Can Carpet Cleaning Remove Mould?

Maybe you’re visiting a holiday home or caravan, that’s sat empty for a while and you notice a musty smell? Or maybe you’ve had a flood in your home and water has seeped into your carpet? Either way, a musty smell and wet carpet is a surefire sign you carpet has or will get mould, if action is not taken.

Mould is an airborne, microscopic fungus that loves damp, dark areas to live in. Places prone to condensation and humidity like the bathroom, a cellar or even enclosed cupboards are likely places for mould to grow. Mould can appear in different colours depending on the conditions but green and black are common.

Tips to Prevent Mould Growth in Your Home

Reducing the moisture and humidity in your home is the best way to prevent mould growth. While it’s impossible to completely eradicate mould, there are many ways to keep it at the bare minimum.

• Clean wet areas like the bathroom frequently
• Keep your home well insulated
• Keep the humidity level under 60 percent
• Repair leaks and unclog your aircon regularly
• Increase the airflow through the home by opening windows
• Make sure clothes are dry before folding and storing
• Clean carpets and rugs regularly and allow to dry before walking over them
• Use a dehumidifier if your home is prone to condensation

How to Clean Mould and Mildew Out of Carpets

If you’ve found mould on your carpet or rugs, do an inspection to see how large the problem is. If it’s reached the back of your rugs, these may need to be replaced. If carpet mould has spread over a large area, it’s recommended to call in professional Adelaide carpet cleaners for assistance. To tackle surface carpet mould, try these remedies;

• Wear gloves and a dust mask. Mould is potentially toxic which can lead to breathing problems if ingested
• Open windows and ventilate the area. If mould is on a rug, lay it out in the sun
• Vacuum the carpet or rug thoroughly
• Scrub the effected area with a quality carpet cleaning solution and warm water
• To use a DIY solution, use a vinegar and baking soda solution which should kill mould and remove musty smells from the carpet
• Allow the carpet to dry out thoroughly
• Vacuum again when dry to pick up any remaining mould spores

If the above cleaning method doesn’t work, or your carpet mould goes particularly deep, you may need to try steam carpet cleaning. Many studies have shown that the intense heat from steam cleaning is the most effective way to kill mould.