For Extra Stubborn Odors: Call The Professionals
When all else fails, call the professionals of ServiceMaster by Mason to remove the musty smell and mildew from your carpet.
While many stains, mold damage, and musty odors can be removed with products at home, others will need some extra effort.
If you feel that you have exhausted all efforts, or just dont want to deal with it, you can call on mold remediation professionals. These technicians will apply commercial grade products, using personal protection equipment to get rid of the mildew and musty smell from the carpet once and for all.
They will also use a truck-mounted system to clean the carpets professionally, removing the embedded mold spores and debris to restore a like-new look to the carpet. Finally, they can provide the peace of mind of not having to worry about the threat of mildew returning to bring back that musty smell.
Drying And Final Touches
Once youve removed the debris, removed stains and deep cleaned your pontoon carpet, its time to dry and fluff the carpet. Drying thoroughly can reduce the chances of mold, mildew and moss growth.
To speed up the drying process: Remove excess water with a wet/dry shop vacuum. Once the excess water has been removed, the sun can do the rest.
Once the carpet is dry, fluffing will improve the appearance for a look thats almost new. Do this:
Step 1 Use a medium-stiff bristle brush. Tip: A long-handled brush can reduce back strain.
Step 2 Brush the whole surface of the carpet with the brush. This will fluff the carpet fibers.
Step 3 If desired, vacuum again with your shop vacuum.
Step 4 Looks good as new, huh?
Optional: If you want to, you can apply a carpet protectant/sealer to prevent stains later. Some even offer UV protection.
Remember, there are no specific guidelines to clean your carpet. It all depends on your boat guidelines, what you have access to, how dirty your carpet is and the type of condition your boat carpet is in. You may even own a ponton tiny house, where you have high-grade carpet that needs to real liveaboard maintenance.
Once you consider all these things, choose the cleaning option that fits your needs.
The most important thing is to take care of your carpet and protect your pontoon deck.
Because, after all, thats where all the fun happens.
The Best Boat Carpet Cleaners
There is no better way to increase the lifespan of our boat carpet than regular maintenance. The best boat carpet cleaner removes stubborn stains and dirt, leaving our carpet looking brand new. Many of us may feel that cleaning the boat carpet is a hassle, but the task turns out to be easy and even enjoyable with the best marine carpet cleaner.
I know how difficult it is to find the right product. And since I went through a lot of trial and error myself, I thought to share my findings with you. So, here are the top 15 marine carpet cleaning products in my opinion.
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Coit’s Guide On How To Remove Mildew Smell From Carpet
Whether youre home alone or entertaining guests, having carpet that not only looks clean, but also smells clean is a definite must. If you happen to notice that an area of your carpet doesnt smell pleasant, this may be a sign that mildew could be lurking above or below the surface.
In COITs step-by-step guide, learn a few different ways to remove mildew smell from carpet on your own.
Boats = Breeding Ground Of Odors
Eliminating boat odors can be frustrating, and usually, time is of the essence when odors start to permeate throughout your boat. The most common sources to look at when odors are taking control on deck is the head, sanitation hoses, holding tank, and bilge. But also, dont forget the smaller culprits like ice coolers, and even odors created from a potential gas leak on the surface of the deck. Boats in general, are stinky. From the smelly salt water, fish or fishing activities , or even a buildup of smells from food & beverages on board. Usually, these smells can be mitigated through an easy clean-up process such as hosing down the boat with clean water and maybe some bleach. However, when you are dealing with stronger odors, you will need to have a stronger, more effective solution to implement onto the infested area.
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Weekend Project: The Best Way To Clean Your Pontoon Carpet
Since your pontoons deck is the heart of your on-the-water fun, you want to keep it looking brand new, dont you?
If youve got carpeting on your pontoons deck, cleaning that carpet should be at the top of your to-do list.
The carpet is one of the first things on board to show its age with wear and tear. Wet feet, muddy sneakers, spilled food and drinks, saltwater splash, live bait and fish guts all take their toll. But keeping your pontoon carpet clean and spiffy doesnt have to be hard. And you certainly dont have to resort to replacing that carpeting with vinyl.
With these carpet cleaning tips, youll find that keeping your pontoon carpeting clean is easier than you think.
Stinky Boat How To Get Rid Of Boat Smells
May 4, 2018 by Boat Planet
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Your boat has been sitting for a while and you climb aboard and open a hatch. A foul odor engulfs you, making you wonder if it is going to be such a great day on the water after all. Do not feel bad about your smelly boat. We have all had the same problem.
It is inevitable that if you own a boat and it has been sitting unused, it will develop odors. Many times just a good airing out will take care of the problem. But if not, you will have to find a way to eliminate the offending aromas or risk losing your crew to a fresher smelling vessel.
