How to Get Mould Out of Carpets
Discovering mould on your carpet can be a worrying sight, not just because of its unsightly appearance and musty smell, but due to the potential health risks it poses. Mould can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems and other health problems, making it crucial to stop it forming in the first place and removing it for good.
Did you know that surface condensation is the most common cause of mould in the UK, however it can grow on moisture sensitive materials such as carpets, sofas and clothes without condensation?
With the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively tackle mould growth on your carpets and protect your home’s environment. This article written by our damp and mould experts will guide you through identifying, removing, and preventing mould on carpets – ideal for homeowners, landlords, tenants, and property managers with mould issues.
Contents:
- What Mould Species Are Typically Found Within Carpets?
- Understanding How Mould is Growing on Your Carpet
- How to Remove Mould From Carpets
- Effective Ways to Get Mould Out of Your Carpet
What Mould Species Are Typically Found Within Carpets?
Carpets can be breeding ground for various mould species (there are over 100,000 known mould species), each thriving in moist environments and potentially causing health issues. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium are amongst the most common mould species found in carpet fibres, quietly damaging your home’s air quality.
These species can release mycotoxins, posing a serious health hazard to occupants, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or weakened immune systems. Black mould, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is especially dangerous, often lurking under carpeting in areas that have experienced water damage or prolonged dampness – if you’ve recently suffered from floor or water damage, it’s important to treat this as soon as possible.
Understanding How Mould is Growing on Your Carpet
Mould growth on carpets can result from several factors, but we find that approximately 90% of all mould issues we encounter in carpets is down to poor ventilation and excess moisture rather than issues with the property’s structural integrity.
Poor Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is crucial for preventing mould on carpets by allowing fresh air in and moist air out – without it, moisture accumulates, leading to mould growth. The problem worsens in winter when people avoid opening windows due to the cold, however briefly creating a draught or opening a window daily, can significantly reduce moisture levels, helping to prevent damp and mould.
Drying Clothes
During the summer months, many people use the conditions outside to dry their clothing, however, when the weather starts to change, 80% of people turn to drying their clothes inside their home and certainly where outside security is an issue. Although maybe more environmentally friendly than using a tumble dryer, the drying of clothes on radiators and indoor clothes racks increases the atmospheric moisture particles in the air and leading to mould growth on your carpet fibres.
Inadequate Heating
Homes which are under-heated can increase condensation levels and it is very common for people to switch on their heating periodically each day. However, these spikes in temperature can exacerbate a moisture issue by allowing the building to cool down resulting in the warm, moist air condensing on colder surfaces which in turn can lead to the damp and mould. Having your heating on a low constant temperature throughout the day can help reduce the chances of damp and mould as it maintains a warmer structure and only operates when it is needed.
Cooking
From using the hob to boiling the kettle, kitchens can increase atmospheric moisture in the house on a regular basis and. The best prevention methods include using an extractor fan or opening a window whilst cooking and, when finished, keep the door closed until the extractor or window has removed the moist air. These simple steps can help reduce the chances of damp and mould in this and other areas of the property.
To find out the most common causes of damp and mould, read our guide here.
How to Remove Mould From Carpets
When tackling mould in carpets, it’s important to understand that merely cleaning the surface removes only the visible mould, not the underlying mycelium roots – the mould’s deep-rooted structure. Consequently, even if the carpet appears clean, these roots can remain, posing a risk for mould to return.
Given this, merely ‘cleaning’ your mouldy carpets isn’t a comprehensive solution as it fails to address the root problem. Methods such as thorough vacuuming, carpet cleaner, using baking soda, a warm water and white vinegar solution and applying mould-killing solutions won’t work if you don’t change the internal atmosphere of the property. To effectively and permanently rid your carpets of mould, continue reading for some DIY methods, or consider seeking advice from one of our mould specialists for expert guidance.
Effective Ways to Get Mould Out of Your Carpet
To effectively combat mould growth in carpets, adopting a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of mould is essential. Here are some DIY tips you can try yourself.
Improve Ventilation
Beyond simply opening windows and using fans, consider integrating cross-ventilation by opening multiple windows across different rooms to create a thorough airflow. This can significantly improve air circulation and reduce indoor humidity levels, making it harder for mould spores to settle and grow in your carpets.
Get Dehumidifiers
Maintaining indoor humidity below 60% can help deter mould growth and the ability to retain moisture in your carpets. It will also improve the air quality of your bedroom, living room or any other room that has carpets.
Regular Cleaning
Vacuuming carpets regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner can not only remove dirt and debris but also soaks up moisture before it becomes a problem – the longer a spill remains on the carpet, the more likely it is to seep deep into the fibres and padding underneath, creating an ideal breeding ground for mould.
Drying Clothes Outdoors
Whenever possible, dry clothes outside instead of indoors. Drying clothes inside can significantly increase indoor humidity levels, creating ideal conditions for mould growth in your carpets.
By integrating these practices into your home maintenance routine, you can significantly lower the risk of mould taking hold in your carpets. Remember… preventing the underlying causes is key to maintaining a healthy, mould-free home environment!
Why Getting Rid of Mould Within Carpets is Important
Mould in carpets can pose significant health risks, especially to individuals with allergies, asthma, or immune system disorders – the spores can irritate the airways, leading to respiratory issues, coughing, and wheezing. Therefore, addressing mould issues is not just about maintaining the appearance of your carpets, but also about protecting the health of your home’s occupants.
Ensuring the Long-Term Eradication of Mould Stains on Carpets
To ensure the long-term removal of mould from carpets, it’s vital to address the underlying moisture issues. This may involve simple things such as opening windows and drying clothes outdoors or needing to get professionals in to retrofit your property that improves air flow and reduces humidity. For severe mould infestations, professional mould remediation services may be necessary to safely and effectively remove mould and prevent its return.
By taking proactive steps to identify, remove, and prevent mould growth, you can maintain a healthier and more pleasant living environment. Tackling the problem at its source is key to achieving long-lasting results, simply ‘cleaning’ the mould from your carpet will not get rid of it for good!
