General Tips for Preventing and Removing Carpet Mold

by DoItYourself Staff

Carpet mold can thrive unseen in moist places and cause a lot of problems in your home. Mold causes several health problems, like respiratory disorders and asthma, while at the same time damaging your home and belongings. There are several ways you can prevent carpet mold. You also have a good chance of removing carpet mold if it is in the early stages of growth.

Preventing Carpet Mold

By keeping humidity below 50 percent and promoting air circulation, you can effectively lower the chances of carpet mold growth. Following are some of the ways in which you can lower humidity.

Use a dehumidifier in the basement and other places where mold growth is common. This appliance lowers humidity levels effectively, thereby reducing chances of mold growth. If possible, avoid using carpets in basements where flooding is possible.
Repair any pipes that have a leak. Leaking pipes are a leading cause of mold growth. It can also cause water damage in your home. If you find any evidence of mold growth on your belongings, have them treated immediately. If you cannot remove the mold, dispose of the affected items. Mold can spread at an alarming rate and infest everything around it.
Avoid hanging clothes to dry indoors. If the weather permits, dry clothes outdoors, or use the dryer. After using the dryer, clean the filter between loads.
Clean furnace filters, air conditioning filters and vents regularly. This will prevent the chances of mold spores spreading around in the air.
Improve air circulation by leaving windows open whenever the weather is favorable. Avoid leaving basements and rooms closed at all times. Enclosed spaces often show evidence of mold growth, especially if carpets are being used.
In case of flooding or water spills, immediately dry the affected area. If you have bathrooms in the vicinity of the carpet, make it a point to use exhaust fans to vent out the moisture. Clean bathrooms regularly to prevent mold growth.
If your carpet gets wet under any circumstances, dry it out immediately. Incomplete drying will result in certain mold growth. It is best to carry the carpet outdoors to dry in the sun.
Avoid storing wood inside your home. This provides a feeding material for mold.
Ensure that the ground surrounding your home slopes away from the foundation. This will prevent water accumulation and moisture problems in the basement.

Removing Carpet Mold

Once you discover carpet mold, you can try a few techniques to remove it. However, you must also ensure that you remove all the factors that contribute to mold growth.

Wear protective gloves, a face mask and thick clothing to prevent contact with mold spores. Then you can proceed to remove the carpet. If possible, carry it outdoors to be cleaned. If the mold infestation is extensive, you must consult a mold removal expert for advice. In most cases, carpet mold in advanced stages of growth damages the carpet beyond repair.
Inspect the floor under the carpet thoroughly. Clean it with a solution of bleach and water. If needed, use a commercial mold removal product.
Clean the carpet with the bleach solution or a commercial product. Dry it thoroughly before bringing it indoors.