Clean Mold from Wet Carpets
Mold is a fungus that grows in a damp or moist surrounding and it is able to digest on what it grows on such as paper, cloth, carpet, rugs, walls or ceiling, and in the end, it brings serious damage to your house. Not only that, it is also dangerous to humans and if you happen to be in-touched or inhaled with mold, it will make you feel breathless, have a stuffy nose, eye or throat irritation, acute allergic reactions or even critical lung problems. General indoor molds come in different colors like black, red, orange, white, yellow, blue, brown, or violet and wherever it grows, you will notice that there is a musty smell within that area. Below are some of the steps that will enable you clean mold on your wet carpet.
What you need:
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Ammonia
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Detergent solution (hand soap or dish soap)
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Steam cleaner
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Spray bottle
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White paper towels
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Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
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Water
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White Vinegar
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Sponge
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Warm water
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Safety equipment like rubber gloves and goggles
Method:
- For a small carpet, you can simply use detergent and water along with a steam-cleaning machine. You can wet the affected surface of the carpet and suck the water up. This method needs to be repeated again until you notice that the water starts to come out clear. You can also use some original liquid Lysol with water.
- Besides that, sanitizing agents such as hypochlorite, or household bleach can also be used for cleaning mold on a wet carpet. You need to mix 1 cup of the bleach together with a gallon of water and this solution is not only suitable for carpets and rugs but also can be used on any hard surfaces. You must ensure that the solution remains on the affected carpet\’s surface for at least 15 minutes.
- If you have a big size carpet, you must clean it in an open space or flat area like the carport or driveway. Wash both sides of your carpet in order to remove all dirt and soil. Then, pour several buckets of your bleach solution to both side of the carpet, scrub it using a broom or a hard bristled tool. Once done, rinse both sides well and dry it thoroughly to remove as much water as possible by using a wet/dry vacuum or using a machine that can manage to pull water away from the carpet. Always remember to let the carpet dry thoroughly.
- Whenever you are cleaning mold on a wet carpet, try to keep the area dry thoroughly to prevent the mold from growing back. This can be achieved by opening all your windows, or use a heater, fan, or dehumidifier. Always remember not to use lots of water so that your flooring is not damaged.
- You could also use HEPA filter to reduce air born spores and by vacuuming frequently will help this filter cleans up the air born spores. You must also check the carpet\’s underneath and the sponge spot beneath the carpet. This is where water will be hold and it provides cheaper carpet padding which is much better.
- You have to make sure the carpets and surrounding places are dry and the entire place is well-ventilated. Also wear a biohazard protection suit to avoid cleaning time mold exposure and you must always apply chemicals to help you to sanitize your carpet.
Additional Reading:
http://www.essortment.com/home/removemoldcarp_sleq.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?Choices-For-Cleaning-Wet-Carpets-and-Water-Damaged-Carpets-After-Floods&id=2972628
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/kill-mold-in-carpet.html
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/carpet-cleaning-tips-to-remove-mold-from-your-home-590298.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ed_welker/4051471173/
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