Best carpet cleaners near Polo, IL

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.

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

Wool rugs respond well to light steam cleaning. Steam cleaning can help lift the dirt out of a wool rug and eliminate odors. However, because wool rugs are so absorbent, excessive moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, so you’ll need to be cautious with the amount of steam being used, and avoid steam cleaning more than once a year to protect the rug’s fibers.

To remove mold from fabric that’s part of your wood furniture, the best option is to take the fabric off and place it in the washing machine. If you cannot take the fabric off, it helps to move the furniture out into the sun. Use a high-quality vacuum to remove any mold spores that are present. You can try spraying the mold with a 50/50 vinegar-water mixture. Hydrogen peroxide is also a possibility for removing mold from fabric, but it could damage certain types of fabric.