Removing Mold From a Carpet

1/20/2019 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is a tough job, so act fast if you spot mold on a carpet.

A damp carpet—whether from a leak, a spill or your favorite pet—can create mold growth in a matter of days, putting you at risk of health complications. If the affected spot is less than 5 feet in width, you may want to tackle it yourself, but anything larger will require treatment by professionals like SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield, because the mold has likely spread to the underlay or flooring.

Either way, mold spreads rapidly, so act fast! An anti-fungal spray designed to kill mold, available in retail stores and home centers, is a better option than bleach, which can discolor carpet. Tools you’ll need include a facemask and eye protection, rubber gloves, a stiff bristle brush, dustpan and trashbag, rags, an antifungal spray and a dehumidifier.

Step 1
Put on a facemask, eye protection and rubber gloves before you start. Ventilate the space by opening windows or, if possible, remove the rug and take it outside. If you can’t remove or lift the carpet, treat the visible surface mold.

For professional mold remediation services, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836

Step 2
If possible, lift the carpet until you reach the affected area and examine the backing. Backing with substantial mold growth of more than a few feet in width needs to be replaced. Either throw out the carpet or cut off the mold-covered area plus a 12-inch margin and insert new carpet. Remove and replace the portion of underlay or carpet pad, too.

Step 3
Scrub the surface of the carpet with a dry, stiff bristle brush to remove the visible mold spores. Brush these into a dustpan and discard in a trash bag. (Do not vacuum—that will spread spores to other areas of your home.) Scrub the back of the rug as well, if you can reach it.

Step 4
Thoroughly saturate the moldy area and a 6-inch margin with anti-fungal spray (must be safe for carpets and have a “mold barrier” or mold prevention). Cover both the front and back, if possible, and the area of the floor beneath the moldy portion. Let the anti-fungal spray sit for one hour, then blot with a clean, dry rag.

Step 5
Let the carpet dry completely, which will take at least 24 hours. You may improve drying by closing your windows, turning up the heat in the room, and running a dehumidifier. Do not use a fan, as that will spread the mold spores, and don’t walk on the area or allow pets near it while it’s drying.

Step 6
Clean the bristle brush and dustpan by scrubbing with hot soapy water, then spraying with anti-fungal treatment and allowing it to dry completely. Bag and throw out the rag and rubber gloves.

For professional mold remediation services, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836

Step 7
Once the carpet has dried thoroughly, repeat Steps 4, 5 and 6, using a clean rag to blot (discard after blotting). Once the carpet has dried a second time, run the dehumidifier for a few more days to remove mold spores from the air.

After the carpeting has dried fully, you should be mold-free, but check the spot every day or so for a month to make sure that mold hasn’t returned.

We’re Here to Help
When you don’t want to tackle the tough job of mold remediation, call a professional with a solid record of serving the Connecticut region: SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836, around the clock. At SERVPRO, we know the safest, quickest and most effective ways to help you remove mold contamination for good and reduce the mold in your commercial or residential property.

Other Helpful Blog Posts
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how Manchester and Mansfield residents can protect their homes and businesses from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage. Here are a few blog posts that you might find helpful: 

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For professional mold remediation services, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836