Mold in Carpet from Water Damage

How to Get Rid of Mold in Carpet from Water Damage?

Mold is a nasty substance that can grow in your carpet and other furniture if you don’t take care of it right away. It is not just unsightly but also unhealthy for those who come into contact with it.

If you’ve had water damage to your home or business, there’s a chance mold has formed in your carpet and upholstery. You should detect and remove it right away.

In this blog, we will share a few tips to get rid of mold in the carpet from water damage. You can also check our guide about mold vs mildew. 

Signs and Detection of Carpet Mold

Mold on the carpeting is easy to spot, as it usually has a greenish-black appearance and an earthy smell. However, Identifying where this mold comes from can be difficult, especially if you don’t catch it within 24 hours after your water damage occurs.

Signs are often the first indication of mold growth in your carpet. These include black spots, foul odors, and stains that won’t come out with regular cleaning. You might start to notice these signs if you have had a leaky appliance or water damage due to heavy rains outdoors.

Another sign is a smell is coming from the carpet. If you notice a musty or pungent odor, mold is likely growing in your carpet and other surfaces around the property.

You can get home testing kits or hire professional mold inspection services to check for mold. If you find it, get rid of it right away so this disgusting substance doesn’t ruin your carpeting and home.

How to Get Rid of Mold in Carpet from Water Damage?

Before removing carpet mold, make sure the source of the dampness that caused it has been eliminated or fixed. When utilizing chemicals or disturbing mold growth, use protection gear (including goggles and a breathing mask) and ensure that the area is well-ventilated.

You can use the following methods to get rid of mold in carpet:

Method 1: White Vinegar and Baking Soda

You can use white vinegar and baking soda to kill mold on the carpet.

• Mix one gallon of warm water with two cups of mild liquid detergent (not dishwashing soap)
• Add about ½ cup of baking soda and vinegar, then stir well until it is dissolved.
• Pour the mixture all over the affected carpet area so that it goes down into the fibers.
• Leave on for several hours or overnight before vacuuming up excess moisture. (You can use a HEPA commercial vacuum to deep clean and sanitize your carpet.)
• To speed things up, you should run a steam through your carpets, as this will will help remove any lingering particles left by the cleaning solution.

Method 2: Borax and Peroxide

The other method is to use borax and peroxide to kill the mold in the carpet.

• Mix equal parts of borax powder and peroxide with water to make a thick paste.
• Apply evenly on carpeting so it coats the mold spores completely.
• Leave for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming up excess moisture.
• You can run a steam cleaner to remove lingering particles left by the cleaning solution and speed things up.

Method 3: Use Anti-mold treatment or bleach

• If you are looking for a more commercial solution, you might consider anti-mold treatments or bleach.
• The first step is to clean the area thoroughly with water and soap. Once dry, apply an anti-mold treatment that includes active ingredients such as quaternary ammonium chloride (QAC).
• Let it sit on the carpeting for several hours before rinsing out using hot or warm water.

Things to keep in Mind before Removing Mold in the Carpet

Keep the following things in mind if you’re removing mold from the carpet at your home.

• When removing mold in the carpet, make sure to use a HEPA commercial vacuum cleaner and clean it with anti-mold treatment or bleach.
• Don’t dry your carpets with any heating devices until the area is completely dry. Depending on how wet it was when you began cleaning, this could take up to 48 hours.
• Be aware that using strong cleaners may discolor some types of carpeting, such as wool rugs. In this case, you can always opt for natural treatments without chemicals instead.
• Use color-safe bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar-based products.
• Don’t use other cleaning chemicals, as they may cause discoloration and shrinkage of your carpet fibers.
• Remove any furniture or appliances located in front of where you will be cleaning until all excess moisture is gone.
• Wait for at least 48 hours after the water has been completely removed before installing a new floor covering so your carpets have time to dry out thoroughly.
• Wear gloves, goggles, and a breathing mask when using chemicals.

Conclusion

Mold growth in the carpet should be taken seriously. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe respiratory problems and other health issues, including asthma attacks and headaches.

Moreover, if a source of dampness has been found that caused mold in carpeting, do not try any DIY methods. Instead, get professional help from companies that specialize in remediation services, such as Moldtesters561. We can provide fast service and even come out on weekends or holidays when necessary, so don’t wait until it’s too late before calling us.