In my last post, I answered the question “does mold lurk beneath your carpet?” and examined how to detect it, and the factors that increase the risks of getting mold where you can’t see it. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to get mold out of your carpet and make sure it’s not hiding underneath.
First things first – be safe when you get mold out of carpet
Professional cleaning services ensure a safe environment and cleaning process. If you plan to get rid of carpet mold yourself, make sure you take the same safety precautions. Never let children or people with health problems take part in the cleanup. Mold spores are inhaled easily, and can be very bad for health.
During the cleanup, wear safety gear that includes a mask, overalls, and gloves. Get rid of mold and materials that are mold-infested by placing in a trash bag and sealing it. Mold isn’t considered a hazardous material, so it can be disposed of with household trash.
Getting rid of mold from on and under your carpet
If the mold growth is too bad, it will be necessary to throw away your carpets and padding. For the exposed flooring and on carpet that can be rescued, follow these five steps:
Step 1: Make the area a little damp to stop the mold spores from spreading while cleaning.
Step 2: Lift the carpet and examine underneath. If the padding is moldy, it will need replacing. Use a scrub brush and soap and water solution to scrub the area gently. Make sure you clean the floor under the carpet, too.
Step 3: Disinfect the flooring using solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Rinse thoroughly.
Step 4: Use paper towels to absorb any excess water, and then dry thoroughly. This should be done naturally with plenty of ventilation, though a dehumidifier can also be used. It could take several days for a floor and carpet to dry completely.
Step 5: Vacuum the entire area.
Now prevent the mold from returning
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to mold on and under carpets.
- The main thing to do is to ensure that humidity in the home doesn’t rise above 60%. There is a variety of humidity sensors available – an investment of just a few dollars could help prevent health issues such as asthma and bronchitis as well as a hefty cleanup bill.
- Dehumidifiers will help to keep humidity levels to those recommended.
- As well as keeping humidity to below 60%, make sure you vacuum regularly (mold spores thrive on dust) and check under the carpet for signs of mold.
- Keep your home well ventilated – mold hates fresh air!
- Finally, never have carpet in the bathroom, and take extra care when carpeting basements.
For more tips on how to get rid of mold in your house, or if you have a stubborn mold infestation that simply won’t go away, contact us today. We’re available 24/7 – and we’ll be happy to help.