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For health reasons, it's best not to take any chances with mold/mildew. Elderly and young children are especially sensitive to allergens and mold/mildew. Carpet and cushion that is wet 24-48 hours tends to have mold/mildew and associated odor problems. Mold/mildew spores are everywhere in the air. When they find damp, soiled surfaces then tend to settle in. Fortunately, several natural and inexpensive cleaning agents remove mold without harming the environment or your family's health. Use them to fight mold and mildew throughout the house, paying special attention to shower stalls, cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks, and in basements. You can clean carpet, but you can not clean carpet cushion and subfloor beneath. In the event of flood, carpet should be lifted, cushion discarded, water removed from carpet with wet/dry vacuum, subfloor disinfected, carpet professionally cleaned and disinfected, and dehumidifiers run to expedite drying, and fans run to improve air circulation. This must occur within the first 24-48 hours. Note: DIY carpet cleaners do not have the ability to maintain heat at 180 degrees plus to disinfect or the suction to adequately remove excess moisture. When cleaning your carpet with a machine that uses water always be sure that the area is thoroughly dried or this can cause mold growth. If there is flooding or a water spill, the area must be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Mold causes more damage the longer it is allowed to sit so clean these areas as soon as possible. There are many ways in which to prevent mold growth in the first place. Reduce the humidity in your home to between 30 and 60 percent. Use a dehumidifier if you have to. Never install carpeting in areas where there is always a moisture problem, such as in bathrooms. The first step in cleaning up moldy situations is to find the source of excess water and moisture. Look for any roof or plumbing leaks or flood damage that still needs to be cleaned up or fixed. Be sure to check the air ducts in your home. Heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems can spread mold throughout the rest of the house. This step must be completed before any cleaning will have any effect. It is a good idea to know what kind of flooring is under your carpet. If it is something that will be ruined by wetting the floor, even for a short time, you might want to reconsider or be very careful not to use very much water. Materials, such as carpets and rugs, may have to be thrown away if they become too moldy. Replacing carpet may be the only way that you can guarantee that mold will not still grow in the area Go to main page Auckland Carpet Cleaners for more useful information
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