How To Get Mold Out of Carpet
Molds are fungi that can be found both outdoors and indoors. They can grow on almost any surface, including carpet. Molds are usually not a problem indoors unless they start growing in large numbers.
Molds reproduce by making spores. Mold spores are tiny and lightweight, so they can travel through the air easily. If your carpet is full of mold, it can release a large number of spores into the air, which can cause respiratory problems for you and your family.
But in this article, we will focus on how to get mold out of carpets.
What are molds?
Molds are fungi that grow in the form of tiny spores. They can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds thrive in warm, humid conditions and can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and can enter your home through open doors, windows, ventilation systems, and even on clothing.
Molds can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, allergies, and skin irritation. In some cases, mold exposure can even lead to death. If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home, it is important to take action immediately to remove the mold and prevent further growth.
What Causes Mold to Grow on Carpet?
There are several things that can cause mold to grow on carpet. One of the most common is moisture. If your carpet gets wet and stays wet for more than 24 hours, mold will start to grow.
Other factors that can cause mold to grow on carpet include:
- Poor ventilation
- Leaky pipes or fixtures
- High humidity
- Flooding
- Spills that are not cleaned up quickly
If you have any of these conditions in your home, it is important to be on the lookout for mold growth.
How To Get Mold Out Of Carpet
There are several ways to get rid of molds on the carpet. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove the mold spores from the air. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe the mold off the carpet too, but let’s learn how to get mold out of the carpet permanently.
1. Cleaning with detergent and water
One of the most effective ways to remove mold from the carpet is to clean it with detergent and water. This will kill the mold and prevent it from growing back.
To do this, you will need:
- 1 cup of detergent
- 1 cup of water
- A clean cloth
- A vacuum cleaner
To start, mix the detergent and water together in a bowl. Dip the cloth into the mixture and wring it out so it is damp. Rub the cloth over the moldy areas of the carpet. Be sure to cover all of the moldy areas.
Once you have scrubbed the area, use the vacuum cleaner to remove the mold spores from the carpet. Be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner bag after you are done.
2. Cleaning carpet with bleach
Another way to remove mold from the carpet is to clean it with bleach. Bleach is a strong chemical that can kill mold and prevent it from growing back.
To do this, you will need:
- 1 cup of bleach
- 1 cup of water
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
1. In a spray bottle, mix together 1 cup of bleach and 1 cup of water.
2. Spray the mixture onto the moldy areas of the carpet.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes.
4. After 30 minutes, scrub the area with a brush to remove the mold.
5. Rinse the area with water and let it dry completely.
Bleach is a strong chemical and should be used with caution. Always test the bleach solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before using it on the entire floor. This will help to ensure that the carpet does not become damaged or discolored.
3. Cleaning carpet with vinegar
Vinegar may not be a strong disinfectant but is a very effective cleaning agent. Since it contains acidity, it helps break down small bacteria and kill them, thus, cleaning the surface.
But hey, remember not to clean hard surfaces like wooden floors, granite, or marble because the color can fade away, or the surface can get damaged due to the acidity composition of vinegar.
To clean your carpet with vinegar, you will need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Spray bottle
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Vacuum cleaner
Directions:
1. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water.
2. Spray the mixture onto the affected area of the carpet.
3. Let it sit for about an hour to allow the vinegar to work.
4. After 15-20 minutes, scrub the area with a clean cloth or sponge.
5. Vacuum the area to remove the mold spores.
Repeat this process until the mold is completely gone. You may have to do it a few times to get rid of all the mold.
4. Clean carpet with baking soda
Baking soda is another effective cleaning agent that can be used to clean moldy carpets. Baking soda is a natural absorbent and can help to remove mold spores from the carpet.
To clean your carpet with baking soda, you will need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Clean cloth or sponge
Now, let’s get started:
1. In a spray bottle, mix one cup of baking soda with water.
2. Spray the mixture onto the moldy area of the carpet.
3. Let it sit for about an hour to allow the baking soda to work.
4. After an hour, scrub the area with a clean cloth or sponge.
5. Vacuum the area to remove the mold spores.
Repeat this process until the mold is completely gone. You may have to do it a few times to get rid of all the mold.
