I moved into a place with a finished basement. I've discovered a corner that gets wet during very damp weather, and that the MVP baseboard has dryrot. So, we will be replacing the baseboards and some of the wooden strip with the carpet nails sticking up. The property manager is looking into ways to control the water seepage. Except at the perimeter in the wet corner, the carpet is in good shape. It's a very low pile shag - I've no idea of the fiber, but surely synthetic. We've lifted half of the carpet and have fans running, which seems to be drying out the pad and carpet. But, it smells musty-like. 1. How can I clean off the discolored edge of the carpet? I was going to scrub it with bleach, but I read in other threads that bleach isn't a good idea. 2. What's a good way to remove any odor from the pad and carpet? 3. After replacing the carpet nail strips, how do you stretch the carpet back into place? Or, should I call in a professional carpet cleaner? Any tips for picking a good professional? I've not had to care for wall-to-wall carpeting since the days when it was made of wool.

I'm ripping up an old wall-to-wall carpet and, since the underlying hardwood floors are in good condition, I'd like to just have an area rug in the center of the room. My question is: What's the safest method of prying up the tack strips that are nailed to the floor around the perimeter of the room? I don't want to crack or splinter my beautiful hardwood. Also, a related questions is how to undo the rolled edge near doorways to uncarpeted areas and the brick in front of the fireplace (flush with the hardwood floor)? Those areas are nailed down real well and so far, I've just cut my way around them, leaving a 2-3" band of carpet behind. Thanks.