A while ago, we published a blog post as a step-by-step guide on how to kill mold in carpet. Mold is such a tricky problem to deal with, especially when it’s in your carpet. Even when you think you’ve followed cleaning instructions to the letter, it’s easy to make mistakes.
In this post, you’ll find the most common mistakes made by DIY carpet cleaners when they’re tackling mold. Reading about these mistakes may help you avoid them, as you learn how to remove mold from carpet.
Mold mistake #1: Using the wrong cleaning products
To clean mold from carpet, a solution of baking soda and water should suffice. You might also use a little white vinegar. However, there are also professional anti-mold treatments that can be used. Some of these are not appropriate for use on carpets. Always read the labels of any solutions you buy to clean mold.
Mold mistake #2: Not testing the mold cleaning product
If you do use the wrong mold cleaning solution, your carpet will be ruined. You’ll have to throw it away, or move your furniture around to cover a discolored or bald patch. Always do a spot test on a hidden piece of the carpet, and never continue until you’re certain the cleaning solution won’t do any damage.
Mold mistake #3: Scrubbing too hard
Getting rid of mold requires a fair bit of elbow grease, but if you scrub too hard you risk damaging the carpet fibers. This could harm the appearance of your carpet, and cut its life.
Mold mistake #4: Cleaning when you should be replacing
Mold on a favorite carpet can be heartbreaking, but if the mold is widespread it may be better to replace than attempt to remove the mold. Carpets that have been attacked by mold tend to hide mold. It lurks beneath, waiting for an opportunity to do more damage. If you don’t get rid of all the mold first time round, you could find you have a more damaging and recurring mold issue.
Mold mistake #5: Spreading instead of cleaning
Mold spores are tiny, and it’s very easy to disturb dormant mold spores and spread them. They travel in the air, land on new surfaces and multiply. You think you’ve cleaned the carpet of its mold problem, but two weeks later your entire house is black with mold.
To avoid this, use effective mold barriers:
- Seal off the area in which you’re cleaning.
- Cover vents.
- If any moldy materials need to be thrown, seal them in plastic bags before moving them.
- When you’ve finished cleaning, remove your protective clothing and place in a plastic bag before leaving the area in which you’re cleaning.
Mold mistake #6: Being inadequately dressed and equipped
Having mentioned your clothing, it’s important to wear protective clothing when cleaning moldy carpets. Mold spores are harmful to your health as well as your carpet. Wear a mask, goggles, and rubber gloves. Keep your hair and shoes covered, and wear a suitable overall to protect your clothes.
It’s perfectly possible to clean a carpet and get rid of mold yourself, especially if the moldy patch is small. But it’s also very easy to damage your carpet during cleaning, spread the problem, or, worst of all, damage your health. If you’re not comfortable undertaking the mold cleanup yourself, contact us today. We’re available 24/7 and we’ll be happy to help.