5. Use hydrogen peroxide to clean carpet
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective cleaning solution for moldy carpets. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant and can kill various types of mold.
To clean your carpet with hydrogen peroxide, you will need:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Vacuum cleaner/Dryer
Directions:
1. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.
2. Spray the mixture onto the moldy area of the carpet.
3. Let it sit for about 2-5 minutes to allow the hydrogen peroxide to work.
4. Then scrub the area with a clean cloth or sponge.
5. Vacuum the area to remove the mold spores.
Repeat this procedure until the mold is entirely eradicated. You may need to repeat the process a few times to remove all of the molds.
How to prevent molds on carpets
Now that you know how to get mold out of carpets, it is also important to know how to prevent them. It is not easy to clean carpets, and sometimes, the entire process can take a few hours.
But, don’t worry, you won’t have to repeat the entire process ever again in the future if you follow the methods to prevent molds.
The best way to prevent molds on carpets is to keep the area clean and dry. Vacuum the carpet regularly and shampoo it every few months. If there is any water spill, make sure to clean it up immediately, because it can cause bacteria build-up which can then cause molds.
Note: If you live in an area with high humidity, use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry. Molds grow up in a humid atmosphere, and it can cause a lot of problems to your furniture, closet, basements, and whatnot.
Check out our recommendations for the best dehumidifier for molds, we have handpicked the best feature-packed dehumidifiers that are very affordable and energy efficient.
1. Keep it dry & dust free
The first and foremost step to preventing carpet mold is to keep it dry. Vacuum the carpet regularly and shampoo it every few months. If there is any water spill, make sure to clean it up immediately.
If you live in an area with high humidity, use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry. Moreover, keeping the carpet dry and free of dirt will also be helpful in preventing mold growth.
2. Hang carpets in sunlight to kill germs
Hanging the carpet in direct sunlight for a few hours can also be helpful in killing mold spores and other germs. Sunlight has natural disinfectant properties and can help to keep the carpets clean and mold-free.
You can also use a UV vacuum cleaner to clean the carpets. UV vacuum cleaners use ultraviolet light to kill germs and mold spores.
3. Use a carpet protector
Another great way to prevent mold growth on carpets is to use a carpet protector. Carpet protectors are liquids that are applied to the carpet to create a barrier between the carpet and dirt, dust, and spills.
Carpet protectors are available in different formulas for different types of carpets. Make sure to choose the right type of carpet protector for your carpet. Applying a carpet protector will not only prevent mold growth but will also extend the life of your carpet.
4. Clean up spills immediately
One of the main reasons for mold growth on carpets is spills. Whether it is water, juice, or any other liquid, it can quickly lead to mold growth if not cleaned up immediately.
So, if there is any spill on the carpet, make sure to clean it up as soon as possible. blot the spill with a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much liquid as possible. Then, use a carpet cleaner or water and vinegar solution to clean the area thoroughly.
FAQs
Can moldy carpet be saved?
If the moldy area is small, you can try cleaning it with various household solutions. However, if the moldy area is large or the carpet is heavily infested, it is best to replace the carpet.
What kills mold spores in carpet?
There are various household solutions that can kill mold spores in carpets. These include hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, baking soda, and bleach. You can also use a UV vacuum cleaner.
Will vinegar kill mold under carpet?
Yes, vinegar can kill mold under the carpet. However, it is important to clean the area thoroughly to prevent the mold from coming back.
Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold?
Both bleach and vinegar can kill mold. However, bleach is a more effective disinfectant than vinegar.
Does Lysol spray kill mold in carpet?
Yes, Lysol spray can kill mold in carpets. It is a great disinfectant and can also be used to pre-treat the carpet before shampooing.
Does baking soda kill mold in carpets?
Yes, baking soda is a great mold killer. It can be used alone or in combination with other household solutions.
Wrapping up
This article has been created to help you get rid of molds on your carpet. We have discussed various methods that you can use to clean the moldy carpet. Furthermore, we have also included some tips on how you can prevent molds from growing on your carpets.