- Stiff-bristle brush
- Spray bottle
- Hydrogen peroxide
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Mild detergent
- Clean cloths
- Trash bags
Sweep or Vacuum the Affected Area
The first thing you want to do is remove every trace of dust or food particles lying on or under your carpet. You can either sweep the surface or use a vacuum cleaner for better results.
A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is highly recommended, as it helps remove mold more effectively. However, this means you have to change the filter before using it again because mold spores can spread through it.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide, White Vinegar, or Baking Soda
- Hydrogen peroxide: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and apply it to the carpet. Hydrogen peroxide helps kill mold and loosen it. Leave it for a few hours, then clean the area by scrubbing with a stiff-bristle brush. After cleaning, dry the carpet and ventilate the room for better results.
- White vinegar: If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide, you can use white vinegar, but dilute it first so you don’t ruin the color of your carpet. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to the affected area using a spray bottle. Leave it overnight, then scrub it off with mild detergent. Let the area dry properly and vacuum to remove any remaining mold.
- Baking soda: This is another natural way to get mold out of your carpet. You can sprinkle enough baking soda to lightly cover the affected area or mix it with a little water to form a paste. Leave it overnight so the baking soda can soak up moisture from the carpet and kill the mold. Sweep off the baking soda and thoroughly clean the carpet.
Sun Dry Your Carpet
After cleaning your carpet, don’t forget to dry it in the sun. Sunlight can go a long way in killing mold, so at least open the windows and ventilate the area. If you can remove your carpet, it’s better to take it outside and hang it in the sun until it has thoroughly dried.
Read More: How to Get Cat Pee Out of Carpet?
How to Prevent Mold From Growing Again
Mold grows because there’s moisture in your carpet. You can prevent it by ventilating your home properly and removing any wet spills from the carpet. Installing a dehumidifier also helps, as it reduces humidity in the area where the carpet is installed.
Here are some other tips:
- Clean your house regularly.
- Inspect for any leaks in the roof or pipe and fix them immediately.
- Avoid using carpets in areas that are prone to getting wet.
When to Seek Professional Help
You can DIY remove mold from carpet, but it doesn’t work for all levels of mold spread. You should hire a professional if:
- You are unable to identify the source of leaks or cannot fix them.
- The mold has covered large areas of your carpet, and DIY methods aren’t working.
- There’s a musty or foul odor even after you have cleaned.
- You have allergies or respiratory problems.
Read More: How to Maintain Carpet Flooring?
The Final Word
Mold on your carpet is hazardous because it can ruin the aesthetics of your room, damage the carpet, smell bad, and also cause health issues. The only solution is to get the mold out of your carpet. DIY techniques work, but if the infestation is severe, you need to hire a pro. If the damage is too much, it’s cheaper to just replace the carpet.
If you’re in San Diego and looking to replace your carpet, get in touch with Family Interiors. With over 49 years of experience, we offer various carpet fibers and carpet styles to suit your home. We also provide free in-house consultations.
