Did you know that there are about 200,000 bacteria for every square inch of your carpet? That is 700 times more than what is in your toilet seat. Aside from bacteria, it is also a haven for mould and mildew. So, how do you get rid of carpet mould? We have listed down five effective ways in this article.
What are the Signs of Mold in the Carpet
Your carpet is one of the filthiest parts of your home due to the high traffic and activities going on. Moulds are difficult to get rid of because they are invisible, especially during their early stages. Its spores can take over your carpet in 24 and grow rapidly. No amount of carpet cleaning can remove them at once.
The signs of mould growth can be difficult to see and it takes some skills to spot them. However, there are some cues that you can watch out for to detect if you have moulds in your carpet.
Moulds love damp carpets. When you have accidentally spilled food and drinks on your carpet, the moisture will seep into the bottom and create a necessary environment for the mould to grow. Another cause can be a leaking pipe that could lead to water-damaged carpets.
Mouldy carpets emit a musty smell and create discoloured patches. Therefore, when you notice some discolouration on your carpets expects to see a mould infestation or problem. Accompanying these patches would be a musty smell indicating that you have a major mould problem in your home.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Mold
Moulds can bring many health hazards causing irritations to the eyes, nose, throat, and a host of allergic reactions. A mere carpet cleaning will not eliminate them. You need effective ways on how to get rid of carpet moulds.
When using these methods, make sure that you wear gloves, masks, and goggles. You also need to ventilate and isolate the area to prevent the mould spores from spreading.
Dishwashing Detergent + Water
The most basic remedy for less severe mould contaminations is dishwashing detergent and water. Use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner or a rug shampoo machine with the solution and follow the machine instructions.
Vinegar + Baking Soda
The combination of vinegar and baking soda can slow down the development of mould and eliminate the odours at the same time. To get rid of the moulds, soak the infected area with vinegar for about an hour before rinsing it with hot water. Apply a baking soda paste (combination of baking soda and water) on the area for an hour. Vacuum the treated area to remove the excess paste.
Tea Tree and Grapefruit Seed Oil
These natural oils have powerful cleaning benefits and have antibacterial and antifungal ingredients. Combine a teaspoon of tea tree oil or grapeseed oil and hot water and put it in a spray bottle. Apply this solution to the infected area and let it stand for ten minutes before using the vacuum to get rid of the mould and contaminants.
Lysol and water
You can use a store-bought disinfectant like Lysol to eliminate the moulds. Combine Lysol with hot water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the solution into the infected area and let it sit for 25 minutes. Use the vacuum cleaner to remove the contaminants and mould out of the carpet.
Hire a steam cleaning services
The heat from steam cleaning is effective in killing moulds. Get carpet cleaning services from any of the enlisted Urban Care professionals. They know the right technique to get rid of carpet moulds, without leaving any spores behind.
Conclusion
Mouldy carpets are a common household problem. You can get rid of the mould out of the carpet with homemade and commercial cleaning solutions. However, if you find it challenging to remove mould infestation, it is better to hire a professional instead. Visit the Urban Care website to connect with one in Auckland and surrounding cities.
Julie is a passionate writer a mother of three kids and a dedicated cleaning enthusiast, eager to share valuable insights and practical tips on maintaining a clean and organized home. With a deep understanding of the challenges of maintaining a tidy living space, Julie has spent years honing its expertise in cleaning methods, organizing techniques, and sustainable practices.