Mold can be quite invasive, and it can creep into the most unlikely places. From condensation pipes to attics, mold seems to thrive anywhere there’s moisture. Unfortunately, it can have serious health repercussions. Some people are simply allergic to mold while others develop respiratory complications after long-term exposure to mold. So, what happens when you have mold on your carpet? That’s why it’s important to learn how to get mold out of carpet naturally.
How to Get Mold Out of Carpet Naturally
Mold can damage your carpet so it’s best to deal with it as soon as possible. This article discusses how to get mold out of your carpet naturally.
When it comes to getting rid of mold, part of the problem is that traditional methods can be quite toxic. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to the harsh chemicals and bleach used for mold removal that are also some of the cheapest ways to clean carpet. Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, grapefruit seed extract, tea tree oil and vinegar are all effective at removing mold from your carpets.
With a little elbow grease, you can try one of these natural remedies the next time you see mold on your carpets. However, remember to wear a mask to avoid inhalation.
Natural Mold Removers
- Vinegar – This can be mixed with water or used alone. Vinegar can kill up to over 80% of mold spores. Simply spray it on the affected area and leave it for a few hours before scrubbing.
- Baking soda – This is a natural disinfectant that’s effective at cleaning mold without leaving any unwanted odors. You can make your own homemade dry carpet shampoo using baking soda.
- Borax – This is a common household cleaning agent that’s effective at getting rid of mold and fungus. Add a cup of borax to one gallon of water and wipe or spray on the affected area.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide on the surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing, cleaning and wiping off using a dry cloth. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove some of the worst stains on the carpet.
- Tea tree oil – this is an effective mold killer with antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s best applied using a spray bottle. Add a tsp. of tea tree oil into a cup of water, stir and shake.
Removing Mold from Carpet Naturally
- Start by cleaning the carpet base with a steam cleaner -- you can steam clean carpet yourself as long as you have all of the right tools and materials
- Fill a spray bottle with a cup of hot water and add 10 drops of grapefruit seed oil or tea tree oil
- Spray the mixture on the mold and let it sit for a few minutes
- Wipe the mold using a cloth
- Steam clean the area once more
- Vacuum to dry
Carpets typically take a while to dry so try to speed up the process by opening doors and windows for proper ventilation or using an air mover or dehumidifier.
Bottom Line
Mold may seem rather harmless but its effects are far-reaching. If you’re concerned about mold in your carpets, the tips mentioned on how to get mold out of carpet naturally can come in handy. Be sure to inspect your carpets thoroughly, especially if the area is humid. You also want to check hidden areas for mold and take preventative measures to keep it from becoming a problem. Once you have taken these steps, you can look into getting the ground-in dirt out of your carpet to ensure that everything is clean.
