Get matched with top carpet cleaners in Hallock, MN

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.

While they both help to penetrate tough fibers and have similar designs, there is a difference between an upholstery cleaner and a carpet cleaner. Carpet cleaners are much tougher on stains and use much more concentrated solutions, while upholstery cleaners are a bit softer on fabrics and use lighter solutions. While an upholstery cleaner may work on a carpet, your carpet cleaner might be too rough on your upholstered furniture.

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.

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.