The cause of boat odors can come from many sources. Discovering and eliminating that source rather than just masking the smell will pay dividends. Knowing what to fix and the right products for the job all depend on where the smell is coming from.
Air It OutVentilation issues are one of the largest causes of boat odors and are relatively simple to fix. Many times that damp, stagnant odor can be eliminated by opening hatches, ports, and companionways and letting fresh air flow through the craft. Of course, washing all surfaces with a good multi-surface cleaner will also help.
Damp Rid or similar products also work well in capturing moisture and keeping things dry. Just remember to empty them out and put in a new refill during the recommended time period.
Photo Credit:
Photo Credit:
If you still have odors after doing all these things, you may want to consider scuttling the boat.
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Keep The Temperature And Humidity In Check:
When the temperature in your room is 80F or higher, mold can grow quickly under your carpet. Also, a humidity of 70 percent and higher can help mildew thrive.
The best way to avoid mold growth in your home is to keep your temperature level at 75F and lower. Your humidity should also not go higher than 60 percent. Always moderate your temperature and humidity levels.
To help regulate the humidity level, you can get a dehumidifier. You can also make a habit of leaving your windows and doors open when needed. However, if the humidity outside is high, keep your windows and doors closed.
Another good alternative to regulate temperature and humidity is getting a central air conditioning system installed. An AC will perform multiple functions keep the humidity low, and at the same time, keeping the temperature in check.
Always Keep Your Carpet Clean:
A carpet that does not get cleaned regularly is the perfect home for mildew. Therefore, maintain a regular cleaning routine for your carpet. Brush off dust and debris from it regularly to keep the area clear.
An effective way to keep mildew in check through cleaning is to vacuum weekly. This way, you can get rid of any mildew developing under your carpet before that musty smell begins to spread. When possible, always sun-dry properly after cleaning.
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When Should I Call A Professional Carpet Cleaner To Get Mold Out Of Carpet Instead Of Cleaning It Myself
Sometimes a mold infestation is too much for us to tackle on our own. Mold can have detrimental effects on a persons health and is not something to disregard when it comes to your family. Calling a professional cleaner is imperative in these situations, and the only way to start the mold remediation process.
How do you know when to handle the mold problem yourself, and when to call in reinforcements? Patches of mold should only be dealt with by hand when they cover an area smaller than 10 x 10 in space. A professional carpet cleaner should treat anything more significant.
Some patches of mold may not appear significant at first, so if you are unsure of where the source of mold came from, you should double-check for mold growth. For mildew caused by pet stains, spills, or other known origins, it will not spread far if you catch it soon enough.
If you are unsure of the source, however, peeling back the piece of the carpet will help. If the mold has spread into the floorboards or wood on the walls, its time to call a professional.
Safety is the number one priority when managing mold problems and when getting rid of mold in carpets. If the mold has spread to other areas of the house, a mold remediation or removal service may be necessary. Otherwise, these nine different solutions will work great and save you money in the process.
How To Prevent That Musty Smell From Returning
The best way to prevent a musty smell from returning is by maximizing air circulation and minimizing dampness as much as possible. Install fans in your bathrooms, kitchen, and basement, and try to keep them running whenever moisture enters your home, such as the day of a rainstorm, while showering, or when cooking. After bathing or cooking, leave the fans on to allow the area to dry fully.
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Tips To Eliminate Strong Boat Odors
If your boat smells, there is usually a reason for it, following your nose is key. Many boaters take boat odors for granted, just simply putting up with them, as the odor will likely abate as the boat is setting sea. However, if the odors persist then you may have a bigger issue at hand. Some circumstances where you may need to work to eliminate the odors includes spilled diesel fuel on deck, foul marine toilet smells, pungent drink coolers, and even holding tank smells.
Why Its Important To Keep Your Pontoon Carpet Clean
Look. We all know what carpet is. Heres a reminder of why that carpeting is so very important:
- It covers your deck.
- It adds comfort.
- It adds eye-pleasing appeal.
A dirty, damaged carpet wont be able to fulfill the above purposes. And there are even more reasons to keep your carpet in tip-top shape:
- Its expensive.
- It protects your deck.
- It adds value to your boat.
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Gp66 Green Miracle Cleaner
Although not necessarily a carpet cleaner, the GP99 claims to remove dirt from over 1000 surfaces, including carpet. Thus, it is a handy one-do-it-all solution.
The NSF approves this water-based cleaner for food surfaces which guarantees its safety as a product. It is also free from bleach and phosphates, making it ideal for use on the water so you can put your mind at ease that no marine life will be affected.
Another thing I like is that it is an all-around cleaner. I tried it on kitchen surfaces like ovens and doors and on my boat hull with the same results. So, for anyone who needs a one-solution product to use anywhere, this is one of the highest-rated out there.
