Cleaning and Stain Removal - Carpet Steam Cleaning Question
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murphysteuer
06-14-06, 04:39 PM
I have a tri level and our bathroom on the lower level had a leaky tank. Several days later we noticed a musty smell coming from the lower level office. The carpet has been damp for a few days and I am about to use our steam cleaner on it. What is the best solution to remove both the smell and possible mold?
twelvepole
06-14-06, 05:33 PM
Carpet and cushion that remains wet 24-48 hours tends to grow mold and mildew and develop the tell tale musty odor. Pull carpet back and remove affected cushion and dispose of it. Let subfloor and carpet dry out. A fan will expedite drying time.
If odor remains, seal subfloor with a couple coats of Zinnser primer sealer to seal in odor. Clean carpet and backing with enzyme digester cleaner. Enzymes require time to digest organic odors. This will require keeping carpet fibers damp with cleaner. Avoid oversaturating carpet as this may cause delamination of carpet backing. When odor is under control, install new carpet cushion and reinstall carpet.
If odor remains, seal subfloor with a couple coats of Zinnser primer sealer to seal in odor. Clean carpet and backing with enzyme digester cleaner. Enzymes require time to digest organic odors. This will require keeping carpet fibers damp with cleaner. Avoid oversaturating carpet as this may cause delamination of carpet backing. When odor is under control, install new carpet cushion and reinstall carpet.
Docduck
06-15-06, 01:46 AM
Agree with tweleve..have to pull it back and get rid of the padding. Clean and seal subfloor...also check the baseboard and drywall. This leak may be covered under homeowners insurance