Mould is an inconvenience wherever you find it. But when it appears on your carpet, it may not be as easy. Aside from the horrendous smell, mould can be a serious health risk when you inhale it or come into contact with it.
Luckily, we’ve gathered some helpful information on how to get rid of persistent mould patches from carpets and outline when you need to call in the professionals.
What Causes Mould Growth in Carpets?
While mould growth is necessary for a functioning ecosystem, it’s not ideal when found indoors. Mould survives by feeding on the moisture in the air, fibres and material and releases spores to grow and spread. As long as there is moisture, it will keep growing and spreading without fail. This is why mould loves warm, damp environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.
If your carpet gets wet from a spill, ceiling leak, water or flood damage or even in high humidity climates, moisture becomes entangled in the carpet weaves. Especially within tight weaves or if moisture traps close to the backing of the carpet, then it’s difficult to inhibit mould growth. It happens right before your eyes and you may not even realise it. But, if you can’t see it, chances are you can smell it. It’ll be unpleasant, musty, or like wet dog.
Unless you have running fans, dehumidifiers or heavy-duty dryers, the carpet is unlikely to adequately dry quickly enough. In cases of severe water damage or flooding, drying can take up to several weeks to complete.
Why Is Mould in Carpets a Problem?
Mould growth is normal and common. But when it begins to grow indoors or in confined areas, it disrupts air quality and causes respiratory discomfort, including:
- Cough
- Eye, throat or sinus irritations
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Headaches
- Wheezing
Coming into contact with mould, visible or otherwise, can aggravate spores and can trigger allergies and be dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. This can include children, the elderly or those with existing respiratory conditions.
You should always practice caution if you come across mould in your home or suspect it in your carpet. If in doubt, reach out to a professional mould removal company for an inspection.
How to Get Mould Out of Carpet
As soon as you spot mould growing in your carpet, it’s important to take immediate action. You may want to try the following home remedies:
Baking Soda + Vinegar: Sprinkle baking soda generously onto the carpet and leave overnight. Baking soda may act as a deodoriser for stale odours and absorb any lingering moisture in the fibres. Vacuum the following day using a clean filter. Then scrub the carpet with vinegar with a harsh bristle brush and allow it to dry as quickly as possible. Make sure you ventilate the room, open windows, run the air-conditioner on ‘dry mode’, or, if it’s a rug, take it outside to dry in the sun.
Remember, DIY remedies only provide a temporary solution and will not kill mould colonies completely. If mould continues to reappear, seek out a professional mould removal service. When attempting DIY remedies, always wear protective gear including face masks, eyewear and gloves.
If mould patches are covering large areas, then you will need a professional mould removal service to inspect and treat the mould.
Does Steam Cleaning Kill Mould?
In a nutshell, no. At least, not entirely. Steam cleaning sanitises and deodourises carpets using the vapours from heated water. It removes grime, and grease eliminates odours and even kills bacteria and germs. Mould, on the other hand, is a different story.
Because mould is a fungus, it spreads relentlessly wherever there is moisture, attaching itself to fibres, dirt and dust – everything you would normally find on the carpet. Steam is a popular option for mould removal because it’s a safe, natural alternative to bleach and chemical-based solutions. But it is unable to completely kill mould colonies permanently.
Some steam cleaners don’t have high enough water temperatures to stunt mould growth – and even if they did, it still may not be enough. The damp residue it leaves behind may spark new spores to quickly attach, grow and spread. The mould returns and the cycle starts all over again.
How To Prevent Mould From Growing in Carpet
The key to mould prevention is moisture control. Here are some tips to help prevent mould growth:
- Avoid installing carpets in moisture-prone areas
- Wash, dry and replace bathroom mats regularly
- Run your air-conditioner on dry mode and use dehumidifiers in highly humid areas
- Vacuum and clean rugs regularly
- Regularly ventilate the home by opening windows
When to Call a Mould Professional
If you are afraid of mould becoming a problem in your home and require a long-term solution, reach out to a professional mould removal team to help you. MouldMen’s expert technicians will inspect, treat and remediate your home and provide you with a Mould Management and Prevention Plan. Call us on 1300 60 59 60 to book your free inspection today.