How to Clean Mold in Carpet from Water Damage

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Mold in carpet is never welcome in anyone’s home. Mold is a very dangerous thing. It can damage the carpet fully and cause severe health problems.

And water damage carpet cleaning is critical. If all else fails, you will have nothing to do other than removing the carpet and install a new one. 

Searching for a way to get rid of carpet mold? Want to know how to clean mold in carpet from water damage? 

Nothing to worry about, today we are here to discuss the solution to your mold in carpet problem. We will tell you some effective steps that will help you in mold remover for carpet.

So, let’s start, scroll down, and know them.

Understand What Types of Water Damage Your Carpet Have

Mold doesn’t need so much time or space to grow. It requires a little bit of moisture and a slight dark space. As there is a problem, there is a solution also. But the solution will be different for different situations. 

Before you start cleaning the mold in the carpet you have to find out if there is any moisture under carpet? And how much is your carpet damaged? Because wet carpet mold needs extra effort to go.

Type- One

If the carpet is damaged with rainwater or broken pipe and is wet for less than 24 hours, cleaning the mold of this carpet and recovering the padding and carpet both is possible.

Let’s name this water damage type-1 water damage for easy understanding. 

Type-Two

But if the carpet is wet with greywater ( broken aquarium water, Sump pump failure water, toilet waters, etc.) for more than 24 hours then it will be difficult to recover the carpet padding.

Because it can cause disease if the padded swallow or touches the body of the carpet. So replacing the padding will be best if the carpet is wet with greywater. It will be type-2 water damage.

Type-Three

There is no chance of get rid of mold on carpet if it’s damaged with blackwater. Because blackwater ( toilet backflows, streams, seawater, etc.) contains harmful agents like pathogens. Replacing the carpet is the last choice for this type-3 water damage.

Five Ways to Clean Mold in Carpet from Water Damage

If your carpet is damaged with type-1 water damage, you don’t need to worry. The solution is there to clean mold from the water-damaged carpet.

We will tell you 5 simple steps to clean the mold caused by water. 

Equipment list:

As we know mold isn’t health-friendly. It can cause irritations to the skin, eyes, nose, throats and have many allergic reactions, so you have to take some precaution steps.

Be prepared with a protective mask, hand gloves, and goggles to protect our vulnerable areas. 

And some natural cleaning agents we will need are- White Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. 

Some equipment is- Vacuum Cleaner, Steam Cleaner, Blowing Fan, Soft Bristle Brush, and Towel.

Method OneUsing Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum Cleaner

When you know there is water under your carpet, try immediately to get water out of the carpet. To do this you can use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner if there is any standing water.

If there is no standing water use a damp towel and remove as much water you can.

And then clean the carpet with dishwashing liquid and distilled water solution. Damp the carpet into the solution, keep it for twenty to thirty minutes and wash away.

Method TwoUsing White Vinegar

White Vinegar

Take one bucket of water and one cup of white vinegar. Remember only vinegar can’t remove mold 100% so using white vinegar will be best.

Now mix the remedies and damp the carpet into the mixture. Keep the carpet in the mixture for a minimum of 1 hour, then wash it. Don’t forget to use a damp towel to remove the excess solution and water. 

Method ThreeUsing Bristle Brush

Bristle Brush

Take some baking soda and spread it all over the carpet. Baking soda not only helps you to get rid of bad smells, but it also helps the wet carpet to dry faster.

Take help from a bristle brush and scrub the carpet with it gently.

The carpet will soak the baking soda and all odds smells will go. The carpet will be now cleaned, refreshed, and drier than before.

Method FourUsing Steam Cleaner

Using Steam Cleaner

Taking help from a steam cleaner is also a good choice. Steam cleaning is very effective to remove mold, odd scents, and build up carpet fibers.

Steam clean will disinfect the water-damaged carpet and will help to dry it faster. It can remove mold from the root.

Steam cleaned carpet takes barely 4 to 6 hours to dry. 

Method FiveUsing Hydrogen-Peroxide

Using Hydrogen-Peroxide

When you have failed to try all the upper tricks now you have only one option: hydrogen-peroxide. Take some hydrogen peroxide and make a mixture with a bucket of water.

Hydrogen peroxide is the best cleaning agent, but using it is a little dangerous.

So use it only when you fail after trying other methods. After washing with this solution. Dry the carpet with high blower fans. If you don’t have a big blower fan, rent one and start air blowing the carpet.

Usually, it takes three to four days to dry the water-damaged carpet but if the carpet is less damaged it can take less time to recover.

Know More on Be A Cleaner

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Carpet Be Cleaned After Water Damage?

Cleaning a carpet after water damage is possible. But you have to do it before the carpet is in water for more than 24 hours. First, remove the water as much as you can, but if the water is in a flooded basement, use pumps or wet-dry vacuums. Then leave the room to dry, analyze the carpet damage, and clean the area fully. 

How Long Does It Take for Mold to Grow in Wet Carpet?

Mold grows immediately if it finds oxygen, food source, or moisture. When the carpet is wet mold will grow at high speed. It will take as little as 24-48 hours. Some experts say mold takes time to develop, it won’t take shape until 3 days pass with the wet environment.

Can You Put Baking Soda on Damp Carpet?

Yes, you can put baking soda on a damp carpet. We know Baking soda helps in removing nasty odors, but most of us don’t know baking soda can absorb moisture. Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp carpet, let it sit for 30 minutes, and vacuum it. Baking soda surprises and easily removes all trapped moisture. 

How Do You Clean Mold out Of a Steam Cleaner?

Cleaning mold out of a steam cleaner isn’t a difficult task. Take a mixture of 2 cups water and ¼ cups vinegar, spray on the mold surface and wipe away. Before you wipe off the mixture let it sit for a few minutes.

What Kills Mold Better Bleach or Vinegar?

Both bleach and vinegar are effective cleaning agents. But there is a difference available that makes one of them a little better. According to research vinegar kills mold better than bleach.

Because bleach cleans only mold spores from the surface of the affected materials, whereas vinegar kills mold from any material/ penetrating porous materials from the roots.

What Do Professionals Use to Kill Mold?

One of the popular cleaning agents to kill mold is white vinegar. Most professionals use it before trying any hydro-peroxide-based cleaning chemical. 

White vinegar can kill up to 82% of mold species from porous or non-porous surfaces.  It’s also effective for black mold and safe for any surfaces.

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