Mold Removal Unit

Procedure for Carpet Mold Removal

Whether you see it or not, mold may be growing in your house. Mold is fungus, and whatever it settles upon, it consumes. It will eventually destroy paper, cloth, carpets, walls and ceilings. It needs heat and humidity to grow and flourish, and is often detected by its musty odour. Mold is highly adaptable. Without moisture, it lays dry and dormant, and its spores become air borne. If moisture returns, it becomes active again and resumes its destruction.

Safety Considerations for Carpet Mold Removal
When considering carpet mold removal, it is suggested that you wear protective gear, such as gloves, a facemask, and clothing that covers your arms and legs. Also covering your shoes or boots will help contain the mold in the infected area. Most people do not have negative reactions to mold, but certain individuals are highly affected. Mold has been associated with health issues such as allergies, flu symptoms, and skin rashes. It can also aggravate asthma sufferers and contribute to wheezing.

Assessing Mold Damage
When inspecting the carpet area where mold is apparent, you will have to determine the extent of the infection. If the mold area is roughly less than ten feet squared, then the cleaning job can be done by you. It is not uncommon to discover contamination over 100 sq. feet, and in some cases, up to 1000 sq. feet. For such large scale jobs, it is highly recommended that you contact the professionals for carpet mold removal.

It is important to find the source of water or moisture in the room in order to eliminate the problem. You will have to inspect the room for any roof or plumbing leaks. A sump pump dysfunction resulting in flood damage is sometimes the cause. But, whatever the case may be, the area will have to be thoroughly dried. You may also want to check floor air ducts in the house as mold can grow in these spaces.

Determine the damage to your carpets. If they have been soaked through because of flooding, they most likely cannot be saved. Mold eats into the fibres and padding and cannot be restored by cleaning them. Pull the old carpet up, seal it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it. Carpets that have been slightly infected by mold can be salvaged.

The Cleaning Process
The entire area should be cleaned with a detergent and water solution in a steam cleaning machine, and then thoroughly dried. You may need to use a powerful cleaner like Lysol.

If these carpet mold removal procedures are not cleaning the area to your satisfaction, you will have to use tougher methods. Mix one cup of bleach with four litres of water and spray the carpet. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. A good suggestion is to lay the carpet flat in the driveway, soaking both sides to remove the mold, and then scrubbing it with a broom or hard bristled brush. Rinse the carpet thoroughly and let it dry completely.

Written by Gary Martin
Gary Martin is a freelance writer specializing in health and allergy research for the Mold Removal Unit website.