The carpets in your home are a high-risk area for developing mold. But what makes the mold so harmful to us? Well, mold can contain various types of irritants and toxic substances which can cause allergies if they are touched or inhaled. For some individuals, it can even cause asthma attacks. Investing in a good anti mold spray for carpet such as ADMS Anti Allergen Spray can save you and your household of developing mold on the carpets and harming you and other members of your family.
You can read the review of this product below in this article. Carpets can be an ideal environment for mold to grow and survive in. If your carpets are not cleaned regularly, it can be the perfect environment for mold to thrive in, thus causing various health complications for those in your home.
How dangerous mold can be?
While mold can be potentially dangerous to those individuals who are sensitive to allergies, it can also affect normal individuals who do not suffer from any kind of respiratory issues or allergies.
Mold causes allergic reactions in individuals; especially those who are highly sensitive. These molds contain certain substances called allergens, irritants and also other toxic substances called mycotoxins.
Simply touching or even inhaling these mold spores can cause an individual to experience a downward spiral of allergic reactions.
These allergic reactions include red eyes, rashes, runny nose, allergies, sneezing, and other symptoms similar to that of hay fever. The most affected areas are the eyes, the throat, the nose, skin, and even the lungs!
Also Read: How to get rid of black mold on wood.
Identifying mold in carpet
The carpets in your home can be a high-risk area for mold growth. In order for mold to thrive, it needs 4 basic things; oxygen, food, moisture and a place to develop on. It can be near impossible to identify the beginning stages of the growth of mold on carpets as they are not visible or apparent on the surface of the carpets.
However, mold spores occur naturally in the air and can settle on to the carpets on your home at any given time. It is only once the mold has started growing at an uncontrollable pace that it is visible to the eye.
Mold will grow most commonly on carpets which have been wet due to some reason and not got a chance to dry off properly. This moisture, along with the oxygen in the air, food particles on the carpet and the undisturbed surface of the carpet is the ideal place for mold to perfectly thrive on.
Below are a few instances of mold growth where it is apparent and visible to the eye:
Visible mold growth: While this might be one of the rarest cases, it is completely possible to be able to view mold growth either on top of underneath the surface of your carpet. In these rare cases, one can visually inspect for the growth of mold on the carpets, however, it is important to inspect not only the top surface of the carpets but also the surface underneath.
In most cases, a carpet which has been infected with mold will not be salvageable and must be thrown and replaced with a new one.
Carpet mildew: In case you notice any kind of discoloration on the surface of your carpet which has not been caused due to spillage or staining, it is possible that molding might have occurred on the surface of your carpet.
Wet or water damaged carpet: In case your carpet suffers from any type of water damage, there is a high possibility of mold growth occurring. The best option in case your carpet gets damaged by water is to get it properly cleaned first. And then dried it within the next 24-48 hours.
However, even this step cannot fully guarantee that your carpet will not start growing mold. A wet carpet is an ideal condition for mold growth to occur as the mold receives a good supply of moisture, oxygen, food as well as a surface to grow on. A water-damaged carpet will most likely start to grow mold, even if precautions are taken, and this carpet must be disposed of at the earliest.
Wet padding beneath carpet: The padding beneath your carpet may likely experience some kind of moisture from condensation, or might even become wet due to water spillage. This would cause the surface underneath your carpet to start growing mold, and in some cases, the mold can also creep up to the top surface of the carpet.
In the best case scenario, you can just replace the padding of your carpet, however, in most cases; the entire carpet should be changed in case it has been infected with mold.
Basement carpet: More often than not, carpets which are kept in basements are more likely to experience mold growth simply due to high humidity or the risk of precipitation.
Odors and stains: While mold is not the only cause for bad odor and staining to occur on carpets, it is one of the possible reasons for this to occur. It is only upon closer inspection by a professional that one would be able to identify the cause of the odor and stain to be molding.
Use Anti Mold Spray for Carpet
image source: allergyhelp.com
The best possible way to save your carpets from the growth of unwanted mold is to use a good anti-mold spray for carpets. The ADMS Anti Allergen Spray (link to Amazon) is made of an oxidizing compound which effectively destroys the various allergens which are caused by mold, mildew, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other irritants.
How to Use ADMS Anti Allergen Spray:
A few sprays from ADMS Anti Allergen Spray will ensure that your carpets are safe from the growth and formation of mold and mildew, keeping you and your household safe from allergies.
