Get Mildew Smell Out of Carpet in 6 Steps

2/2/2024 (Permalink)

Whether it's due to spills, leaks, humidity, or lack of ventilation, it’s important to get that mildew smell out of the carpet as soon as possible.

Step 1: Identify and Eliminate the Source

Locating the source of the odor is the first step in eradicating the mildew smell. Make sure the carpet is not damp. Check the walls and ceilings for signs of water damage or leaks. Don't forget to check under furniture.

Once the source is identified, fix any leaks or spills and thoroughly dry the area. It may be necessary to pull back the edges of the carpet or remove baseboards to allow air to circulate. Consider using a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture from the air and carpet.

Replace any water-damaged carpet padding to prevent the smell from coming back. If sections of the carpet itself are damaged, it may be necessary to cut them out and replace them.

Step 2: Vacuum the Carpet

Vacuum slowly and thoroughly, going over the entire carpeted area in overlapping passes. The vacuum may have special tools like a crevice attachment that can also come in handy for hard-to-reach areas where mildew lurks.

Empty the vacuum and wipe the filters after each use to prevent transferring mildew spores back to the carpet. You may need to vacuum a few times to get it all.

Just vacuuming won't remove the smell, but it helps by reducing mildew in carpet, making the rest of the process more efficient.

Step 3: Apply a Cleaning Solution

With the debris gone, the next step is to sanitize the carpet by applying a cleaning solution. Depending on your preference, you can use commercial carpet cleaning products or tried-and-true home remedies. If you prefer home remedies, here are some effective ones to try:

• Baking Soda/Salt: Generously sprinkle on the carpet and let it sit overnight, then vacuum.
• Alcohol: If the carpet isn’t too damp, high-proof cleaning alcohol is effective for addressing small to medium areas.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Essentially a bleach, it must be diluted 20:1 with water and used on a completely dry carpet.
• Vinegar: An acidic, inexpensive, nontoxic solution. However, it has a strong odor and may cause skin irritation, so it should be handled with personal protective gear.

Step 4: Scrub the Carpet

For small areas, use an old scrub brush, toothbrush, or scrub pad. For larger areas, rent an electric carpet scrubber or steam cleaner. Apply the solution and scrub in small circles, working from the outside in. Let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes unless the label's instructions say otherwise.

After applying the cleaning product, use a towel or a wet/dry vac to absorb as much moisture as possible. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any remaining residue. You may need to repeat this step a few times for tough stains. Be careful not to oversaturate the carpet with liquid.

Once you’re done scrubbing, open windows to ventilate and speed up the drying time. Running an air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help eliminate any remaining musty smells in the room.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Now that as much of the water as possible is soaked up, it’s time to let the carpet air dry completely.

Leave the windows open and use fans to speed up drying time. The faster the carpet dries, the less chance the mildew smell has to settle in and spread. Continue to circulate the air around the damp area with fans. Turn on any overhead or portable fans to keep the air moving.

Aiming a fan directly at the damp area of the carpet will speed up evaporation. For small, isolated areas, it may take 8 to 12 hours to dry the area completely. Wall-to-wall carpet or carpet in rooms with little air circulation may take 24 hours or longer to dry completely.

Leaving the carpet damp for too long allows mildew to grow rapidly. Prioritize drying the carpet quickly to avoid a full-on mildew infestation. Speedy drying, combined with the suggested cleaning steps, should leave the carpet mildew-free and smelling fresh again.

Step 6: Deodorize

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that can help freshen the carpet. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire carpeted area. Let it sit for at least a few hours or overnight. The baking soda should absorb the mildew and musty smells from the carpet.

Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly using the hose or brush attachment on the vacuum. You may need to go over the area a few times to pick up all the baking soda granules.

For tough smells, try using activated charcoal, which is very porous and effective at absorbing odors. Place containers of activated charcoal around the room. Replace or refresh the charcoal every month or so.

Commercial carpet deodorizers and powders can also help eliminate odors. Look for natural, fragrance-free products, and always follow the directions carefully. Reapply as needed until the musty smell has disappeared.

Six Ways to Help Your Home Stay Dust Free

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Consistent cleaning is essential if you want to rid your home of dust and mites.

Dust is full of particles such as pollen, dead skin, mold spores and dirt that can aggravate the symptoms of allergies or asthma. Besides, a dusty house looks and feels like a dirty house. To keep your house dust-free for longer periods of time, follow these tips:

1. Doormats

Having doormats to pick up and hold onto dirt that people drag into the house on their shoes is a sure fire way to prevent dirt and dust from piling up. Also, create a rule of no shoes allowed in the house but be flexible with this for guests.   

