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How to Remove Mildew from Carpet

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(59 Ratings)

Flooding, wet basements, high humidity - whatever the reason, living with mildewy rugs and carpets is about as unpleasant as it gets. Here's what to do if your carpeting is musty and moldy.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Liquid Dish Soap
  • Cleaning Cloths
  • Ammonia
  • Cleaning Cloths
  • White Towels
  • Ammonia
  1. Step 1

    First, try to remove as much of the mildew as you can with a vacuum cleaner, or by beating area and throw rugs outside with a broom. If you use a vacuum cleaner, throw the vacuum cleaner bag away as soon as you're finished.

  2. Step 2

    Mix a sudsy solution of 1/2 tsp. liquid hand dishwashing detergent and 1 cup lukewarm water.

  3. Step 3

    Sponge the detergent solution onto the mildew stain. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Rinse the area with water and blot dry with a clean, white towel.

  5. Step 5

    Mix a solution of 2 tbsp. ammonia and 1 cup lukewarm water.

  6. Step 6

    Blot ammonia solution into the stain with a clean, white towel.

  7. Step 7

    Blot dry with a white absorbent towel.

  8. Step 8

    Allow rugs to dry outside in the sun, if possible. Or, dry indoors with an electric heater and fan.

Tips & Warnings
  • To prevent mildew, make sure the rug or carpet gets as much sunlight as possible: open blinds and windows and keep a fan running in rooms prone to dampness.

Comments  

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on 6/2/2008 As an alternative solution to pungent ammonia odors, you might want to try MoldZyme to remove mildew from carpets/rugs.

http://www.ecodiscoveries.com/Products/MoldZyme/tabid/189/Default.aspx

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