Thorough Mold Stain Removal Tips for Carpet or Upholstery

Mold stain removal from carpet or upholstery is pretty much the same thing as mildew stain removal.

FYI: Mold and mildew consist of fungi or microorganisms which survive and grow rapidly anywhere there is a warm and moist environment. Mildew and mold stain removal should be taken seriously in an area similar to a basement or a shower stall with too little ventilation.

While mold is a necessary part of our natural environment, we cannot have it in our homes or on our clothing. A mold stain or mildew stain aren't just ugly, they destroy the material they grow on by digesting it and weakening it's structural integrity. Mold stains also causes health problems in people, not just people who are allergic, but in all people and in animals.

Mold and mildew produce tiny spores which multiply rapidly by floating through the air we breath, therefore it is very important not to shake out and item with mold or mildew. This will cause the spores to fly through the air which you breath and they will settle around the room and begin new clusters that will reproduce as rapidly.

An Ounce of PREVENTION is worth a pound of CURE:
To prevent mold stain removal problems or mildew growth from beginning:
1). In the basement purchase a dehumidifier. For example: in New England, it gets humid in the basement, a dehumidifier is a necessary part of home maintenance.

2). Don't put wet clothing in your dirty clothes hamper to wait 'til laundry day. Hang it up to dry even if it's dirty. That wet kitchen towel will start a mold colony on your favorite jeans in just a few hours.

3). Install an exhaust fan in the bathroom: If you don't have an exhaust fan in your bathroom where you shower regularly, then open the window just a little when you're using the shower so the extra moisture can escape. Think seriously about installing an exhaust fan. You can barter with a friend who knows how to do it, and you can do a side job for him (like cleaning, computer work or you can rake his leaves), you both work hour for hour and you both win.


Remove Mold or Mildew from the carpet or upholster:
1). If the area appears dry and flaky, wet it using cold water in a spray bottle. Using a dull knife, scrape away as much as you can into a paper towel.

2). Apply color safe laundry detergent to the stain and rub it in with a clean white cloth.

3). With a bucket of clean hot water to your side and several clean white rags, like wash cloths, blot the area repeatedly until you absorb the soap and mold and mildew.

4). If after blotting and absorbing the stain remains, apply lemon juice to the area, along with salt and allow it to dry.

5). Vacuum thoroughly.

6). If the stain is still visible after vacuuming, repeat steps 2 thru 5.