2. Keep Pets Clean

Dogs and cats shed skin and hair, not to mention whatever they may bring in from the outside. To keep these particles from clinging to your floors and surfaces, be sure to regularly groom your pets. Also, if your cat uses a litter box, keep that fresh and clean as well.  

3. Keep the Air Out

Investing in central air and keeping the windows and doors shut keeps the outside from getting inside. The pollen and dust from the outside can create a significant amount of dust in your home so be sure all windows and doors are properly sealed as well.

4. Consider Getting Rid of Carpets

No matter how many times you vacuum, there will always be dirt and other particles in the carpet. This is a nuisance, especially for people sensitive to dust particles. The solution is to get rid of carpeting and install tile, laminate or wood floors.   

5. Wash Your Pillows

Changing your pillow cases is not enough. You need to clean your pillows as well. This can easily be done in the washing machine with a mild detergent or you can get them professionally cleaned.

6. Beat Your Rugs

If you have throw rugs, take them outside and give them a good beating. This is how people did it long before there were vacuums and it works even better. Just stand back a bit so you don’t breathe in all the dust.

Creating a dust-free home will be simple by following these six tips! 

Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Service Promotes Productivity

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

A Clean Space is a Clean Mind

As people continue to receive Covid-19 vaccines, reentering the corporate office space will begin to happen for many companies. The shift from slow-paced work-at-home life to the traditional fast-paced office environment may be a struggle for many company employees.

Company owners and office managers everywhere must do their due diligence to set their staff up for success. One of the best ways they can do this is by creating a work environment that motivates their staff and boosts productivity. A clean space is crucial for these reasons.

If you’re curious as to how commercial cleaning services can help promote office productivity, then continue reading.

A Clean Space is a Clean Mind

Have you ever been trying to focus on a task and no matter how hard you try, you simply can’t do it? During that task, were you constantly distracted by the things surrounding you, even if they were small? Does a speck of dust on the floor and old smudges on the windows keep catching your eye?

An unclean space can lead to a cluttered and clouded mind.

By enlisting the help of commercial cleaning services, like SERVPRO of Kendall County, you’re setting your office staff up for success. They’ll be able to focus on their task without worrying about distracting messes.

Time Saved Equals Time Focused

Have you ever been stressed at work because on top of all of your meetings and project deadlines, sometimes that day you have to perform office cleaning chores? This feeling can become distracting and pull time away from more important things.

When you’re trying to focus on daily projects and meetings, the last thing you or your staff need to be concerned with is office chores.

Knowing you have a SERVPRO of Kendall County coming in to take care of these tasks for you is a weight lifted from you and your staff’s shoulders. By saving time on cleaning, you can focus on your daily tasks.

It’s a Fresh Start

And last but certainly not least, a clean space gives the feeling of a fresh start for everyone in the office.

It’s no secret that a bright and airy environment can help people feel more awake, refreshed, and happier. The workplace should always strive for this feeling.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by cleaning every evening before closing. It allows your staff to walk into a fresh and clean environment to start their workday. That can be a major motivator.

But let’s be honest, who wants to stay after their workday to clean cubicles, windows, and carpets? No one. That’s where a commercial cleaning company can come in and save the day. Daily and weekly office cleanings are no longer of your concern – it’s their duty to ensure you have a clean workspace.

Carpet Cleaning in Kendall County

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you with your carpet cleaning needs

Although SERVPRO specializes in fire and water restoration, we also have carpet cleaning services. At SERVPRO of Kendall County, we will provide you with top-of-the-line carpet cleaning services. Discover what makes SERVPRO of Kendall County services better than the rest.

• Our cutting-edge carpet cleaning technology, solutions, and methods provide a deeper clean with a difference you can see.
• Many carpet cleaning companies focus on the surface with a quick clean that won't remove stubborn dirt and soil. But that's not what you will get with your SERVPRO of Kendall County highly-trained professionals.   We strive to bring your carpet back "Like it never even happened."

Duct Cleaning Maintenance

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Duct Cleaning Process:

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape in diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor to microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.
• Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. SERVPRO of Kendall County will inspect your HVAC system and duct work and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and duct work.

CONTACT:

SERVPRO of Kendall County   630-554-2280