Carpet mold can be a severe issue if left untreated. Especially after a flood or overflow from faulty appliances, the carper should be the priority to check for mold. These spores may look like any innocent microbes. But they can become deadly for your home and family under favorable circumstances.
Nothing nurtures mold growth more than a damp carpet. Thus, you need to get into the work of drying the carpet. However, you may end up having those deadly spores even after thorough drying.
Are you feeling lost or panicked? Please don’t. We have rounded up the most proven and effective ways to detect and clean mold growth in carpets from Water Damage. Not only the homeowners but the professional cleaners rely on these techniques too.
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How to Detect Mold in Carpet from Water Damage?
Circular Patches
Your carpet may come in diverse colors and shades. No matter if they are dark or light in the shade, mold will create distinct dark circular patches on them. It is much easier to find the patches in lighter shades than any dark-colored carpet.
Don’t worry if you find the shade really dark. Use a 100-watts bulb with an extension cord to check for moldy patches. The light will make it easy to find even the smallest patches on any corner.
I don’t think that you can ignore smaller patches. They are equally potent to create a mold infestation in your home.
Strong Smell
Have you noticed a strong, musty smell in your home after the floodwater is gone? There is no way you can miss it. That strong is the most significant non-visual indicator of mold in your place. If you can smell it, get ready to take the necessary actions.
You don’t need to see a dark patch on the carpet with the smell. Even a small colony of spore is enough to create that pungent smell. That’s why we recommend never to underestimate any size of patches.
Mold Spores Underneath the Carpet
You may not see any patch or smell any musty odor after flooding or water damage. But you can be sure that something is cooking under the carpet. So pull the rug up and look for any spore growth on the sub-floor.
Mold colonies can form even on a tiny patch of trapped moisture. Look for dark green, black, or brown furry patches under the carpet. A few is enough to grow into an invading colony.
Hire a Professional to Detect Mold
It is not easy to get into all those inspections and detection right after a water accident. You are still in a state of shock and awe. Perhaps, the priority for you is to assess the damage and insurance issue. Those insurance issues are a hard nut to crack to get your claim.
In these situations, you should call for a professional water damage assessment and control expert. They have all the expertise and tools to detect the molds and plan for further action.
How to Clean Carpet Mold from Water Damage?
White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Both vinegar and baking soda are safe and effective to use against mold in the carpet. They will remove the mold without creating any hassle or hazard for your family and the environment.
Follow the steps to do a perfect mold removal using white vinegar and baking soda.
Step 1: Sprinkle baking soda generously on the mold and the affected surroundings. Leave them to soak overnight so that they can absorb all the moisture from the mold.
Step 2: Vacuum the soda carefully so that they do not disburse to the surrounding. Dispose of the vacuum bag carefully in the trash outdoors.
Step 3: Now apply white vinegar to the dried area generously. Rub the area vigorously for an effective result.
Step 4: Remove the under padding to prevent any recurrence of the mold.
Step 5: Blow-dry the place with a fan or blower to dry out the area thoroughly.
Step 6: Rent a commercial vacuum with a HEPA filter to further sanitize and clean the carpeting.
Run the dehumidifier regularly to control the moisture and further mold growth.
Bleach or Anti-Mold Method
Bleach needs careful handling otherwise can cause damage to the skin and clothing. Similarly, it is harsh to the molds and literally obliterates them for good. Using bleach is a long term and quick solution against mildew but requires some extra cautions.
You will find the anti-mold treatment or bleach in the cleaning section of any supermarket. But not all bleach is safe to use on carpet. Read the label first before you put them in the cart.
If you still are not sure about the product, apply it to a corner of the carpet or any leftover pieces in your garage. It will surely give you a clear idea.
Before you pick one, make sure they have the phrases “mold barrier” or “encapsulate treatment” on the packaging. It means the treatment will leave a protective covering on the carpet fibers to prevent future mold growth.
Step 1: Mix color-safe bleach in a gallon of water.
Step 2: Apply the mixture to the affected area and vigorously rub for the best outcome.
Step 3: Blow-dry the area with a fan or blower to dry it completely.
Step 4: Use a commercial wet/dry HEPA filter to deep clean and sanitize the area.
Remove Mold Affected Carpet
This is the last resort if the mold affected area is more significant than a printing paper’s size. The affected area’s size is big enough to indicate the mold is already in the carpet, under padding, and subfloor.
It will be a hell of a job, even for the most professional mold cleaner. Therefore, it is better to go for the most effective solution. Remove the carpet and the padding if necessary.
If the water damage is severe and the humidity is extreme, replace the damaged carpet with wood, vinyl, or non-porous flooring material.
Conclusion
Don’t get frustrated and panicked after water damage to the carpet. Follow the steps that we have recommended, and you will surely see a better outcome. If nothing works, take it as a sign that you need to change the flooring.
Sometimes things go wrong to bring everything on the right track. Don’t you think so?