Water damage causes moisture in carpets. It creates a damp environment where mould grows rapidly. The growth of mould affects both your health and your home’s environment. According to enHealth, mould triggers nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing or wheezing. Mould can also lead to respiratory infections. You need to take immediate action for carpet water damage repair. Otherwise, the mould can spread and damage the whole carpet. You should also adapt mould prevention strategies to prevent future mould infections. This promotes a healthy indoor environment and prolongs carpet lifespan.
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7 Steps to Deal with Water Damage and Mould in Carpets
Moulding in the carpet is a serious concern. Neglecting it can damage the carpet and affect your indoor environment. You can deal with the issue in the following ways.
Remove Any Water from the Carpet
Check if there is still water on the carpet. Carpet fibre can soak them and get moist. The moisture provides an ideal environment for mould spores to grow. So, you need to remove any water from the carpet first. Start with emergency water extraction. You can use a wet vacuum to remove as much water as possible. This is a crucial step to prevent further mould growth.
Next, you should remove all furniture from the wet area as part of the water damage restoration process. This prevents further damage to the furniture. Also, it helps the carpet dry faster.
Dry the Carpet Thoroughly
You need to dry the carpet properly. Wet and damp conditions can lead to more mildew and mould growth. You can use different carpet drying techniques for this.
- Start with dehumidification for carpets. Place the device in the room to absorb moisture from the air. It helps speed up the drying process.
- Open the windows of the room to let in more air and light. The natural air drying process helps remove the bad smell from the carpet. You can also switch on the fan to quicken the drying process.
- If possible, lift the carpet edges. Place small objects underneath to allow air to flow beneath the carpet. This helps restore the carpet evenly in all parts.
- Consider professional carpet cleaning services if the carpet is too wet. They have modern equipment to dry the carpet quickly and fix the problem.
Try to Get to Rid of the Mould
With quick action, you can remove mould from carpets. You need to act quickly to prevent it from spreading. It can be done without harsh chemicals. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Identify the mould area to start with. The affected area will have discoloured spots and a musty smell.
- Open the windows and doors of the room to allow fresh air in.
- You should wear gloves, a mask, and goggles to protect yourself. Mould can enter your body through breathing or touching.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove loose mould spores. You can take one on rent if you don’t have a HEPA filter at home.
- Create a solution with equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mouldy area. Vinegar kills mould due to its acidic nature. Let it sit for an hour.
- Use a brush to scrub the mouldy area thoroughly. Ensure you reach deep into the carpet fibres.
- Wipe the carpet with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
- After the vinegar treatment, sprinkle baking soda over the carpet surface. Baking soda helps absorb moisture and eliminate odours.
- Once the baking soda has sat for a few hours, vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
Remove the Mould Affected Carpet Area
Sometimes, the mould is very difficult to remove from the carpet. Vinegar may not be able to do it properly. Besides, the mould can reach carpet pads. It’s quite difficult to restore them. The best option for you is to remove the pads. This prevents mould from spreading. Here is a guide for you on how to do it;
First, conduct a mould inspection and removal. Mark the spots to remove. You can use a sharp knife to cut the mould sections. It’s better to cut slightly beyond the visible mould to remove any hidden spores. Put the mouldy pieces in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of them. Nonetheless, DIY pad replacing can be difficult. You may end up destroying the carpet. You had better let it be dealt with by professionals.
Dry the Floor and Surrounding Areas
If you had a flood of water in your place, you should also check on the floor. The WSU Energy Program suggests cleaning the floor as well when there is mould in the carpet. Mould can reach the floor and spread from there, too. If you do not take care of the floor, mould infection can reappear. Mould spores can travel and settle on nearby surfaces.
You also need to check on the furniture. If they are wet, mould can grow on them. Take necessary steps to prevent mould and mildew growth on them. Detect standing water and moisture in any part of the room. Treat affected areas promptly. You can use dehumidifying devices to remove excess moisture from the air. Monitor progress with a moisture metre to ensure thorough drying.
Change the Carpet Backing
Has the mould grown through the carpet backing and padding? Well, in that case, you need to change the backing. Old backing may retain moisture and mould spores even after deep cleaning. This leads to mould growth again. New backing provides a clean, dry surface that supports a mould-free environment.
Removing the backing is a comprehensive approach for dealing with water damage and mould. It ensures long-term carpet health. You can deal with the change if it’s a small area. However, if the affected area is bigger than a sheet of printing paper, you should call the professionals. They have the expertise and equipment to handle extensive mould remediation safely and effectively.
This step may not be necessary if you can take immediate action. You only need to change the backing when the mould growth has reached the extensive stage.
Deep Clean the Carpet with Steam Cleaners
Drying the carpets is not enough to deal with mould. You need to go through a deep cleaning of the carpets. Steam cleaning is the best solution in such incidents. The process uses high temperatures that kill mould spores and bacteria. This is an effective carpet sanitation process. It prevents mould from returning to your carpet. Your indoor air quality and environment will also improve.
Steam cleaning is an effective wet carpet cleaning method. It uses hot water and detergent under high pressure. It penetrates deep into carpet fibres and removes dirt, stains, and mould. Use appropriate cleaning agents that are effective against mould and allergens. You must check the label before using steam cleaning. Silk, wool, etc., are often suggested not to be used in steam cleaners. They can shrink under heat, and the carpet may get spoiled.
Ensure the carpet is completely dry before proceeding with cleaning. You can hire mould remediation specialists if the mouldy area is extensive. They have steam cleaners and know how to handle the machine properly.
How to Prevent Future Mould Infection?
Once you are done with the mould, you should take some steps to prevent future infection. Here are some tips to avoid mould reappearing:
- Maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%. You can use dehumidifiers and air conditioners for this.
- Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Promptly repair leaks in roofs, walls, and plumbing to prevent water intrusion.
- Use mould-resistant paint and materials in moisture-prone areas.
- Monitor indoor plants for mould growth and ensure adequate ventilation around them.
Final Words
You need to take fast action and thorough methods to deal with carpet water damage. Follow the above steps to properly clean the carpets. Each step plays a crucial role in preventing further damage and health risks. You need to hire professional cleaners to deal with extensive moulds. Affordable Cleaning and Gardening Services provides deep carpet cleaning services. We have the right tools and expertise to deal with different carpet problems, including mould cleaning. If you are facing carpet issues in Sydney, contact us now, and we will ensure you have mould-free carpet.