Best of all, I could use the product as much as I wanted without worrying about a concentrated cleaner smell. This odorless cleaner doesnt require any set time to get rid of the odor.
It is also noteworthy that the cleaner is certified as Compact by Design, which means its formula is to reduce carbon emission reductions.
Furthermore, the bottle design also makes shipping easier. I always feel good about using a product that doesnt add to environmental issues.
- Versatile and cleans up to 1000 surfaces
- Free from chemicals and other harmful toxins
- A versatile product for household and boat uses
- Odorless and safe to use in large quantities
- Has a compact design that reduces carbon emission
- May not be that effective in removing harsh carpet stains
Fantastic Recipes And Cleaning Tips For Removing Mold From Carpeting
Removing mold from carpeting is as simple as regular stain cleaning. Recipes for mold removers are also simple to make and require minimal time to create.
The increased risk mold poses to your health means an increase in the number of supplies you need when cleaning mold from carpets. Many of the supplies are already in your utility closet or are inexpensive precautions that will keep you safe during your mold extractions.
Not only do you need to get rid of mold in the carpet, having mold anywhere in your home poses a health risk. Areas frequently exposed to moisture are particularly susceptible. For example, it is important to remove mold from washer and dishwasher periodically, as well as from hidden corners of the basement.
- Toothbrush
Some additional tools to keep on hand are a HEPA vacuum cleaner or a steam cleaner. If you dont have these tools, washing the floor by hand will work just as well. In the fight against mold, you can never have too many weapons in your cleaning arsenal.
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What To Know Before Buying Boat Carpet Cleaners
Since boat cleaners come in different shapes and sizes, it is wise to know what to look for in a boat cleaner. Here are some of the most important things to consider when buying a boat cleaner:
Safety
Some boat cleaners use harsh chemicals in an attempt to remove stubborn stains. Although this may be effective, it could cause eye and skin irritations. For example, hydrochloric acid, ammonium hydroxide, and ammonium chloride are common ingredients that may irritate.
Although it is possible to use protective items like gloves in cleaning, you may opt for an eco-friendly option. In this case, look for products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and marine safe. You may need to do a little research to make sure, but the effort will be worth it.
Deodorizer
Usually, accumulated dirt and mold cause a foul smell to build upon your carpet. In this case, you need a cleaner that has odor elimination features. Look at the ingredients for anything like essential oils or chemicals that combat odor.
However, if you are sensitive to fragrances, you could opt for an odorless cleaner and use a freshener of your choice afterward. This way, you get clean carpets without worrying about strong odors.
Versatility
You want a product that you can use for other parts of your boat or car as much as possible. Ensure that the cleaner works well with the surfaces you intend to clean, whether upholstery, leather, or delicate fabrics.
Formula
The different types of Boat Carpet Cleaners
Spray-on cleaners
The 15 Top Boat Mold Removal Techniques
1. Use store bought cleaning solutions dedicated to mold and mildew removal use as per directions on the bottle. Be careful when using chemicals on a boat. Make sure the boat is very well ventilated and children and pets are not around. Or, better yet, use a natural and less expensive mold and mildew killer
2. 3% Hydrogen peroxide solution Hydrogen peroxide is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Talk about killing three birds with one stone! Apply generously with a damp cloth or spray bottle and leave to soak for a while. Wash off with a light soapy water and a soft-bristled brush if necessary. Caution: Hydrogen peroxide can act like a bleach on delicate surfaces.
3. Diluted vinegar use three parts white vinegar and two parts water. For very bad cases of mold/mildew you can use undiluted vinegar. Add to a spray bottle or use a sponge to cover surfaces. Let it sit for a while to allow the vinegar to kill the mold. Wash with warm water and then consider lightly spraying the surface again to prevent more growth. Leave to dry.
4. Baking soda In addition to killing mold, baking soda absorbs moisture and keeps mold away. Add ¼ tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle full of water and shake. Spray the surface and then use a sponge or soft brush to remove the mold. Rinse the surface with water and then spray again and let the surface dry.
6. Grapefruit seed extract essential oil also works well. Follow the same instructions as noted with Tea Tree Oil.
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How Is Your Pontoon Carpet Attached To The Boat Deck
This is another tidbit that should be covered in your owners manual.
In one word: Glue.
In most cases, your pontoon carpet will be glued to your deck. This is what you need to know:
- Is your carpet glue water-resistant?
- Should certain cleaners/ingredients be avoided?
- Can certain ingredients or cleaners void your warranty?
- How often is carpet cleaning recommended?
Once again, check with your owners manual. And when in doubt, call and ask. You want to be sure about these things.
