Have you ever had an unwelcome guest crashing your party? That’s practically what mould is like — it creeps in unnoticed and refuses to leave. This is a familiar scenario in Australia, particularly in humid areas. If you leave a carpet wet for over 48 hours, mould grows. And once it sets in, it’s tough to get rid of, often meaning you must have to replace the whole carpet.
For businesses, dealing with carpet mould is critical. Being around carpet mould poses various health risks, including allergies and breathing problems. So, business owners must address this problem quickly to keep their employees and customers safe and healthy.
Why Does Mould Grow on Carpets?
Ever wondered why mould seems to love carpets so much? Carpets trap moisture and tiny bits of food for mould, like dust and skin flakes. That’s why they’re mould magnets.
How to Remove Mould from Carpets
Removing mould from carpets isn’t easy since mould digs deep into carpets. WorkSafe QLD advises throwing away mouldy carpets that can’t be cleaned thoroughly. It’s often better to call in experts to remove mould from carpets because it’s a tough and specialised job.
While waiting for professional cleaning services, you can start tackling the mould yourself. Here’s everything you need to know.
What You’ll Need
- Protective gear (gloves, face mask or respirator, safety goggles)
- Cleaning equipment (HEPA filter vacuum cleaner, soft-bristled brush, spray bottle)
- Mould-killing solutions (white vinegar and warm water or a commercial mould remover)
- Absorbent materials: clean towels or cloths, paper towels
- Drying tools (fans, dehumidifier)
- Plastic bags for safe disposal of contaminated materials
- Baking soda (for odour removal)*
- Carpet shampoo (for deep cleaning)*
*Optional additional cleaning aids
What to Do
- Wear your protective gear. Use gloves, a face mask, and goggles to avoid breathing in mould spores, which can trigger respiratory infections.
- Ventilate the room. Open windows and doors for better air circulation and to reduce mould spore density.
- Isolate the area. Seal off the affected area to prevent spore spread.
- Vacuum with HEPA filter. Clean up loose spores using a HEPA filter vacuum. Dispose of or clean the vacuum bag or canister immediately.
- Prepare mould-killing solution. Mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. If you have a commercial mould remover, use it as per instructions.
- Apply the solution. Lightly spray the solution onto the mouldy carpet area. Avoid soaking the carpet!
- Scrub gently. Use a soft-bristled brush for scrubbing. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibres.
- Blot excess moisture. Absorb remaining moisture with clean towels.
- Dry the carpet fully. Use fans or a dehumidifier to ensure the carpet is completely dry.
- Repeat cleaning. More than one cleaning session might be necessary, especially if you still need to remove the mould smell from the carpet.
- Dispose of cleaning materials. Safely discard used cleaning items in a plastic bag.
How to Remove Mould Smell from Carpet
Your carpet may still emit a foul odour even after you’ve cleaned it. In this case, you can follow these steps:
- Locate the source of the mould. Address any ongoing moisture issues and ensure the carpet is completely dry.
- Open windows for air circulation and use fans or dehumidifiers to dry the carpet thoroughly.
- Vacuum the carpet with a HEPA filter vacuum. Then, sprinkle baking soda generously and let it sit overnight. Vacuum again to remove the baking soda and absorbed odours.
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar, lightly mist the carpet, and let it dry completely, using fans or open windows to assist.
- If odours persist, use a carpet shampooer with a solution suitable for mould odours.
Note: A strong, persistent mould smell might indicate a larger mould issue beneath the carpet or in the padding. This would require professional attention.
How Commercial Cleaning Services Remove Moulds from Carpets
Commercial cleaners like Clean Co can make sure all signs of moulds are eradicated. (While you’re at it, you can even request to add other tasks to their commercial cleaning checklist!) Here’s a quick look at the professional mould remediation process:
- Inspection and Assessment: Experts start by inspecting the property. They use tools like moisture metres and infrared cameras to gauge mould extent and damage.
- Containment: The area is isolated to stop spore spread. This usually involves plastic sheeting and negative air pressure.
- Air Filtration: HEPA filters and air scrubbers clean the air, removing spores.
- Removing Mouldy Materials: Infested items like drywall or carpeting are carefully discarded. This prevents other areas from getting contaminated.
- Cleaning and Disinfection: Surfaces are treated with antimicrobial agents. This includes both porous and non-porous materials.
- Drying: The area is thoroughly dried using dehumidifiers and air movers.
- Repair and Restoration: Damaged materials are repaired or replaced to restore the original condition.
- Testing: After remediation, tests check if the mould is completely removed and air quality is safe.
Professional remediation is advised for large-scale mould (typically more than 10 square feet) in HVAC systems or caused by contaminated water. It’s crucial in sensitive environments like schools or hospitals.
Tips to Prevent Mould Growth in Your Commercial Space
- Maintain Low Humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels below 50%. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to control moisture, especially in humid climates or during rainy seasons.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Install and regularly use exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Ensure that your HVAC system is correctly sized and functioning efficiently to circulate air and reduce humidity.
- Regular Inspections: Frequently inspect areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as basements, bathrooms, and areas around HVAC systems. Look for signs of leaks or condensation.
- Promptly Address Leaks: Repair any plumbing leaks or water issues immediately. Regularly check pipes, roofs, and windows to ensure they are in good condition and not allowing moisture ingress.
- Clean and Dry Wet Spots: Quickly dry any wet areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growth. This includes spills on carpets, water accumulation from leaks, or condensation.
- Use Mould-Resistant Products: When renovating or building, choose mould-resistant drywall, paints, and building materials, especially in moisture-prone areas.
- Proper Storage of Materials: Store paper products, cardboard, and other absorbent materials in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid storing these materials in damp basements or near sources of moisture.
- Regular Cleaning: Keep the commercial space clean and dust-free, as mould can feed on dust and organic particles. Pay special attention to carpets and upholstery, which can trap moisture.
- Professional HVAC Cleaning: Regularly clean and maintain HVAC systems and replace filters as needed. This prevents mould spores from being distributed throughout your space.
- Educate Your Staff: Ensure that all employees are aware of the importance of mould prevention and know how to identify and report potential problems.
Need Professional Mould Removal? Contact Clean Co Commercial Cleaning Today!
Clean Co Commercial Cleaning ensures thorough mould eradication and prevention in commercial spaces. We also offer a range of services in Brisbane, including office cleaning, aged care cleaning, and other types of commercial cleaning.
For more details, visit our website and book a professional consultation with us!