Mildew on the carpet is a very sinister problem, not only is it a difficult thing to get rid of but the odor
can last for days all together, no matter how rigorous is the attempt to clean off the bacteria. To some extent
the cleaning of the carpet depends on its type. Also, the padding and the sub-floor can be affected so you have
to pay attention to those as well. The thicker the pile more will be the cleaning required.
Removing the smell of mildew:
This is definitely the hardest part. You can use a mildew deodorizer for it. Choose a good quality spray which
is safe for it and will also not affect the colors. Make sure you read the warranty of the carpet so that you
do not end up using a chemical which will harm it. The carpet should be properly dry before the spray is used.
A home remedy for removing mildew odors is the baking soda. You can scrub it with your hand by making a
solution of baking soda and water along with some mild soap. You can also clean the padding with soap and
water. If the padding is completely damaged consider replacing it. The idea is not just to concentrate on the
carpet itself but on the padding and the sub-floor beneath.
Cleaning the Mildew:
Mildew bacteria can be really stubborn and steam cleaning is one of the top options. The first step is to
vacuum the area as well as possible and determine how much of mildew has been removed by it. Steam cleaning is
a good option, though the temperature of the steam is also a great factor in removing mildew the steam might
not always be hot enough to eradicate all of it. Even if it isn't all that hot it's definitely the best way to
clear-off most of the mildew. The thickness of the carpet is also a governing factor here. In some thin ones
steam cleaning might be all that you need to do but for the thicker varieties you might need to resort to other
measures and pay special attention to the padding. You can also try cleaning the stained area with some
detergent solution. Let the detergent rest on the affected area for some time and then blot it off using a
towel after rinsing the area. Make sure that you dry the carpet by using a high intensity fan.