We are at that time of year again when we start getting lots of phone calls from customers saying they’ve cleaned a carpet and their customer has rang a few days later saying the carpets smelling.
What causes this is the high humidity in the air prevents the carpet drying as humid air can’t absorb any more moisture. After a few hours tiny Mould and Mildew Spores deep in the carpet pile start to germinate and grow. As they grow they off a gas a musty smell.
Some cleaners are still making the mistake of going back and re-cleaning the carpet. This is the the worst thing you can possibly do as you are just adding more moisture and will make matter even worse.
These Moulds and Mildews require moisture to thrive so will go on giving off an odour until the carpet is completely dry, which in the humid months, June – September can take up to a week.
Berbers and Saxony (long pile) type carpets are the most susceptible to these problems.
How can you avoid it? You can use Dripods or Air Movers to dry the carpet at least some of the way before leaving the property, or leave a Dripod in situ and pick it up later. Another way is to rinse using a suitable anti fungal product. Formula 429 is the best, or use 429 or Craftex Microkill with your pre-spray. ANTI BACTERIAL DEODOURISERS WILL NOT WORK.
To remedy an existing problems install dryers and spray carpet with Formula 429 and brush well in.