Have you ever walked into a room and realized that something doesn’t smell fresh? And as you investigate, you find that your carpet has an odor, and that it may be from mildew. Mildew is a fungus that grows in moist environments. It forms when water from leaks or spills sits on the carpet, and the air is humid. If you suspect that you have water damage in your home- call us! We can help you stop the water from spreading and clean up anything that may be musty. Our cleaning teams are always available!
(If you find mold, or suspect that you have mold growth in your house, that is definitely cause for concern- call us right away as certain kinds of mold can negatively affect your health. Proper mold remediation is best done by professionals.)
The odor of mildew can be difficult to get out of carpets as well as other materials like upholstery and draperies. If you notice that your carpet is smelly, here are a few tips on how to get mildew smell out of carpet.
Possible Causes of Mildew Smell In Carpets
Mildew is a fungus that affects various materials and can cause bad odors. Here are possible causes of the foul smell:
- Moisture: Mildew can be caused by moisture that is present in the air. The moisture may be due to a leaking pipe, windows that are open too much, or an overflowing toilet tank. If you have a wet carpet and you are unable to get rid of the mildew smell, it may be because of excess moisture in the air.
- Lack of Ventilation: When no windows or doors are open in your home, perhaps during the winter, or if you’re using an air conditioner or fan that doesn’t circulate well enough, this insufficient air circulation can lead to mildew growth. Mold and mildew can form on walls, and often on your carpeting.
- Humidity: Humidity buildup from water leaks in your home can also cause your carpeting to smell musty.
- Dirty Carpets: If your carpets are dirty, that can cause your carpet to smell like mildew when wet. Dirty carpets typically have a musty odor, which can be caused by dust mites and other pests that live on your carpeting.
Preparation for Mildew Smell Removal
To effectively eliminate a mildew smell, follow these tips:
- Safety Considerations
When trying to remove mildew from carpet, it’s important to be safe. The first thing to do is to ensure everyone in the house is out of the room and off any surfaces that you will be working with. Some carpets and surfaces could be damaged by cleaning products or mops, so test in an inconspicuous area first. You should also wear protective goggles, gloves, and a mask when cleaning up mildew.
- Necessary Equipment and Materials
You will need a vacuum with an attachment that can remove stains or mold. You can use a shop vacuum or even a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, depending on the type of stain removal product you use.
- Identifying the Source of The Smell
Most times, mildew smells are associated with high moisture content in the air, so make sure to check for dampness in all areas where you suspect mildew may be present. It can be underneath window sills, plumbing fixtures, and electrical outlets.
Possible Solutions To Remove Mildew Smell From Carpet
Here are some things you can try, please take into consideration your carpet type, and color. Many of these can be effective in decreasing odor from mildew:
- Vacuuming
- Applying baking soda
- Using a vinegar and water solution
- Hydrogen peroxide and water solution
- Steam cleaning
- Enzymatic cleaner
- Essential oils with antimicrobial properties
- Sun drying can help if the carpet can be moved outside
Preventing Mildew Smell From Returning
To prevent mildew from reoccurring, follow these tips:
- Regular Vacuuming: Vacuuming regularly will help keep your carpet clean, which helps prevent mildew from growing.
- Adequate Ventilation: You may need to increase the ventilation in your home if you’re dealing with an odor problem. Make sure windows and doors are open as much as possible to encourage air circulation through your home and prevent mildew from building up.
- Ultimately, get water out quickly! If you have a leak or a spill, stop the leak and clean up and dry out any and all water or liquid. This ensures that there’s no conducive environment for mildew growth.
The very best thing to do is to call us! Our professional cleaners and mitigation and restoration teams can help! They will find any leaks, clean up any water, mold or mildew, and make your home a clean and safe place to live.
