10 Steps to Remove Mould from your Carpets and Floors

We all know what mould is – that disgusting fungus that ruins your surfaces and is detrimental to your health. As they can’t be prevented, knowing how to deal with them becomes more important. You will need to know mould removal, prevention and the right products to use.

How to Remove Mould from Carpets

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Mould is extremely harmful to carpets as it erodes fibres and is difficult to dislodge. If more than 2 square metres of your carpet has been wet for more than two days, you should consult a professional. You should always fix the root cause of the moulds – leaky pipes before fixing the stain otherwise it will keep happening. Below is a comprehensive guide to removing mould from carpets:

1. Protective goggles, facemask and clothing are important. Mould removal involves dispersing spores which can be harmful to your health if breathed in
2. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent the spread of mould to other parts of the house. Windows should be left open to facilitate air flow
3. Take your carpet outside, make use of natural sunlight to dry out for 48 hours. If your carpets are fitted, turn on overhead lights and dry it out using a fan, humidifier or a vacuum’s blow function.
4. Use a stiff brush to sweep away mould debris from both sides of the carpet. Do the same to affected areas where the carpet is placed, then vacuum or steam clean the area
5. Administer anti-mould spray to the carpet while following instructions on the label. Ensure the fibres are soaked through and the solution is applied to both sides of the carpet.
6. Scrub both sides before leaving it to dry as they should not be rinsed out
7. Apply anti-fungal solution to the floor where the carpet is and leave it to dry
8. Re-apply mould spray on every area and leave it out to dry
9. Use a dehumidifier for the next few days to thoroughly remove residual spores
10. Spread anti-fungal solution immediately on all equipment used to prevent the spread of spores to other areas.

 

How to Remove Mould from Wooden Floors

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1. Use a scraper or blunt knife to get rid of mould from the surface of wood before vacuuming it up.
2. Use sandpaper to sand the affected area flat and apply anti-fungal treatment. Leave to air-dry before repeating the process once again.
3. Let the affected area dry completely before applying a wood stain. We recommend getting a similar colour as your wooden floorings and seal where appropriate.

 

Anti-Fungal Solutions for You to Try

Bleach or Hydrogen Peroxide

Both chemicals are effective in preventing mould from growing on non-porous materials such as tiles. However, ensure that your floors are suitable for the use of such chemicals as they can be corrosive. If suitable, mix 1 part bleach or hydrogen peroxide to 8 parts water. Soak the affected area and leave it to dry.

Vinegar and/or Baking Soda

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Vinegar helps to slow down the development of mold. Apply neat vinegar to the affected area and allow it to soak for an hour to maximize its effects before rinsing it out.

Baking soda works similarly to vinegar but it is also effective in deodorising. Mix warm water with baking soda to form a paste and apply it to the affected area. Leave it to soak before brushing or vacuuming it off.

Tea-tree and/or Grapefruit Seed Oil

Both oils are well-known for their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, and thus effective against mould. Mix 1 teaspoon of tea-tree oil or 10 drops of grapefruit seed oil with 1 cup of water and pour it into a spray bottle. Then, apply the solution to the affect area before wiping off the excess with a cloth and leaving it to air-dry.

 

Mould Prevention

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Mould excel in warm and humid environments, and often spread quickly due to airborne spores, making it difficult to eliminate from your home. Thus, here are 4 ways you can to prevent mould from growing in your home.

1. Ensure that all rooms are well ventilated. If necessary, use a dehumidifier to remove moisture in the air.
2. Avoid using carpets in the bathroom. Instead, use tiles or other non-porous materials for your bathroom floors.
3. Leave bathmats and towels out to dry after every use. Wash them weekly with hot water mixed with vinegar to sanitise them.
4. Ensure that damp items do not come in contact with floors for any length of time.