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Tips for Getting Rid of Mold in Carpet from Water Damage

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mold in carpet from water damage

Carpets still have numerous advantages both in homes and offices. However, when water damage happens, even your carpet can be a culprit for mold problems. Moreover, if thorough drying isn’t done, a carpet that is damp for 24 hours or more becomes a threat. Before this issue gets worse, we have some tips to share on how to get rid of mold in carpet from water damage.

Mold can carry various health risks so learning to prevent mold from spreading is necessary. Doing DIY cleaning is not a simple job and to prevent the recurrence of mold and mildew, consider hiring a professional company.

Signs of Mold from Water-Damaged Carpets

Especially after water damage, a wet carpet is susceptible to mold and mildew. With just a little moisture and dark space, mold can grow fast and quickly spread causing a lot of hidden damage. However, it is sometimes hard to tell whether there’s mold since it can grow under the carpet. 

But there are signs that can help you recognize mold easily. Take action and call a mold remediation team once you detect any of the signs.

Discoloration of the Carpet

Carpets can have various colors and some may even hide mold growth until it gets worse. Inspect your carpet and the area underneath since discoloration can occur in mold’s advanced stages. Look for patterns of black, green, or white discoloration in your carpet.

Your Carpet’s Age 

Older carpet is more prone to develop mold and mildew. Replace your carpet if necessary.

Something Musty 

When someone who doesn’t stay in your home smells something stuffy or musty, it’s time to investigate! Maybe mold is lurking under your carpet.

Experiencing Mold Allergy

Mold in carpets from water damage can bring harm to you and your family. Mold can be the culprit for some allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, other breathing problems, asthma, or bronchitis. Better to consult a physician when someone experiences mold allergy.

Mold Testing Kit

Another reliable way of checking mold in carpets is by using a mold testing kit. This works by testing the airflow across your carpet. Positive results will show mold spores landing on the kit.

Get Rid of Mold in Carpet from Water Damage

1. Protect and Inspect

Before you begin any process of handling mold issues, always protect yourself first and the people around you. Prepare things needed especially your rubber gloves, N95 respirator, and goggles for your protection.

Removing mold is quite hard to treat alone especially if it has already spread out and deeply penetrated the carpet fibers. Inspect and thoroughly check not only the surface of the carpet but also the base of your carpet’s backing. If mold affected a large portion or area, you might as well get a professional’s help or consider replacing your carpet.

2. Dry and Air it Out

Once you have confirmed mold in your carpet, open all the windows and turn on the fans. Dry up as much moisture as possible then try to lower your room’s humidity. This will discourage the spreading of mold spores and lower some unpleasant smells and allergy symptoms.

For area rugs, you can hang them outside in direct sunlight. Sunlight is one great way to kill mold spores and for drying.

3. Clean and Kill

Choose what cleaning methods or mold-killing agents you would like to use.

  1. Baking soda is one natural way of killing mold light issues and musty odors. Just sprinkle some on the affected area. Leave overnight. In the morning, you can vacuum it up.
  2. White vinegar is good for getting rid of light to medium mold problems. Pour some into a spray bottle. Apply generously and leave for a few minutes. Then scrub using a stiff brush until absorbed. 

Afterward, dry the area thoroughly with a fan or a hairdryer.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used for serious mold issues since it is a natural antifungal. Mix 3% of this with water and put some in a spray bottle. Apply to the moldy area then leave for about 10 minutes. Scrub then dry.

4. Steam Clean

Heat treatment is effective in killing fungi. Thus, mold and mildew are eliminated from your carpet. Apply heat to the affected area of the carpet for 12 seconds at least. Dry immediately once treatment is done to prevent new developing mold. 

You can rent a steam cleaner from a local home improvement store if you don’t have one.

5. Rent and Vacuum

Use a wet-dry vacuum with HEPA filters to eliminate the remaining stubborn mold spores. This can also help remove any standing water. You can either purchase or rent this from a local store.

Hire and Trust

DIY solutions are not usually the best ones for getting rid of mold in carpet from water damage. Many homeowners trust professional carpet cleaning or water damage restoration companies since they have the most powerful machines and equipment.

Experiencing Mold in Carpet from Water Damage? Seek Help From Trusted Professionals

If you think you have done enough to get rid of mold in carpet from water damage, and mold still persists, please reach out to our team at Superior Restoration. We have highly skilled professionals and high-powered tools and equipment to totally kill mold in your carpet and other areas of your home, too.

We can handle not only mold damage but water extraction and restoration as well. We are committed to serving you better even in emergencies. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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