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How to Remove Mold from Carpet

By Luke Armstrong

When mold has affected your property, it’s not only dangerous to your building structure, it can pose a severe risk to your health. Depending on the location and how far it has spread, the cleanup job can be difficult as it may have spread to affect other areas without the property owner even noticing. But when it has contaminated a carpet, mold should be easy to spot because it is in plain view.

When finding it, it is very important to be cautious because of the spores it releases, causing severe allergies and respiratory problems. This is why it must be removed right away in order to protect you and your family or staff as well as prevent the rest of your carpet from becoming affected. When it comes to mold remediation, you can either choose to hire a professional and save time, or do it yourself and save money. But just keep in mind the risks involve when taking on this DIY project as it will be more dangerous and complicated than most. But here you can follow these steps on how to remove mold from carpet that should be easy to follow and save a few bucks in the process.

Prepare to Clean the Mold from Carpet

In any event that you are overwhelmed by mold on your carpet, call for professional mold removal services
In any event that you are overwhelmed by mold on your carpet, call for professional mold removal services

You may not have noticed already, but others residing on the property are probably experiencing severe allergies from the mold releasing spores into the air. These can include watery eyes, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, and more. This is why it is crucial to remove the fungus as soon as possible.

Before you start spraying the area down with Lysol or bleach, keep in mind that the fungus will become extremely irritated and release its spores, making the situation worse. The most important step in removing mold from the carpet is to wear personal protection equipment, including gloves, a breathing mask, and proper eyewear.

Inspect Others Areas for Mold

If you have noticed mold in this area, it is possible that it has developed from traveling spores, meaning there may be another area that is also affected. To be sure, you will want to have your property tested for mold, which can either be done by a mold remediation professional, or buying a test kit.

If you buy the kit, the quality products will test the air from your HVAC system, and if it comes out positive, you will want to remove the mold from the air ducts before tackling the carpet.

Carpet Cleaning and Mold Removal

When it comes to cleaning your carpet of mold, there are several ways to do it: dishwasher detergent, Lysol, chlorine bleach, vinegar and baking soda, or grapefruit seed and tea-tree oil. You can also hire a professional carpet cleaning service, although you may have to try different methods because all mold cases are different and can be tough to remove without replacing the entire carpet.

Cleaning Carpet from Mold: Dishwashing Detergent and Water

This method is only recommended for light contaminations or if the fibers are delicate. With this method, first add warm water and then 1 tablespoon of the dish soap to avoid excessive bubbles. Add the solution to the carpet cleaning machine, and proceed to clean the area as you would for steam-cleaning your carpet. If this doesn’t work, you may have to try using a stronger solution such as those listed below.

Mold Removal: Lysol and Water

If you know how to use a carpet cleaning machine, you can add a solution of Lysol and water to kill the mold and extract the spores and dirt out of the carpet. If not, a spray bottle and wet vacuum should do it. Just mix a cup of the cleaner and water, spray it onto the affected area, and let it sit for about 20 minutes. You should then be able to vacuum up the debris.

Cleaning Mold: Bleach and Water

Bleach and vinegar
Bleach and vinegar have many purposes around the house, including removing mold from carpets

This method is similar to Lysol and water, however, you will want to remember that bleach will remove the carpet’s coloring if the mold hasn’t done so already; just keep in mind that this method is only recommended for white or light-colored carpeting. But after spraying the solution of 1 cup of bleach and water onto the carpet, let it sit for another 20 minutes, and extract it out. You may want to consider setting up a fan to dry out the wet area as any remaining moisture will allow the mold to easily grow back again.

Carpet Cleaning: Vinegar and Baking Soda

These two ingredients are great cleaning agents for many household materials because they are considered more natural than other chemicals. Baking soda is also perfect for getting rid of musty smells.

But when applying these products to the soiled carpet, add the vinegar first and soak the fibers, leaving it sit for an hour. Afterwards, rinse the area thoroughly before applying a thick paste of warm water and baking soda. Allow the paste to sit again for another hour. After it has dried, you should be able to remove the mold and paste with a brush or vacuum cleaner from the fibers.

Cleaning Mold from Carpet: Grapefruit Seed and Tea-Tree Oil

If you are concerned about the outcome of your carpet, these ingredients are all natural and their antibacterial and antifungal ingredients will take care of the mold. You can choose one or the other, mixing a teaspoon of tea-tree oil or 10 drops of grapefruit seed oil combined with a cup of hot water. Mix the solution thoroughly before applying it to the carpet. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes and wipe it away with an old cloth. But you will have to throw the rag away when you are done to avoid contamination to other areas of your property.

Preventing Mold in the Future

If you were able to remove the mold from the carpet yourself using these DIY methods, congratulations! But unfortunately, you will have to do a little extra work to make sure the mold does not grow back again in the future. As long as the affected area is still wet after removing the spores, air out the moisture by running the HVAC system or turn on your area room fan or ceiling fan. Air flow throughout the property will prevent the growth of mildew and bacteria.

Professional Mold Removal

As mentioned previously, every mold case is different for each property owner, and unfortunately for some home and business owners, it can’t be removed using these DIY methods. This is most likely because the fungus has spread too far to be fully removed by these products. At this point, you will either want to consider removing the carpet or calling a mold removal professional.

When searching for a trustworthy company, check out ServiceMaster. Not only do they specialize in mold remediation, but their technicians are trained and experienced in identifying all affected areas, eliminating the fungus at its source, and preventing it from returning in the future. With their services, you can be sure that the invader will not be returning any time soon.