Mold and mildew presence in a home poses serious concerns because they are identified as substances that can trigger allergies. These allergens are capable of provoking strong allergic responses and could also contribute to respiratory problems. Should mold and mildew start developing in your carpeting, discoloration may become apparent. In severe cases, the extent of the damage might be so significant that replacing your carpet becomes the only viable option.
The good news is that getting rid of mold and mildew from a carpet is easy. In fact, it is possible to get rid of the stains and the musty smells that they cause by using a few homemade solutions. Here are the steps that you should take if you want to save yourself from the negative effects of mold and mildew.
The first step is to gather all the supplies you need. This involves making sure that you have enough baking soda, vinegar, and water to create an effective cleaning solution. It also involves gathering the tools that are needed to get the job done. This includes a good brush, a clean rag, a vacuum with a HEPA filter, a dustpan, and a trash bag. And although not necessary, getting your hands on a fan and a humidifier will make your life a little bit easier.
Step 2: Protect yourself
With your supplies gathered, you should then take steps to keep yourself from inhaling or spreading mold and mildew spores. Wearing a pair of rubber gloves, putting on a face mask, and shielding your eyes with protective eyewear, is usually enough.
Step 3: Shield and ventilate the space
Shielding the space in which the carpet is located is necessary in order to keep the spores spreading throughout your home. To do so, simply close all the doors leading to the rest of the home. You can also use plastic sheeting to block any spaces through which the spores may escape to the rest of the house.
Make sure the space is well ventilated so that any airborne spores can escape to the outside. leaving your windows open is advisable. You can also use a fan to increase airflow out of the room.
Step 4: Scraping the mold and mildew
In addition to affected areas giving off a musty smell, they also tend to have distinct discoloration. These areas tend to be either black, white, or green. And if you notice these patches on your carpet, it means that there is excess mold and mildew that needs to be scraped off.
Use the brush to scrape off the mold and mildew patches, and then collect them on a dustpan. Thereafter, dispose of them by dumping them in a trash bag and then sealing it.
Step 5: Applying baking soda
Baking soda is great at getting rid of bad odors. It is also effective at killing mold and mildew. Therefore, applying a baking soda solution to the affected area is an effective way of completely clearing the area.
First, mix one-part baking soda and two parts water in a bowl to create the solution. After you are done, simply apply it to the area and then let it do its magic for a while — leaving it overnight is recommended. And if there is any excess solution, simply remove it by blotting the area with a dry rag.