Get Rid Of Mold In Carpet With Cleaning Ingredients You Already Own

Finding mold in your home is certainly stressful given the dangers the spores pose to the health of you and your family. While bathrooms are arguably common sources of mold growth in homes, it can grow in any area that gets wet or stays damp. This includes carpeting. While you should have any mold growth larger than 10 square feet treated professionally, you may be able to safely address mold in your carpet on a smaller scale. Before you spend money on potentially harmful chemicals though, you might try one of two options you might already have on hand: white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are both acidic products that may help safely remove problematic mold from your carpet. Before getting started, you may consider testing a small area of the carpeting with the product to make sure it is color-safe. Hydrogen peroxide, in particular, may bleach darker fabrics. Also, before using either of these two green cleaning agents, be sure to take precautions to protect yourself from dealing with mold. This includes wearing gloves, goggles, and an N-95 mask. You may also consider opening up windows for extra ventilation. 

White vinegar is an affordable cleaning staple to have on hand. Not only does this acid kill bacteria, but it's also one of the easiest ways to kill mold, too. To use white vinegar on carpeting, first combine equal parts with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the affected area of carpet until thoroughly wet. While this might seem counterintuitive, it's necessary to wet the carpet so the mold doesn't disperse in the air. Next, scrub with a sponge or cloth until the mold lifts from the carpet before allowing the area to dry. 

Hydrogen peroxide 3% is a drugstore staple that is both an acid and a mild bleach that can help get rid of stubborn household stains. While you should not mix this with white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide may be a helpful choice for getting rid of black mold from lighter-colored carpeting. Experts recommend applying the solution directly to mold stains and allowing to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing. As with white vinegar, allow the carpet to completely dry before vacuuming. You can help speed the process along with the help of ceiling or portable fans directed at the wet spots on your carpet.