Quck answer
Vinegar is an effective and natural solution to kill mold in carpets. Follow these steps to get rid of mold:
1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the affected area generously with the vinegar solution.
3. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the vinegar to penetrate the mold.
4. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge to remove the mold.
5. Rinse the carpet with clean water and blot dry with a clean towel.
6. Open windows or use fans to ensure proper ventilation and quick drying.
Remember to wear protective gloves and a mask while working with mold. Repeat the process if necessary until the mold is completely gone.
Discovering mold growth in your carpet can be overwhelming. Mold is a persistent irritant that is difficult to completely remove from the carpet fibers. There are several methods you can use to ensure the effective elimination of this unwanted house guest.
How to Eliminate Mold in Carpet Using Vinegar
Image Credit:
KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock/GettyImages
Understanding Mold
Coming across mold in your home does not necessarily mean you will experience severe health issues. Mold is a common occurrence in households.
- Yellow mold is the most commonly found mold on walls and windows. It tends to thrive on wood materials but can also spread to the subflooring beneath wall-to-wall carpeting.
- Aspergilius is a commonly found airborne fungus in homes. It is not harmful to healthy adults but can attach to carpeting under humid conditions.
- Alternaria is an allergenic mold that can cause coughing, wheezing, sneezing, or other respiratory issues.
- Cladosporium is a powerful black fungus that can pose problems for children, seniors, or individuals with asthma or respiratory problems. It thrives in mattresses and thick carpets, appearing as small black spots that spread quickly.
- Stachybotrys is the most toxic mold that can grow in crawl spaces. This black mold is dangerous and usually requires professional removal. If your carpet is found to have this dangerous mold, it should be removed and replaced.
EPA Guidelines for Mold
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has provided guidelines to address the serious issue of mold in homes. These guidelines help consumers determine when to seek professional help or completely replace the carpeting.
If the mold growth covers an area larger than 10 square feet due to extensive water damage, the carpet should be replaced. Any contractor hired to remove moldy carpeting should have expertise in mold removal and understand the necessary steps to prevent the spread of mold throughout the home.
Using Vinegar to Eliminate Mold
Vinegar is a commonly used cleaner to tackle mold growth in homes, whether it is on window sills, in crawl spaces, or embedded deep within carpet fibers. However, simply spraying vinegar on mold is not enough to kill it completely.
Straight vinegar sprayed on mold can eliminate approximately 80 percent of mold species. Combining vinegar with baking soda can effectively control small mold growths. Allow the vinegar to sit for at least an hour before blotting or scrubbing the area.
Let the area dry overnight. The strong odor of vinegar will dissipate within a few hours. If baking soda was used with vinegar, it will also eliminate any odors from the carpet along with the mold.
Using Bleach to Eliminate Mold
Using bleach to eliminate mold in carpeting has a few drawbacks. Apart from potentially staining dyed carpet fibers, this powerful cleaner can also damage certain materials.
To prevent bald patches on your carpet, mix a quarter cup of bleach with a gallon of warm water to dilute the cleaner. It is important to always wear gloves when handling bleach. Apply the diluted bleach evenly and lightly over the mold. Before using bleach on the entire carpet, test a small area to ensure it does not damage the color or structure of the fibers.
What Causes Mold in Carpet?
Leaks and unchecked high humidity can lead to the growth of mold in carpets. It is important to inspect the foundation and walls for any cracks or damage, as water can seep in through even the smallest cracks.
High levels of humidity can also result in wet stains spreading on walls and ceilings. In addition to mold and fungi, bed bugs and dust mites thrive in environments with high humidity. It is recommended to refer to a humidity level chart to determine the ideal humidity level for each room.
