How to remove carpet mold
While hardwood floors are always stylish, there’s something so cozy about rugs. But carpets can harbor mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens, especially if your home is too humid. Here we look at how to remove carpet mold, including the best cleaning methods.
According to Building and Environment magazine, approximately half of all floor coverings sold in the United States are carpets and rugs (opens in new tab). Carpet is softer and warmer than other floor coverings. It’s also great for noise reduction and easier to stand on for long periods of time than hard surfaces. But carpets can retain moisture or get wet from water leaks and floods, and mold can quickly develop as a result.
Mold can be hazardous to health and must be eliminated quickly. According to the American Lung Association (opens in new tab)Indoor humidity has been shown to cause asthma attacks and other upper and lower respiratory problems, including wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion and sneezing.
The most important way to control mold growth in your home is to reduce moisture levels. Dehumidifiers are also a great way to draw water out of the air in your home.
How to remove carpet mold
There are many different ways that the carpets in your home can get damp. A pipe can burst in your home, or there can be a water leak or flood that can soak carpets and create a breeding ground for mold. Carpets may also not be a good choice for humid climates as they can retain moisture. However, if your carpets do get damp, there are a few ways to clean them.
A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (opens in new tab) studied how to remove fungus and mold from wet carpets. Researchers used three cleaning methods: detergent and hot water, high-flow hot water extraction, and steam cleaning. They found that steam cleaning was the most effective, with over 99 percent efficiency at reducing mold spores.
Steam cleaners can be rented or purchased at many grocery and hardware stores. You can also hire professional carpet cleaning companies that use steam cleaners. It’s a chemical-free way to clean both soft and hard surfaces in the home.
Always make sure you are protected when cleaning areas where mold spores may be released. Wearing a mask, such as an N-95 respirator (opens in new tab)Gloves and safety goggles when cleaning these areas is best safety practice.
Research has examined the contact time for using steam vapor and its effectiveness in killing mold spores. Researchers at Saint Louis University College of Public Health and Social Justice (opens in new tab) found that a steam contact time of 12 seconds on a damp carpet was required to reduce mold by more than 90 percent.
After any type of cleaning, always allow the carpet sufficient time to dry completely before using the room again or putting furniture back into it. Drops of moisture can reintroduce the mold.
How to get rid of mold smell in a carpet
The best way to get rid of mold smells in your carpet and in your home is to keep an eye out for moisture sources and keep humidity levels low. Mold spores can enter your home through clothing, shoes, and bags, as well as through open doors, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. If the spores fall off in places with excess moisture, they will grow into mold.
If you live in a humid climate or have a musty smell in your home, a dehumidifier can be used to help control mold and odor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (opens in new tab)recommends that you keep the humidity in your home as low as possible and no higher than 50 percent.
Air should flow freely through your house. Use fans in your kitchen and bathroom to expel hot, humid air. Your furniture should not be placed directly against walls and other objects. Allowing fresh air to flow over the carpet will ensure that all odors are removed.
The CDC recommends that soaked carpets that cannot be dried immediately should be removed. Any water leaks in your home, including the roof, windows, and pipes, should be repaired as soon as possible. The longer a leak persists, the more damage there will be, including more negative health effects and more expensive cleanup.
Regular cleaning of areas at risk of mold is essential. There are some places in a home where mold is more likely to develop, including basements, attics, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. Carpeting in these areas can cause problems.
How to get rid of car carpet mold
Similar to a house, carpet mold can grow in a car in humid and wet conditions. Many of us spend a lot of time in our cars, so it can become a kind of second home. But spilled drinks and wet clothes left in the car can lead to mold and damage.
If you notice signs of mold or a musty smell in your car, it’s a good idea to visit your mechanic or automaker for a check-up. Water can enter a car through a leak in the windshield or due to problems with the condensate drain or heater core.
Car washes now have many types of vacuums, steamers, and cleaners that you can use to give your vehicle a deep clean. Always make sure you let everything dry completely after washing: open any doors or windows and let the mats dry. Parking your car in full sun can speed up the process.
If your car’s carpet is in particularly bad shape or has signs of visible mold, you may want to replace the carpet entirely.