How to Kill Mold in Carpet & Drywall
Having mold in your carpets or drywall is a serious problem and potential health risk that must be addressed immediately. Not only is this black fungus unsightly and smelly, it can also lead to long-term respiratory problems and other health conditions. Mold tends to grow in basements and other cool, humid places. Often, previous water damage is the cause of mold, though this is not always the case. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you can often remove mold on your own without consulting a professional. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Mold in Drywall
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Determine that mold is growing in your drywall. If the room smells musty and damp, chances are mold is growing somewhere. Inspect the area thoroughly and locate the infestation. Clean the area if the mold occupies less than 10 square feet of drywall. For larger areas, it's best to consult a licensed mold removal professional.
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Clean the moldy drywall surface using a mixture of borax detergent and water. Scrub the area thoroughly until the visible mold is removed. Wear protective goggles, a face mask and rubber gloves.
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Allow the area to dry for at least 24 hours before using the room again. Check the area frequently for signs of mold. Repaint the wall as necessary.
Mold in Carpet
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Locate the mold growth in your carpet. It should be visibly brown or black and have a musty, damp smell. If it's an old carpet, consider replacing it, especially if the mold growth is particularly extensive.
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Scrub the area repeatedly with borax and water. Scrub both sides of the carpet and allow the area to dry completely before using the room again.
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Locate the source of hidden moisture contributing to the mold in your carpet. Mold cannot grow without sufficient moisture. The problem may be a leaky pipe or degraded moisture barriers under the floors.
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Tips & Warnings
Prevent mold from returning by regulating moisture levels in the home and sealing up leaks. Keep the home well-ventilated with a low humidity level. Purchase a hydrometer to measure humidity.
Avoid using bleach when cleaning mold. Borax is a safer, natural mold cleaner.
Don't attempt to clean mold if you suffer from asthma or other pre-existing respiratory problems.
