How to Get Mold Out of Carpet Like an Expert

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Mold remediation picture

Mold in your home, if left untreated, is truly the stuff of nightmares. Mold is a living, breathing organism that spreads spores rapidly. On your carpet, mold can start growing for a variety of reasons. A flood, pipe leaking, or hot, humid weather can easily feed mold growth in the house. Potted plants leaking down onto the carpet can also lead to excess mold growth. No matter what the cause, a moldy carpet is never a pleasant thing to deal with. Here’s how to get mold out of carpet like an expert. 

The Problem with Mold

No one wants mold in the home. Mold, whether on your carpet or walls, is unsightly and smelly. It’s a proven fact that mold can cause health effects. If left untreated, mold present in a home is likely to affect at least one of its inhabitants.  

While you work out how to get mold out of carpet, it's always best to identify the root cause. Some causes will be more apparent than others and may require a bit of sleuthing. A flood is obvious, but something less noticeable like groundwater seepage can be feeding the mold on a carpet. If in doubt, a professional can treat mold and identify the cause at the same time. 

It’s critical to understand that to get mold out of carpet for good, you have to cut off the source of its water supply. Mold won’t grow without moisture to feed it. There are various methods for how to get mold out of carpet. But first, let's look at ways to prevent mold from growing in your home in the first place. 

Our Top Mold Prevention Tips 

Prevention is always better than a cure. Follow these tips to avoid mold from setting up shop on your carpets.

• Open doors and windows to increase air circulation and ventilation
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce ambient moisture
• Never store firewood directly on a carpet without a rubber mat to act as a moisture barrier
• Vacuum regularly to remove mold spores lodged in the carpet fibers
• Don't set potted plants directly on the carpet—always place a rubber mat or tray under the plant
• Leave the lights on, as mold loves darkness and humidity  

How to Get Mold Out of Carpet the Chemical-Free Way

If you’ve caught the mold early and you’re not a fan of harsh chemicals, then you can use everyday, non-synthetic household products to remove mold from your carpet. 

Step 1 

Open the windows and doors in the affected area. Humidity is what causes mold, so by increasing the airflow, you can reduce moisture in the air. You can also use a fan to increase airflow. 

You can follow this first step for all three methods we’ve listed in this article. By opening windows, you can reduce the musty, moldy smell, and the increased ventilation will reduce the harm of any chemicals you may use in the methods below. 

Step 2 

If it's an area rug or an otherwise removable carpet impacted, then let the sun do the work of removing the mold for you. Hanging the carpet outside for one or two days in direct sunlight can be enough to dry the carpet of moisture and kill mold spores. You can leave the carpet outside for longer if the back of the carpet is also damp. 

Step 3 

Try baking soda sprinkled on the affected area. You could also use cat litter to help remove the moisture, but be sure to choose litter such as crystal litter that won't damage your carpet. Leave the product on the affected area overnight to draw out the moisture, then vacuum up the next day. 

Step 4 

Another method to get mold out of carpet is to use white vinegar to kill the mold. Or white vinegar mixed with equal parts of methylated spirit. Simply spray the affected area with the product and use a stiff brush to scrub in the product. All you need to do is then blow, or air dry the affected area. 

How to Get Mold Out of Carpet Like a Pro: Our Second Method

There are plenty of anti-mold sprays on the market that you can purchase. However, these products often contain harsh chemicals that may discolor carpets. So, whatever method you use, always test the product on a corner of the carpet. 

You can also choose a product that has a "mold barrier" or "encapsulate" treatment. If you have a carpet that is kept in humid conditions, then the barrier can be very useful in preventing mold from growing back. 

Follow our previous step 1 by opening doors and windows for increased air flow and ventilation. Then, follow the instructions listed on the product carefully. And be sure to apply any chemical products with caution. 

The chemicals can be dangerous if inhaled. You should wear a facemask as you apply the product and make sure that pets and kids are out of the way. If you feel wheezy or are short of breath, then move to another well-ventilated room until you feel better. 

Alternatively, you can hire a steam cleaner. These cleaners are used by professionals and are very effective in removing mold spores. If you use a steam cleaner to lift mold spores, it's essential you dry the carpet thoroughly. Otherwise, mold can grow back. 

How to Get Mold Out of Carpet: Call in the Pros

To get mold out of your carpet and to restore your home quickly and affordably, you can always call SERVPRO of North Irving. We’re experts in damage restoration for a whole host of things like fires, floods, and mold remediation. At some point, it may be better to call in a professional rather than trying to tackle the job yourself. So, when’s the right time to call in an expert?

Generally speaking, if the affected area is greater than five feet, you may be best advised to call in a professional. If the mold has spread to this size, it's likely that the underlay and flooring may also be affected. If the mold is too widespread, then you may need to replace the carpet after having the flooring treated, but we can help you find the best solution to your moldy carpet issues. 

We can also provide anti-moisture polyethylene sheeting or professional treatment to prevent further mold growth in crawl spaces where dampness and moisture are common. We also offer carpet restoration services for homes in the greater North Irving area. 

At SERVPRO of North Irving, we'll guide you through the necessary steps you need to take to make your home safe and prevent any further outbreaks in the most cost-effective way.