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Figuring out why you have a musty smell in your house is the first step to getting rid of it. Mold or mildew is most likely causing the unpleasant odor. People use these terms interchangeably, but they’re actually different.

Mold is a fungus that loves to grow in moist, humid places. It’s typically black or green and has a raised, uneven texture. Stay vigilant for signs mold may be growing in your home. 

You’ll find mildew growing on your shower walls and in your bathroom’s nooks and crannies. It’s a specific type of mold that grows flat. Mildew is usually white, gray, or yellow.

If you’re renting a steam cleaner, the right cleaning products to use on carpet are cleaning solutions designed specifically for steam cleaners and carpeting. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you’re using the appropriate product. For everyday cleaning and deodorizing, white vinegar and baking soda are two natural but effective products to use; for urine and other biological messes, opt for an enzymatic cleaner. Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or dish soap, which can damage carpet fibers or leave behind stubborn residue.

You can use chlorine bleach to lighten a colored carpet or clean a white carpet. Bleach will naturally lighten your carpet no matter its color; however, there’s no guarantee the color will be even throughout the carpeting.

If you decide to lighten your carpet with bleach, apply it using a carpet cleaner to provide a more even application. After applying it, be sure to suction it out from the carpet fibers and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Professional carpet cleaning can cause mold if the job is not done properly. There are two ways this can happen—if your carpet cleaner fails to dry the carpet properly, or if your carpet cleaner uses an excessive amount of water during the cleaning process. Mold can grow wherever moisture is present, so make sure you hire a pro who knows the process inside and out.