After water damage, the first damage control is knowing how to get mildew smell out of carpet after flood. Extreme weather occurrences, such as flooding, severe rainfall, may affect your carpet in many ways.
If you notice a musty odor in your carpet, or even worse, mold developing on your flooring, you should take action right once. Here are some tried-and-true methods for getting rid of that musty carpet smell after a flood.
How To Know If There Are Mildew In Your Carpet?
Musty smell
Mildew has a unique odor that penetrates a property, and it’s impossible to get rid of it. Look for the source of any musty, slightly sour smells in the air.
The sections of your home where moisture is an issue or has been recent should get extra attention.
Visible stains
There is a wide range of carpet color options that can conceal mold growth until it becomes a severe issue for thorough observation.
Look for patterns of green, white, or black stains in your carpet when checking for mildew. To see if your carpet has any color variations or discolorations, use a portable flashlight or spotlight with a powerful light source.
Check below
You can investigate the carpeting and subfloor by pulling up the rug from the side and inspecting what’s beneath.
If you can’t detect or thoroughly investigate the cause of the mold, contact an expert mold inspection service or water damage clean-up business to find and remove it. Here’s an additional guide on how to tell if there is mold under carpet.
Is It Safe To Leave Mildew Smell?
There is a significant threat to your home even after the most severe water damage has been cleaned up. Mildew can lead to early decomposition of your carpet and flooring, but it can also represent a health concern to you and your family members.
Carpet odors are more than just an inconvenience; they pose a danger to the safety of your household and the value of your home.
How Do You Get Rid Of Mildew Smell Out Of Carpet?
Step #1. Let it dry
Before you dry out your carpet, make sure your house is already clean from the water residues brought by the flood. The rug may not be completely dry if it is in a damp area of your home.
However, if you have carpet in a damp section of your home, we suggest that you leave the windows frequently open to allow for efficient air circulation. You may also add fans or a dehumidifier.
Step #2. Use a vacuum
Vacuum the residual particles from the carpet as soon as it has dried thoroughly. You may choose a bigger vacuum to collect more dirt for easy cleaning.
Make sure that you vacuum all sides thoroughly. You may also repeat it depending on how much mildew it is still left.
Step #3. Spray the carpet with a vinegar-water solution
One of the best ways to get rid of foul smells at home is to use vinegar. Combine one cup of white vinegar for every two glasses of water, depending on the level of mildew on the carpet.
Apply a solution of vinegar and water to the damaged area of the carpet. A misty layer can be created by spraying a small amount.
Avoid over spraying as this may become the reason for the regrowth of mold.
Step #4. Apply baking soda
As one of the best deodorizers, baking soda has many remarkable properties. Let it sit for a few hours to let the baking soda, vinegar, and water mixture contact.
It’s best if you let it soak for at least one night.
Step #5. Consider using hydrogen peroxide
If mildew and a musty odor persist in your carpet, try spraying it with a water solution and hydrogen peroxide. It should help you in eradicating the mildew smell.
Use five times as much water as hydrogen peroxide for every portion. You can remove mold spores and musty odors with this method.
Step #6. Use foam carpet shampoo.
Purchasing a bottle of foam carpet shampoo from the shop is an option if the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mess up to do the task.
Scrub in a generous amount of shampoo with a sponge and allow the shampoo to rest for at least 20 minutes. Remove any residual shampoo and particles with a vacuum cleaner afterward.
Your house should smell good and clear of unpleasant odors once you’ve dealt with the carpet mildew smell. In addition to innovative deodorization products and procedures, you may also consider complete mold remediation services to ensure your and your family’s safety.
For additional help, here’s how to get rid of mold under carpet.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get mildew smell out of carpet after flood, will help you prevent it from happening again. However, it’s an opportunity to bring in the experts if you want to ensure that your carpet is free of mold and mildew and that the odor is gone.