Tips for Getting Rid of Carpet Mold
Carpet mold causes a lot of problems. Not only does it damage your carpet over time and make replacement necessary, but it also poses health risks. It is important that every homeowner knows both how to prevent carpet mold and how to get rid of it.
How Does Carpet Mold Affect Your Air Quality?
Let’s talk about health risks. Like other sources of pollutants in your home, carpet has the potential to greatly reduce your indoor air quality. The thick pile traps allergens such as hair, dust, and moisture. Unfortunately, moisture brings mold. If your carpet gets wet through flooding, spills, or pet accidents, insufficient drying almost always results in mold growth. The carpet slowly releases mold spores into the air, causing health concerns for your home’s occupants.
Common side effects of ingesting mold spores include the following:
- Sore or Itchy Throat
- Stuffy or Runny Nose
- Sinus Infections
- Allergic Reactions
- Itchy Rash
- Itchy Eyes
- Respiratory Infections
- Asthma Triggers
An easy way to tell if your carpet is harboring mold is to smell it. A musty odor typically indicates mold or mildew forming. Additionally, black, white, and green patches on your carpet (or somewhere else!) are signs of mold. If you suspect your carpet is molding but don’t see any signs, schedule a professional mold assessment.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Mold
So, you have determined that you have carpet mold. How can you get rid of it and improve your indoor air quality? Before calling a professional, try following this cleanup process.
1. Ventilate your home.
As you clean, both your cleaner and the mold spores will enter the air circulation. It is a good idea to open your windows to encourage ventilation during the cleaning process. This also helps dry the area faster.
2. Begin by surface-cleaning.
Clean the surface of your carpet before diving underneath. Remember, the majority of the mold will be deep in the carpet, not on top of the fibers.
3. Use a stiff-bristled brush and an anti-fungal cleaner.
You can purchase a non-toxic anti-fungal cleaner, or mix up a bleach solution. Just make sure to use a strong, stiff brush to pick the mold spores out of the carpet file. Don’t forget to wear a mask and gloves to avoid exposure to both the bleach and the mold.
4. Scrub until the mold spores are no longer visible.
As you scrub the mold away, rinse the brush out. Otherwise, you will simply spread the mold around. By the end of the cleaning, you should no longer smell or see the mold.
5. Rinse the area with hot water and more cleaner.
Just for good measure, rinse the area with hot water and carpet cleaner. Make sure you get down deep enough to penetrate the affected area.
6. Thoroughly dry the area to prevent more mold from developing.
Finally, aim a high-powered fan at the wet spot to thoroughly dry it. Any moisture left behind will simply start the problem over.
Of course, if the mold is set in deep enough or there is a lot of it, it is best to hire a professional mold remediator to eliminate the problem. Your health is the utmost priority.
Protect Your Carpet From Mold Growth
Of course, the best maintenance is always preventive maintenance. To keep your indoor air quality high and reduce your risk of mold exposure, try implementing the following tips.
- Invest in a dehumidifier to rid your air (and carpet) of excess moisture.
- If your carpet floods, have it professionally washed and dried to ensure mold gains no foothold.
- Vacuum weekly and steam clean monthly to rid your carpet of any brewing toxins.
- Change your air filter regularly so that it can catch pollutants coming from your carpet.
How Can Air Quality Assessors Help?
It is best to get the help of a professional to help with mold remediation. An experienced service company such as Air Quality Assessors can give expert advice on how to find and deal with any indoor mold issues. Contact AQA if you have any questions or concerns about mold in your home or business. With their combination of experience and knowledge, you can be assured that everything will be handled properly.
