Ventilating and insulating the area properly is the first step to getting rid of mold from carpets. Use a hard brush to remove as much visible mold as possible. Rub the affected area thoroughly with a cleanser and let the carpet dry completely. Place a HEPA vacuum back on the carpet to remove as many spores as possible.
Scrub the surface of the carpet with a dry, hard-bristled brush to remove visible mold spores. Brush them in a dustpan and dispose of them in a garbage bag. It is not recommended to vacuum, as vacuuming spores can spread to other areas of the house. The slightly acidic nature of distilled white vinegar makes it one of the best products you can use to get rid of mold.
Its versatility means that it can be used on a variety of materials found in automotive interiors, including leather and vinyl. To use white vinegar to remove mold from a car interior, mix a few drops of baking soda with clove oil and rub the solution into the moldy area with a toothbrush or other small brush. Wipe the residue with a cloth after it dries. Moisture is the main cause of mold growth, so doing everything you can to prevent the vehicle from getting damp is the best way to prevent fungus from growing inside.
A good way to do this is to always park the vehicle in a covered area. If that's not possible, you might want to consider investing in a waterproof car cover. Additionally, keep windows rolled up whenever possible to ensure that rain doesn't get inside. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene looked at ways in which fungi and mold can be removed from wet carpets.
They found that steam cleaning was the most effective, with greater than 99 percent efficiency in reducing mold spores. If the mold has reached the carpet support, it will be much more difficult to treat, but there are still several remedies that can be tried. A support with substantial mold buildup more than a few feet wide should not simply be cleaned, but the carpet must be replaced. Make sure to also remove and replace part of the base coat or the carpet pad to prevent mold from reappearing.
It's comforting to have carpets all over your house, but it's essential to keep an eye out for excess moisture and know how to get rid of mold from carpets if it occurs. Carpets can harbor mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens, especially if there is excess moisture in the house. If the rug is removable, you can also hang it in the sun for 1 or 2 days to dry and kill mold spores. The best way to eliminate musty odors from carpets and houses is to look at sources of moisture and keep it low.
Clean the bristle brush and dustpan to remove any mold spores by rubbing them with hot water and soap, then spray them with an antifungal treatment and let them dry completely. The CDC recommends that carpets that have been soaked and cannot be dried immediately be removed. To get rid of mold from carpets, start by spraying baking soda on the mold and leave it on overnight, as it will absorb moisture and bad odors. In addition, mold, which can appear in the form of green, gray or white spots on carpets and add a strong musty smell to rooms, can cause chronic allergies, asthma and even bronchitis.
Indoor areas that retain moisture, such as seats and carpets, are most susceptible to mold growth. Carpet mold can produce unpleasant odors, degrade carpets, and cause wheezing in people with asthma. If your car's carpet is in very bad shape or there are visible signs of mold, you may want to replace the carpet completely.
