Discovering mould in your home is never a nice surprise. Though black mould is the most dangerous type, any kind of mould can cause serious respiratory issues, especially if you have asthma. Mould can also degrade the fibres of your carpet if not dealt with, impacting the life span of your carpet! While you might find mould when returning to a summer home or in caravan, it can also appear on any carpet or upholstered surface. When it does, here’s how to clean up the mould mess and get rid of the musty carpet smell!
What causes mouldy carpets?
Mould is caused by humidity and condensation, so bathrooms and kitchens are common places for it to grow, but it also loves areas that are enclosed. That means your closets and cellars are also at risk! That also goes for properties that might stay shut up all year. Mould and mildew tend to peak in summer and autumn due to the warmth and wetness of the weather. Be on the lookout for a musty carpet smell!
Mould comes in different colours depending on the strain and some might appear as different colours in different conditions. This can make them hard to identify, so it’s best to play it safe and get rid of mould as soon as you see it! Green mould is common in many UK homes and may be the one you spot on your carpets or on fabrics and mattresses. You might also first notice a musty carpet smell before you actually see anything, so see to any strange carpet smells!
How to clean mould and mildew out of carpet and rugs
If cleaning your rug has revealed mould on it, first check to see if it has reached the backing. When mould has spread to a large portion of the back of your rug, it may need to be replaced. If not, you can kill the mould by letting your carpet sit in the sun for 24-48 hours.
If there is mould on the surface fibres of your carpeting, here’s how to clean it:
- Opening windows to make sure the area is well ventilated.
- Wear a dust mask and gloves – this is very important, as even walking on the mould can stir up spores.
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before cleaning.
- Mix 1 part of 1001 Carpet Shampoo Cleaner with 6 parts of warm water and whisk to a foam.
- Apply foam with a clean colourfast cloth or sponge and massage into the carpet or upholstery. Take care not to make the area too wet.
- Use a damp cloth to soak up the mould and foam from the treated area.
- Use a blow dryer on the surface, or otherwise make sure the room is well ventilated while the carpet air dries, so that the surface doesn’t stay moist.
- Vacuum the treated area again when dry.
If the mould goes particularly deep or covers a large area of your carpet, then it’s recommended that you use 3 in 1 Machine to deep clean. As above, it is crucial to clean in a well-ventilated area. Use a mask to protect yourself, and try to dry the carpet post-cleaning as quickly as possible.
Finish things with a freshener
When the mould is gone and the carpet is completely dried, now you can tackle the carpet smell. Carpet smells don’t stand a chance against Carpet Fresh, so pick your favourite scent and give the room an even spray. If you want more tips like this for dealing with carpet catastrophe, make sure to follow us on Instagram – and give us your best tips as well!
