Work in a well-ventilated area while using chlorine dioxide products, as they can produce vapors that irritate the lungs and eyes. Hence, if you have to cure the entire mold problem, you will need to take care of the floor as well. If you suspect a mold … When carpets get wet, the water and existing dust, dirt, hair, fibers, skin cells, food crumbs, bug parts, etc in the carpet provide the necessary food and moisture for the mold and bacteria to grow in the carpet. This is because as you touch the mold, it releases spores in the form of dust, which can affect your health negatively. If you have to remove mold from your carpet completely, you need to employ a number of strategies. What is the Best Vacuum Cleaner Type for Me? If the mold has reached the carpet's backing, it will be significantly harder to treat, but there are still several remedies to try. How to Prevent Carpet Mold. ", "The process of removing mold in the steps listed has helped us with this problem. Damp Carpet. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York. It is a rating used to describe various products, not a brand name. If surface mold is present on the carpet caused by an un-clean or high … When he's not reviewing vacuum cleaners for this site he likes to spend time with his partner and young daughter and he also works in construction as a Project Manager as his day job! In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Cat litter may also be used as a substitute. ", "The details using white vinegar and soda helped.". Mold grows abundantly in areas where humidity is high. Carpet cleaning professionals recommend about 48 hours of continuous sunlight. The best way to treat mold is to prevent it in the first place. Mold-resistant carpeting often is used in basements and areas of a home that tend to get wet. The mold will damage the carpet’s primary and secondary backing layers, which in turn ruins the carpet. Mix half a cup of bleach with a gallon of water. To learn what commercial and professional treatments you can use to get rid of carpet mold, scroll down! Leaks, flooding, or even carpet that was cleaned but not thoroughly dried can result in mold growth. As long as the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter on it I don't see why not. It may be found behind wallpaper or paneling, on the inside of ceiling tiles, the back of drywall, or the underside of carpets or carpet … This should include clothing, face mask and a pair of goggles. Carpet mold can cause several health problems such as allergies, breathing troubles, asthma, and bronchitis. Plumbing leaks that deposit small amounts of water on or under carpet provide a fertile growing medium for mold and mildew. Check underneath furniture regularly, in order to catch mold at the surface of the carpet. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Leaks and naturally occurring high humidity left unchecked can cause mold to grow in carpeting. Mold grows on wet surfaces. This way, the spores will not get to other rooms in the house. Using a dehumidifier will also help prevent mold. Make sure you don't mix Lysol with the bleach as the bleach oxidizes the 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol that is in the Lysol resulting in toxic and irritating compounds. Most carpets found in residential homes and commercial buildings are made of synthetic, or man … Your email address will not be published. In a nutshell, mold is a notorious fungus, which eats into surfaces. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. If the mold has taken root, you may need a pro. This way you can be assured of results. Mold-resistant carpeting often is used in basements and areas of a home that tend to get wet. Contact your city or county health department. At least, you know the steps to take to get rid of mold from carpets. You will need to adjust the lights to about 50cm above the area with the mold. Hence, if the carpets are removable, getting them outside, can give them a new lease of life. Pull back to the carpet to ensure there is no mold growth. If you do this, you may find that there is mold on the floor beneath the carpet. Can decomposed dog feces be removed from carpet safely? Carpet mold can be a severe issue if left untreated. Cladosporium: Consistently damp areas such as bathrooms and basements may be at risk of developing Cladosporium. This way, you will prevent the residual spores, which may be attached to the equipments, from spreading to other areas of your house. Why Mold Is Dangerous/Toxic Mold is hazardous in various ways, but mostly because it produces and … Those causes are mostly related to your daily activities at home or the condition of the home itself. Checking for Signs of Mold Smell your carpet to see if it has a musty odor. Professional carpet cleaners have access to additional treatments and machines, but some of these are available to rent from tool rental services, without having to hire a professional. When carpets get wet, the water and existing dust, dirt, hair, fibers, skin cells, food crumbs, bug parts, etc in the carpet provide the necessary food and moisture for the mold and bacteria to grow in the carpet. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Try using a little bit of bleach and water. If you did not know, the anti-mold spray is not rinsed. Typically, the discoloration color of mold on the carpet will usually take on patches of white, … There are several DIY ways, but if the situation is worse, then you can seek the assistance of a professional. Hidden mold. Unfortunately, mold gets into the carpet fibers and even if it looks as if you've removed the mold, it is very likely small amounts remain. Mold spores landing on the carpet use the moisture and cellulose to begin their germination process and are well on their path to becoming mold. Leave it in direct sun in an area with good ventilation for several days. Use about one cup of Lysol or bleach … rent steam cleaners/carpet cleaners. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 726,269 times. Expert Interview. Since, you cannot get it out; you will have to switch on the overhead lights. This article was co-authored by Mike Kapur. This type of mold can usually be found in damp drywall, carpets and wallpaper, among other wet areas. If your carpet is removable, you can also hang it up outside in the sun for 1-2 days to dry it out and kill the mold spores. Mold is detectable by smell and signs of water damage on walls or ceiling and can grow in places invisible to the human eye. Mold under your carpet and on concrete can cause serious damages to your health and property. By using our site, you agree to our, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Get-Rid-of-Carpet-Mold-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Carpet-Mold-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Get-Rid-of-Carpet-Mold-Step-1.jpg\/aid260356-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Carpet-Mold-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"