How to Remove Mildew from Carpet

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

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

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

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

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

7. Blot dry with a white absorbent towel.

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.

[ecodiscoveries]

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