Spray the ADMS Anti Allergen Spray on the dry surface of your carpet so that the carpet fibers are moistened with the spray.
Allow this spray to sit for at least three hours, untouched. It is during this time that the contents of the spray will attack and destroy the various allergens present on the surface of your carpet. After three hours, once the surface of your carpet is dry, you can run a vacuum cleaner on top of the carpet to pick up any excess or leftover residue.
It is important to repeat this treatment process every 30 days to ensure that your carpets are always clean and safe from the growth and formation of mold.
Benefits of anti-mold spray for carpet:
- The ADMS Anti Allergen spray comes in a 16 oz. spray bottle which is adequate for 30 square feet of carpeted area.
- The anti-mold spray for carpet does not contain any benzyl benzoate or tannic acid, which makes it suitable for all kinds and colors of carpets and does not cause any staining.
- The anti-mold spray for carpet is safe to be used in a household with children and pets as well.
- The spray can be used on carpets, upholstery, animal bedding, curtains and even the interiors of your vehicles.
- The inorganic compounds in the anti-mold spray for carpets contains oxidizing compounds which destroy all kinds of allergens from pet danger, mildew, mold, pollen, and other irritants.
The alternative – Use bleach to remove mold
In case your carpet has already started the formation of mold and mildew, you can use bleach to remove this mold. Here is how:
- The first thing you will need to do is to clean the surface of your carpet with a steam cleaner. However, if you cannot use a steam cleaner, you can also clean the surface of your carpet using a rag, dishwashing liquid, and water.
- Once you have cleaned the surface of your carpet with this mixture, you can use bleach to remove the mold. Mix 1 cup of household bleach with a gallon of water. Apply this mixture to the surface of your carpet. Now, allow this solution to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to properly soak into the carpet.
- After 10 to 15 minutes, use your steam cleaner once again to soak up and excess residue from the surface of the carpet.
- Now, the most important step is to ensure that you thoroughly dry the surface of your carpet; otherwise, you might subject your carpet to the growth of mold once again. Use a dry towel to wipe off the surface and properly dry the carpet, and clean the towel properly after you are done.
How to remove mold from carpet naturally
There are a lot of natural methods you can use to remove mold from your carpet naturally. Here are two ways:
- Dishwashing detergent and water:
Fill a spray bottle with dishwashing detergent and hot water. Shake it well to mix it up. Spray this solution on to your carpet and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Wipe off the excess and blot off using paper towels to rid your carpet from mold completely.
- Grapefruit seed and tea tree oil:
Grapefruit seed oil and tea tree oil are naturally extracted oils which have great antibacterial and antifungal uses. Fill up a spray bottle with a few drops of either grapefruit seed oil or tea tree oil, or a mixture of both, and add a cup of hot water to this. Shake it well and spray it on the mold affected areas on the carpet. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a cloth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKCjunYZyro
How to remove mold from carpet with vinegar
Make a thick paste of vinegar, warm water, and baking soda. Mix it well. Apply this paste to the mold affected areas of your carpet. You can keep this on for one hour, or you can also choose to keep it overnight if the area is affected.
Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner to brush off the dried up paste from the affected areas the next day. Keep your room well ventilated so the smell dissipates naturally.
How do you get black mold out of a carpet
Black mold is a type of fungus which is typically dark green or even black. This kind of mold has a very distinct musty or damp smell. Black mold usually grows in ideal conditions of a moist, warm environment, like on your carpets; however, it can grow in other places as well. Black mold is highly toxic and can be very dangerous if found in your homes, and must be removed at the earliest.
If you decide to remove the black mold from your carpets, it is essential to put on safety gear first, as exposure and inhalation of the mold spores can be very dangerous. You should wear clothes which are covering your body well and should clean them thoroughly afterward, or throw them out. You also need to wear protective eye gear, a mask, and gloves.
- Dampen the area slightly using water from a spray bottle. It will ensure that the mold spores do not fly around during the cleaning process.
- Create a mixture of soap and warm water and apply it to the affected areas. Using a brush, scrub down the areas to completely remove the mold. You can even discard parts which have been heavily infected.
- Create a mixture of 10:1 household bleach and water. Disinfect the mold affected area and wipe it off using warm or hot water.
- Absorb the excess moisture using paper towels and allow it to dry completely. Then, run a vacuum over the area once it is completely dry.
How to remove white mold from carpet
While technically white mold is not considered to be a specific type of mold, it can be hazardous for the health of those at home. White mold can cause a variety of diseases and conditions related to the respiratory system as well as skin irritations and allergies.
