How to Disinfect Carpet Padding

If your carpeting becomes mildewed or moldy due to excess water exposure from leaks or spills, the damage can seep into the carpet padding. Cleaning the carpeting solves only part of the problem. To successfully clean and sanitize your room and salvage the carpet padding, you must disinfect the padding as well. Carpet padding that's been wet for less than 48 hours can be sanitized and restored and won't present a health hazard in your home.

Dehumidifier
Electric fan
Bucket
1/2-cup bleach
Rubber gloves
Sponge
Disinfectant spray

Instructions

- 1
  Pull up then remove the carpeting to expose the padding.
- 2
  Remove any excess moisture from the air and padding by running a dehumidifier in the room. Aim an electric fan at the carpet padding and run it to speed up the drying process. Dry out the padding completely.
- 3
  
  Chlorine bleach is effective for sanitizing and disinfecting.
  
  Pour 1 gallon of hot water into a bucket then add 1/2-cup of bleach.
- 4
  Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin. Dip a sponge into the diluted bleach solution and wring out the excess.
- 5
  Wipe down the surface of the carpet padding to kill mildew spores and germs.
- 6
  Air-dry the carpet padding with the fan and dehumidifier.
- 7
  Spray the dry carpet padding with disinfectant to kill any remaining germs or mildew spores. Allow the carpet padding to air out for three to five hours before replacing it on the floor.

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