If you suspect your home or commercial carpeting has become mildewed, the likely cause can be long periods of moisture under or on the carpet. The water infiltration could be from leaking fixtures or pipes, rainwater that has entered through windows or under doors, or an untrained puppy or kitten. Whatever the cause, mildew carpet can be a breeding ground for mold spores. This can lead to an unhealthy indoor environment and increased symptoms of those with chronic allergies, asthma, or bronchitis.
Mildew may be noticed by a darkening of your carpet’s coloring. But more than likely, it is the smell that will get the homeowner’s attention first. If you notice a lingering, musty smell that gets increasing pungent over time, it is probably the smell of growing fungi that is releases odorous gases into the air. It is this airborne odor that can travel into carpets, upholstery, linen, and any organic materials in the home such as natural fur coats and articles made with leather.
3 Steps to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Carpet
- Repair Leaks and Completely Dry Area
First you want to find the source of the water infiltration and have it repaired. This includes the primary source such as cracks in the home’s concrete foundation – and any secondary dampness within drywall or wood flooring. This may be accomplished with a Wet/Dry floor vac from a home improvement store or by opening windows, using fans, and/or a dehumidifier.
- Neutralize Odors Naturally
A two-step process is recommended to get rid of the mildew smell in carpeting. First mix one-part vinegar with two parts warm water to use as an initial cleaning solution. It can be applied to the carpet from a spray bottle, but be careful not to over-saturate the carpeting. After allowing the carpet to completely dry again, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on carpet and vacuum preferably with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Choose a filter that is approved for filtering mold spores.
- Steam Clean Carpet
As a final step to ensure all mold and mildew has been removed, have a professional carpet steam cleaner slowly move over the entire room. To be effective at killing mold and mildew spores, the generated steam should be applied for a few seconds, and not simply rushed over. Even if the mildew odor lingers in the air for a few days, an open bowl of white vinegar or kitty sat within the room will quickly freshen the air.
For water damage restoration, call Steamex Eastern to learn how our professional teams of carpet cleaning experts can help. We offer a detailed inspection to access the amount of water damage. Then Steamex will use commercial-grade equipment to remove any standing water and completely dry your carpeting and other flooring materials. Finally, we will clean and deodorize the affected areas. We can apply this restoration process to carpeting, upholstery, drapes, and furniture.
419-382-1973
419-382-1973