Q&A for How to Get Rid of Carpet Mold

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  • Question
    What's the best way to kill mold and mildew in carpet?
    Mike Kapur
    Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections
    Mike Kapur is a home inspector and the owner of Sonic Home Inspections, a home inspection company in Westchester, New York. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Prior to founding Sonic Home Inspections, Mike worked pre-inspecting apartments. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York.
    Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections
    Expert Answer
    I recommend renting a steam cleaner and using it on your carpet. Otherwise, you can also use plain water on your carpet and vacuum it afterward.
  • Question
    Does moldy carpet need to be replaced?
    Mike Kapur
    Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections
    Mike Kapur is a home inspector and the owner of Sonic Home Inspections, a home inspection company in Westchester, New York. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Prior to founding Sonic Home Inspections, Mike worked pre-inspecting apartments. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York.
    Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections
    Expert Answer
    Check the backing of the carpet. If the backing of the carpet is covered with a wide splotch of mold, you may need to replace the carpet. If you're unsure, consider hiring a professional to help you clean the carpet.
  • Question
    Will Lysol kill mold in a carpet?
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    Lysol will cover the odor, but it will not kill mold. Try using a little bit of bleach and water.
  • Question
    Can a water heater burst?
    Community Answer
    Water heaters in the US are required to have Temperature and Pressure Safety (TPS) valves. These are designed to open and relieve pressure in case of malfunction (such as a heating unit not shutting off). However, if a water heater is old and/or the TPS valve is clogged (say, due to hard calcium or lime deposits), then, if the heater stayed on, you could have a potential for a burst. Check the manual for your water heater to find out the recommended testing procedure and interval for the valve on your heater. If your heater is excessively old (over 10 years), consider replacing the unit with a new one. You will save energy and have peace of mind for safety.
  • Question
    What can I do as a tenant if my landlord is ignoring the fact that there is mold and moisture in the basement that is now showing up on the carpet?
    Community Answer
    Contact your city or county health department. See if they will come and do a check. If it's hazardous, they may be able to force the landlord to rectify the problem or risk having the rental unit condemned (which would mean lost income for the landlord).
  • Question
    Can I burn moldy carpet?
    Community Answer
    No, burning it will release the mold spores into the air, leading to them being inhaled, which can cause serious health problems.
  • Question
    Where do you rent a steam cleaner?
    Community Answer
    Most home improvement stores (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) rent steam cleaners/carpet cleaners. Many grocery stores rent them as well.
  • Question
    Can decomposed dog feces be removed from carpet safely?
    Community Answer
    Try the steps listed here. If it doesn't work, contact a professional carpet cleaner.
  • Question
    Can I use a professional carpet cleaner on indoor/outdoor carpet?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Regardless of the carpet being indoor/outdoor, professional cleaners will have a product that will work well.
  • Question
    There are white crystals on the fibers of the carpet in a localized area by the dehumidifier. What can be done to remove them?
    Community Answer
    My first thought would be to vacuum it up. As long as the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter on it I don't see why not. The crystals are probably just harmless calcium and minerals from the water.
  • Question
    How can I get rid of yellow mold from my carpet?
    Community Answer
    Use about 3% hydrogen peroxide on small patches and then frequent vacuuming, after letting baking soda sit on it for about a day.
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