How to Eliminate Mildew in Carpet

Carpet can easily become dirty, dingy and stained.

When a carpet becomes damp, the risk of mildew growth increases. Mildew will stain the carpet while filling the room with a musty odor. Mildew growing in the carpet's fibers can quickly spread to other areas and create a larger problem. Fortunately, you can remove the mildew from the carpet with a few inexpensive common household items. The mildew should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the carpet.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Liquid dish soap
• (2) Buckets
• Wooden spoon
• Scrub brush
• Cloth
• Towels
• Fans
• Baking soda
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Create the cleaning solution by mixing 1 gallon of warm water, 2 cups of white vinegar and ¼ cup of liquid dish soap into a bucket. Use a wooden spoon to mix the contents together.

2. Saturate a scrub brush in the mixture. Begin scrubbing the carpet with the scrub brush. Submerge the scrub brush into the mixture when it becomes dry or dirty. Continue scrubbing the carpet vigorously until you have removed all the mildew.

3. Fill a second bucket with cool water. Saturate a cloth in the water and wring out the excess liquid. Blot the carpet with the damp cloth to remove the cleaning solution from the carpet.

4. Pat the carpet with several towels to remove excess liquid. Place fans in the room and point them in the direction of the carpet. Allow the fans to run for several hours to help dry the carpet.

5. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the carpet. Allow the baking soda to sit for several hours. The baking soda will help remove any lingering odors trapped in the carpet's fibers. Remove the baking soda with your vacuum. Repeat if needed.

References

• Ecology Center: Alternative Cleaning Recipes
• Vinegar Book: Combat Mold and Mildew with Vinegar
• Pattaya Daily News: How to Remove Mold & Mildew
• CBS News: Heloise Hears A Hint