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How to Get Mold Out of Carpet: A Step-by-Step Guide

January 22, 2025
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Finding mold anywhere in your home can be unsettling, but perhaps one of the most troubling areas to find it is in your carpet. Not only is it unsightly but it can lead to health issues and damage your home if left untreated.

The truth is, mold can grow in a variety of places–and it can grow quickly. Moisture gets trapped in the fibers which makes it a prime place for mold to form. Luckily, with the right tools and strategy, you can remove mold from carpet and take steps to prevent future mold.

Read on for more information about how to get mold out of carpet and how you can prevent it from happening in the first place.

How To Get Mold Out of Carpet

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to identify just how big your mold problem is. Check for visible mold spots and sniff for a musty odor. Mold often spreads beneath the surface so even small moldy areas may point to a larger issue.

If the problem seems extensive or you’re overwhelmed, it’s important to consult professional cleaning services or a mold remediation company immediately.

cleaning supplies for mold

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

To safely and effectively remove mold from carpet, you’ll need:

  • Protective gear: gloves, a mask, and goggles
  • Baking soda
  • A mold remover or homemade cleaning solution
  • A stiff brush or scrub brush
  • A vacuum with a HEPA filter
  • A fan or dehumidifier to dry the carpet

Step 3: Prepare the Area

Unfortunately, mold spores spread easily, so isolating the affected area is an important step to avoid contaminating other parts of your home. If possible, open windows for ventilation and move carpet outdoors for cleaning. If the carpet is fixed in place, lay down plastic sheets to protect the surrounding areas.

Step 4: Remove Loose Mold

Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, vacuum the moldy areas thoroughly. These steps help in removing mold spores that may be sitting on the carpet’s surface. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the filter immediately to prevent mold spores from spreading.

Step 5: Apply a Cleaning Solution

For this step you can use a commercial mold remover or make your own DIY cleaner. Of course do not use bleach because not only does it not work well on mold, but it will stain your carpet. A mixture of white vinegar and water works well for killing mold, while adding some baking soda helps with deodorizing.

  1. Spray the solution generously on the affected area, making sure it penetrates deep into the fibers.
  2. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to break down the mold.

Step 6: Scrub the Affected Area

Use a stiff brush to scrub the affected area of the carpet. Work in circular motions to loosen the mold from the fibers. If the stain persists, repeat the cleaning process until the mold is gone.

dehumidifier

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. Then, blot the carpet with a clean towel to absorb the moisture. It’s crucial to dry the carpet thoroughly to prevent mold from returning. Use a fan, dehumidifier, or even sunlight to speed up the process.

Step 8: Deodorize with Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the cleaned carpet and leave it overnight. Baking soda helps eliminate any lingering odors and absorbs excess moisture. The next day, vacuum the area to remove the baking soda.

When to Call the Pros

If you’ve followed these steps and the mold problem persists, or you suspect there are deeper types of mold embedded in the padding beneath the carpet, it may be time to bring in professional mold remediation experts. Professionals have specialized equipment and techniques to rid of mold completely.

Tips for Preventing Mold Growth in Carpets

Once your carpet is clean and mold-free, it’s important to take steps to preventing mold growth in the future:

  • Control humidity: Use a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home.
  • Clean spills promptly: Dry wet carpets immediately to prevent moisture from seeping in.
  • Vacuum regularly: Keep dirt and debris from accumulating, as these can trap moisture.
  • Inspect vulnerable areas: Pay extra attention to areas prone to leaks, such as basements or near windows.

Keep Your Carpet Mold-Free for Good

Getting mold out of carpet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. By addressing moldy areas promptly and taking a proactive approach to prevent mold, you can keep your home clean and healthy.

If you feel distraught or uncertain about handling mold on your own, remember that Axel Works is here to help you through all your cleaning services and mold remediation needs. We are just a call away.

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