How to Kill Mold Growing in Indoor-Outdoor Carpet

Indoor-outdoor carpet can help to create an indoor setting outside. Binding the two atmospheres, outdoor carpet allows you to have the best of both worlds. While your indoor carpet is subjected to children, pets and day-to-day life, your outdoor carpet faces its own daily challenges. When mold spores in the air find a damp place to settle down and collect, such as your outdoor carpet, it can quickly put a damper on your outdoor living area, as mold is as unhealthy to be around as it is unsightly. Though this may seem like the demise of your outdoor carpet, it can be fixed quite simply if you know what to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mask
• Glasses
• Gloves
• Chlorine bleach
• Spray bottle
• Cloth or brush

1. Protect yourself from mold spores with a mask, gloves and glasses before handling the carpet. Wear these when you are in direct contact with the molded carpet.

2. Remove the carpet from its current location and place it out in direct sunshine away from your home.

3. Allow the carpet to sit outside in the sunshine for at least two hours. Many times this alone will kill off the mold.

4. Mix a weak solution of chlorine bleach and water in a spray bottle. One-part chlorine bleach to three-parts water will work.

5. Spray the area with enough of the solution to soak the area.

6. Allow area to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Scrub the area with a cloth or brush to loosen any remaining mold.

8. Rinse the area with clean water.

9. Allow the carpet to dry in the sun.

Tips & Warnings

• White vinegar is an acceptable substitute for chlorine bleach.
• Test the bleach solution on a discreet area of the carpet before using it to clean the mold to make sure it won't cause fading.
• Do not put the carpet in a shaded area or store it until it is completely dry to prevent further mold growth.

References

• Enviornmental Protection Agency: "Mold Basics"
• mrscleanusa.com: "How to Clean Indoor Outdoor Carpet"