Mildew can strike anywhere there’s moisture, and rugs are no exception. Such a fungus not only deteriorates the pristine, eye-catching appearance of your area rugs but also the indoor air quality of your home by allowing a musty odor to lurk.
If inhaled, this odor can severely affect your health as well. So delve into this blog and learn about some proven homemade ideas to banish mildew from your rugs before it unleashes illness and other health problems throughout your home, and enjoy a clean, healthier environment.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Remove Mildew Smells From Your Rugs
⇒ Identify The Source
A mildew smell on your rug is a sign of excess moisture that hasn’t been dried yet, so check if there have been any spills on the rug that haven’t dried thoroughly.
Further, move the rug and inspect the subfloor for signs of leaks or moisture. Wet padding or flooring underneath the rug can also trap moisture and cause mildew growth.
⇒ Start Vacuuming Your Rug
Next, start cleaning your rug to remove surface dirt. There are several ways to clean your rugs before you apply solutions, but on any given day, go ahead with vacuuming.
A vacuum has a powerful suction that can trap and remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the fibers that can otherwise get embedded with the cleaning solution. While vacuuming, try covering the rug in a 360 pattern to ensure you cover every part of the fiber and trap maximum contaminants.
⇒ Apply Cleaning Solutions
After vacuuming the rug, tackle the mildew using a few household ingredients readily available in your kitchen, which include:
• Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as a desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture and odors from the air and surrounding materials, including the fibers of your rug. This means it helps neutralize the musty smell caused by mildew.
• White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural product that’s generally safe for use on most carpets and rugs ( but always test it in an inconspicuous area first). Its acidity helps kill mildew spores and other odor-causing bacteria.
• Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has mild oxidizing properties. When it comes in contact with odor-causing molecules, it breaks them down, neutralizing the unpleasant mildew smell.
⇒ Scrub The Solution Onto The Carpet
Apply the solution (as per your choice) and use an old scrub brush to scrub it on your rug gently (harsh scrubbing can brittle the rug fibers). If the affected area is relatively small, you can use a toothbrush, but make sure to use an electric carpet scrubber for larger areas.
Then, allow the solution to sit for a few minutes (approximately 30) before vacuuming up using your regular vacuum. After that, rinse the area again with cold water and blot dry with a clean cloth.
⇒ Allow It To Dry Properly
Lastly, let your carpet dry enough to be used again. Turn on the overhead fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Besides, opening all doors and windows and allowing fresh air to circulate in your home can also serve the purpose. And, most importantly, avoid walking over the carpets until they get back in shape.
Final Thoughts
Removing the mildew smell from the rugs is no difficult task (as it appears though). Addressing the source of moisture and using appropriate solutions (like baking soda or white vinegar) can help you tackle such a fungus from your rugs, make them appear cleaner and brighter, and, most importantly, improve the air quality of your home. So keep your rugs dry and enjoy a clean, fresh scent!
