Last Updated on 9 months by Susan Mayrich
Mold can be a nuisance in a home, but it can also be dangerous and unhealthy. Mold grows on everything from drywall to carpets, causing discoloration and damage. Fortunately, there are many ways to remove mold from carpeting naturally.
Molds are organisms that can live on any wet surface. They grow best in warm, moist places, so they are often found in bathrooms and kitchens where they can cause damage to the walls, ceiling, flooring, and other surfaces.
In addition to damaging your home’s structure and causing allergic reactions, molds can also be detrimental to your health. Exposure to molds can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies as well as skin conditions like eczema.
To learn more about how to tell signs of mold as well as to get mold out of your carpet, continue reading.
How to Identify Carpet Mold: Signs of Mold Growth
A mold problem isn’t always apparent on the surface of your carpet. You can tell if a carpet is infested with mold by looking for these signs:
Musty Odors: Mold produces a musty odor when it grows and releases spores into the air. This odor is noticeable even before you see signs of mold growth. If you notice this smell in your home, check all areas for mold growth.
Discoloration: Mold can cause discoloration in your carpet when it starts growing on it. If you notice spots that appear green or black, this could be a sign of mold growth. It’s important to note that discoloration isn’t always caused by mold, other factors such as stains and bleaching can cause similar effects on your carpeting as well.
Damp Carpet: If the carpet feels damp or humid, it may be due to mold growth. If you notice this condition, get rid of the mold before it spreads further into the carpeting and other areas of your home.
White spots or patches on the carpet: If you see white spots on your carpet, they could be caused by mold spores or bacteria, which can grow in humid environments.
How to Get Mold Out of Carpet Naturally
So the first step to killing mold and mildew in carpet is understanding what kind of fungus you’re dealing with, what type of carpet you have, and how much time you can dedicate to cleaning it up.
Mold and mildew can grow rapidly in the right environment, so it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Here are a few methods you can use at home to kill mold and mildew on the carpet:
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are both natural cleaning agents that work well on carpets, especially if they have been soaked with water or other liquids.
The baking soda will help absorb moisture while the vinegar helps kill any remaining mold spores that may have grown on your carpet since your last cleaning session.
You should also use this combination if you want to clean your walls after a flood or other water damage event has occurred in your home. This method works best when you apply it directly onto the affected area of your carpet rather than spreading it across the entire floor as you might do with other cleaners.
To treat minor mold problems, sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet. Then spray vinegar over the affected area to fight off mildew and keep it away from your home’s interior decor.
Use a stiff brush to loosen the mold from the carpet fibers, then blow-dry thoroughly. Once dry and free of debris, vacuum in order to remove any leftover baking soda.
Heat With A Steam Cleaner
Heating mold and mildew in carpets have been found effective in killing fungi. Steam cleaning is one way that the average homeowner can kill mold and mildew in the carpet via heat treatment.
The steam cleaner will kill off any mold or mildew spores that may be present by heating them until they burst open. The steam also kills off any bacteria that may be present as well as removes dirt or stains from your carpeting.
After you have cleaned your carpeting with a steamer, allow it to dry completely before walking on it again. This will help prevent mold spores from being released into the air when you walk on them with bare feet or shoes that do not provide adequate protection against contact with the outside environment.
Hydrogen Peroxide Mold Removal
Hydrogen peroxide is a very common mold killer. It is also one of the more effective ways to get rid of mold because it does not require any harsh chemicals or sprays.
Before applying the solution, make sure to test it on a small area first to make sure it will work for what you need it for. You do not want to accidentally use too much hydrogen peroxide or end up with burns from accidentally touching it.
Mix the hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle, and then add 5 drops of lemon essential oil. Spray this mixture on the affected area of the carpet. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming or using any other cleaning method on your carpet.
How to Prevent Carpet Mold
A few simple steps can keep your carpet looking and smelling fresh for years.
Vacuum regularly – Vacuuming helps remove dust. You should vacuum your carpet at least once a week, more often if there are pets or children in the house.
Clean spills as soon as possible – Spilled liquids soak into carpet fibers quickly and can leave permanent stains if not removed quickly enough. The sooner you clean up the spill, the less damage will be done to the fibers of your carpeting and padding underneath it.
Use a Dehumidifier – Keep humidity levels low in your home by using dehumidifiers or air conditioners if necessary (if you live in a warmer climate). High humidity levels encourage mold growth and if you have any leaks in your home’s plumbing system or poor ventilation due to poor insulation or lack of windows.
Increase Ventilation – Ventilation is one of the most effective ways to keep your home free from mold and mildew. The more air that circulates through your home, the less likely it is that moisture will build up on surfaces because it will be whisked away before it has a chance to do any damage.
Final Thoughts
While it is easier to clean mold and mildew out of clothing, carpets may be tougher to clean. Treat them as soon as possible to prevent growth. However, if you have found signs of mold and mildew in your carpet after the fact, do not worry; they are certainly still salvageable. Just follow our instructions step by step and you can improve your carpets’ health in no time.
