Carpet Cleaning: What It Can and Can’t Do for Mold, Pet Urine and Fleas

When it comes to professional carpet cleaning, many homeowners have questions about what this process can actually achieve for their home. Sooner Cleaning + Restoration co-owner, Carrie Mitchell, is here to set the record straight. Her team uses the hot water extraction method to tackle common household issues such as mold, pet urine, and fleas. 

Here’s what to expect from your professional carpet cleaning service and when you might need a little extra help.

Can Carpet Cleaning Remove Mold?

Do you know what sounds worse than moldy carpets? Figuring out how to remove the mold from your carpets! For the team at Sooner Cleaning + Restoration, it’s just another Tuesday—not a problem at all.

Mold in carpets is a big concern for many households. But understanding the process can really ease your worries. According to Carrie Mitchell:

“The hot water extraction method of cleaning can remove mold particles from the surface of the carpet. Some mold leaves a stain depending on the severity.” 

Mold can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues. So it’s imperative to remove what you can.

“It should be noted that visible mold may be removed, but the mold in the air and on other surfaces may remain.”

While carpet cleaning can help remove the visible mold and reduce surface-level particles, mold spores in the surrounding environment may require further remediation. For more detailed guidelines on mold cleanup in your home, check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendations: EPA – Mold Cleanup in Your Home, and learn more about Sooner Cleaning + Restoration’s mold removal services here.

Can Carpet Cleaning Remove Dog and Cat Urine?

Pets are family, and when accidents happen, it can be frustrating (and stinky!), but we love our fur babies just the same! Carrie Mitchell is an animal lover herself and knows how important it is to have your pets inside, even when they can make a mess on the carpet. She explains how carpet cleaning deals with these common pet mishaps:

“The hot water extraction method of carpet cleaning can remove a substantial amount of urine from carpet fibers. The urine present in the base of the carpet and the padding below will not be removed with carpet cleaning.”

While carpet cleaning can significantly reduce the odor and appearance of urine on the surface, some deeper residues may persist. However, this treatment is still worth it. Additionally, Sooner Cleaning + Restoration offers special deep cleaning services that specifically target pet odor removal! Learn more here.

Professional carpet cleaning is a lot cheaper than completely replacing your carpets, and it refreshes your space for a healthier home environment. For additional tips on pet stain removal and care, consider reviewing the American Cleaning Institute’s guidance: American Cleaning Institute – Spot and Stain Removal Tips.

Can Carpet Cleaning Get Rid of Fleas?

Ever wonder how those pesky fleas manage to invade your carpets? Fleas are sneaky little critters; their life cycle allows them to hide and reproduce in any nook and cranny of your home. They can even leave irritating bites on your family and pets or spread parasites. Carrie Mitchell advises:

“The hot water extraction method of carpet cleaning can remove some fleas and larva from carpet fibers, but is not the solution to ridding a house of fleas. The larva and fleas can elude the process and continue to reproduce. The recommended procedure is to utilize a flea killing agent followed by a carpet cleaning utilizing high heat.”

In other words, carpet cleaning can knock down the flea population on your carpet fibers, but it’s not a cure-all. A comprehensive approach is essential to keep these invaders at bay. This includes regular cleanings, the use of flea control products and high-heat treatments.

Regular carpet cleanings can also reduce the likelihood of flea infestations by removing eggs and larvae, which is a smart maintenance move for any pet-friendly home. 

For more information on flea prevention and control, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): CDC – Fleas.

The Truth about Professional Carpet Cleaning

Carpet cleaning using the hot water extraction method is a powerful tool in your cleaning arsenal. However, as Carrie Mitchell from Sooner Cleaning + Restoration points out:

  • Mold: Visible mold can be removed from the carpet surface, but additional measures may be necessary for airborne spores.

  • Pet Urine: Surface-level urine is largely removed, but deeper contamination in the carpet base and padding remains a challenge.

  • Fleas: Carpet cleaning alone is not enough to eliminate fleas; a combined treatment approach is recommended.

By understanding what carpet cleaning can and cannot do, you can make more informed decisions about your home’s cleanliness and the steps needed to maintain a healthy environment.

For more professional advice or cleaning services, contact Sooner Cleaning + Restoration and let our expertise help you create a cleaner, safer home. Give us a call today at 405-329-8999.