- Ensure that you are wearing proper protective gear while handling the white mold. It includes protective eyewear, gloves, a mask, and appropriate clothes.
- Keep your room well ventilated while cleaning the mold.
- If you can remove the carpet from your home, then place it in direct sunlight for at least 24 hours. This will kill the mold spores.
- Apply baking soda directly on to the affected areas to absorb all the moisture.
- Leave the baking soda overnight and vacuum it up the next day.
- Make a mixture of white vinegar and methylated spirits in a spray bottle. Spray this over the affected moldy areas on the carpet.
- Using a stiff brush, scrub out the mold.
- Allow it to dry naturally. Once it is completely dried, vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
How to remove mold spores from carpet
The tiny seeds produced by the mold are known as mold spores. These spores are created for reproduction. Inhalation or ingestion of these mold spores is extremely harmful.
- Add one cup of Lysol or bleach to a bucket of water. Mix it well.
- Spray the solution on to the mold affected areas on your carpet.
- Let it sit undisturbed for 20 minutes.
- Run a vacuum over the affected areas to remove all the mold spores effectively. You can do this outdoors so that the mold spores do not spread in your home.
How to remove mold smell from carpet
The musty, dank, moldy smell is caused due to exposure of mold to moisture. It is essential to remove all moisture to get rid of the mold smell. Sprinkle baking powder on the carpet and allow it to sit overnight. Vacuum the entire carpet the next day.
If you can remove the carpet, spread it out in direct sunlight for at least 24 hours or more. Mix one hard hydrogen peroxide with five parts water in a spray bottle and spray this on to your carpet. However, ensure that you do not apply too much moisture as it will encourage mold growth again.
How to remove mold stains in the carpet
- Remove the carpet from its original location and place it in a cool, dry area.
- Create a paste of salt and lemon juice and apply this to the affected areas.
- Allow it to dry and vacuum up the leftover liquid.
- Create another mixture of ½ white vinegar, one teaspoon of dishwashing soap, and 3 cups of warm water. Apply this on the carpet and allow it to dry.
- Brush away with a stiff brush to remove the mold spores and stains.
- Finally, apply baking soda generously on to the carpet to absorb all the moisture and remove any remaining stains.
- Allow it to sit overnight, or for two days, and then vacuum it up.
Preventing mold growth in carpeting
Once your carpets have started growing mold, it can be quite difficult to reverse the process. Thus, the best treatment method, in this case, would be to prevent the growth of mold in the first place. As mentioned earlier, mold requires moisture, oxygen, food and a surface to grow on.
By regularly cleaning your carpet and using a good anti-mold spray for carpet, you can prevent the growth of mold on your carpet. Here are a few other tips to prevent the growth of mold on your carpet:
Reduce indoor humidity: As mentioned previously, mold requires a condition of humidity to grow. By taking help of humidifiers indoors, you can prevent the growth of mold to quite an extent.
The ideal percentage of humidity in any area indoors should be 30% to 60% only. You can use a Humidity Gauge (link to Amazon from the one I use) to measure the humidity levels in your home.
Install intelligently: It is best to avoid installing carpets in areas where there’s a high chance of condensation and humidity occurring. This means that you should ideally not install carpets in bathrooms or basement areas, where there can be a constant flow of water and carpets are more likely to suffer from water damage.
Choose high-quality carpet padding: The area underneath your carpet or the padding of your carpets is a high-risk area for the growth of mold. In order to prevent the growth of mold in the padding of your carpets is it best to install solid padding with rubber slabs which also contain anti-microbial properties.
While this type of padding might be slightly more expensive than regular carpet padding, it can really help prevent the growth and formation of mildew and mold in the padding of the carpet, especially in places which experience high humidity.
Never allow standing water: Since mold thrives in the presence of moisture, any carpet which has been exposed to water damage will most probably start to grow mold. It is best to take precaution and clean and dry the carpet immediately, however, even this might not completely prevent the growth of mold on the surface or the bottom of the carpet. In some cases, the carpet will need to be replaced completely.
Clean smart: It has been established that the contact of water on surfaces, especially if left to dry naturally, can cause the growth and formation of mold. It is best to clean the carpets and dry them thoroughly to prevent any mold from occurring on the surface of the carpets.
The best option would be to clean the carpets using Carpet Dry Cleaners, rather than using liquid and other water-based cleaning options for your carpets.
