How to Clean Mold and Mildew from Rugs: Safety and Steps

Identify the problem before you start

Mold and mildew are both fungi that grow in damp conditions. Mold can appear as black, white, or green patches, while mildew is usually a thin, powdery, white or gray growth that sits on the surface. Both release tiny spores into the air, which can be inhaled and may trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in sensitive people. The EPA notes that when mold spores land on damp places indoors, they can begin growing, and for people sensitive to molds, inhaling spores can trigger an asthma attack.

If you can see mold or mildew on a rug, the first step is to find and fix the source of moisture. A rug that stays damp for more than a day or two is at risk, as the EPA recommends drying damp or wet things completely within one to two days to keep mold from growing. Check for leaks, spills, or high humidity in the room, and correct those before cleaning the rug. Otherwise, the mold will grow back.

For small areas of mold on an otherwise dry rug, home cleaning is usually effective. If the rug is heavily contaminated, has a foam or latex backing that is crumbling, or has been soaked through by floodwater, it may be safer to discard it, especially if you have allergies or asthma. A professional rug cleaner can also assess whether the rug is worth saving.

Protective gear and ventilation

Cleaning mold can release additional spores into the air, so protect yourself before you begin. At a minimum, wear rubber gloves, safety goggles or glasses without ventilation holes, and an N95 or higher-rated respirator mask. If you have asthma or a mold allergy, consider having someone else do the cleaning, or leave the area while it is being done.

Work outdoors when possible, or in a room with windows open and a fan blowing air to the outside. The EPA advises increasing ventilation when using cleaning products that may emit volatile organic compounds, and to follow any label precautions. Many household cleaning products, including some disinfectants, contain VOCs, and concentrations of these compounds can be higher indoors when you are actively using the product. Allow plenty of fresh air during and after cleaning.

• Rubber gloves to protect your hands from both the mold and cleaning agents.
• Safety goggles to keep mold spores and cleaning solutions out of your eyes.
• An N95 or higher dust mask to reduce inhalation of spores.
• Long sleeves and pants that you can wash afterward.

Dry cleaning: remove loose mold first

Take the rug outside or to a well-ventilated area. Before using any liquid, brush or vacuum away loose mold and mildew. Use a stiff brush or a vacuum with a HEPA filter. The EPA suggests using a vacuum with a HEPA filter on carpets and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up, and this also applies to mold spores.

If you vacuum, empty the canister or bag outdoors after you finish, and clean the vacuum filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. This prevents spores from being blown back into the air the next time you vacuum.

For rugs with a loop pile or a fringe, be gentle. Scrubbing hard can pull loops or tangle fringe. A soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment works best on delicate fibers.

Wet cleaning: soap and water, then dry

Once you have removed the loose mold, clean the affected area with a solution of mild dish soap or a carpet cleaner recommended for the fiber type, and water. The EPA's guidance for hard surfaces is to clean with soap and water and let the area dry completely, and the same principle applies to washable rugs. For a rug, work the soapy water into the stained area with a soft cloth or sponge, working from the outside of the stain toward the center to avoid spreading it.

Do not over-wet the rug. Excess moisture can soak into the backing or padding and create a new environment for mold. Use a spray bottle to dampen the area rather than pouring water, and blot with a clean towel to lift the moisture. Repeat if needed.

Avoid mixing cleaning products unless the labels direct you to do so. Never mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaners, as this creates toxic fumes. The EPA advises following label instructions carefully and never mixing household care products unless directed on the label.

For stubborn mildew spots on colorfast, synthetic rugs, you can apply a diluted solution of white vinegar and water (about one part vinegar to three parts water) to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and blot it up. Test any cleaning solution on a hidden corner of the rug first to check for color bleeding. Some natural fibers, such as wool, jute, or sisal, react poorly to vinegar and can be stained or damaged, so check your rug's care label and fiber content before using vinegar.

If the rug has a latex or foam backing, avoid soaking it. Excess water can break down the backing and cause it to crumble, which may also lead to mold growth on the backing itself. For more on the link between mold and latex backing, see rug mold on latex backing.

Dry the rug completely, and keep it dry

After cleaning, dry the rug as quickly and completely as possible. The EPA warns that mold can grow on damp surfaces within one to two days, so you want to get the rug dry well before that. Hang it outside on a clothesline or over a railing, or lay it flat on a clean, dry surface with air flowing around it. Direct sunlight helps dry the rug and has a mild sanitizing effect, but be aware that sunlight can fade some dyes. If you cannot dry it outside, use fans or a dehumidifier in a well-ventilated room.

Do not put the rug back in place until it is completely dry to the touch, including the backing and fringe. This can take a full day or longer for heavier rugs or those with a dense pile. If the rug feels cool or damp to the touch, it is not dry yet.

Once the rug is dry, vacuum it to remove any residual dust or spores. You may also want to treat both sides of the rug with a spray that controls mold and mildew, but follow the product's label instructions for indoor use and ventilation.

For more on drying techniques, see how to dry a rug after cleaning.

When to replace the rug instead of cleaning it

Some rugs are not worth saving. If the rug has a foam or latex backing that is falling apart, if it has been soaked through by sewage or floodwater, or if the mold has penetrated deep into the fibers and the smell persists after cleaning, replace it. Mold can also cause permanent discoloration or weaken the fibers, making the rug a health hazard rather than a decorative item.

The FTC requires that most textile products, including rugs, have a label listing the fiber content and country of origin. Check that label to understand what your rug is made of, because natural fibers like wool, jute, and sisal absorb water more readily than synthetic materials like polypropylene and polyester. See how to read a rug label for help interpreting the label, and for details on which fibers handle moisture best, see polypropylene vs. wool rugs for basements and outdoor rug materials.

Preventing mold and mildew from returning

The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it. Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent, using a dehumidifier if necessary, and measure it with a hygrometer, as the EPA recommends. Use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking, showering, or washing dishes, and fix any water leaks promptly.

Do not place rugs in areas that are routinely damp, like directly under a leaking window or in an unventilated bathroom. If you use a rug in a basement or on a concrete floor, make sure the floor is dry before laying the rug and use a rug pad that allows air circulation. See rugs for basements and rug pads for concrete floors.

Vacuum rugs regularly to remove dust and debris that can hold moisture. For washable rugs, wash them according to the care label and dry them completely before putting them back. If you store a rug, make sure it is clean and completely dry, and store it in a dry place. See rug storage tips for more.

What to pick for a mold-prone room

Questions

Can I use bleach to clean mold off a rug?

Bleach can damage rug fibers and may not be safe on wool or natural fibers. It can also release fumes that are harmful to breathe. For most rugs, soap and water or a diluted vinegar solution is safer. Never mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaners.

How long does it take to dry a rug after mold cleaning?

It depends on the rug's thickness and the drying conditions. With good airflow and low humidity, a thin rug can dry overnight, while a thick wool rug may take a day or two. The rug must be completely dry, including the backing, before you put it back in place.

Is it safe to vacuum mold off a rug?

Vacuuming can release mold spores into the air. If you vacuum, use a machine with a HEPA filter, and empty the bag or canister outdoors. Wear a mask and goggles while vacuuming, and consider leaving the area for a few hours afterward to let spores settle.

When should I throw away a moldy rug?

If the rug has a crumbling latex or foam backing, has been soaked by floodwater or sewage, or still smells mildewy after cleaning, it is safest to replace it. Also replace it if the mold covers a large area or if anyone in the home has asthma or a mold allergy.