Sanitizing Carpets: Tips for Removing Foot and Nail Fungus

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for sanitizing carpets in a new apartment, particularly in relation to concerns about foot and nail fungus potentially left by a previous tenant. Participants explore various cleaning techniques and products, focusing on affordability and effectiveness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about cheap methods to sanitize the carpet, suspecting it may harbor fungus.
  • Another suggests renting a carpet cleaner from a grocery store as a cost-effective option.
  • A participant recommends thorough steam cleaning with sanitizing formulas, emphasizing the importance of knowing the carpet type.
  • There is a proposal to use boric acid for its antifungal properties, with a caution about safety measures like wearing protective clothing and checking for colorfastness.
  • Another participant questions the safety of using boric acid and suggests that borax may also be effective as an antifungal agent.
  • One participant expresses a preference for using borax after considering the suggestions made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches to carpet sanitization, with some advocating for steam cleaning and others for the use of boric acid or borax. There is no clear consensus on the best method, and safety concerns regarding the use of certain chemicals are raised but not resolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to check for colorfastness when using cleaning solutions, indicating that the effectiveness and safety of the proposed methods may depend on the specific carpet material.

Mallignamius
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I'm moving into a new apartment, closer to work and school. Judging by what was left behind, the previous tenant may have had a foot fungus or nail fungus. What's a good, cheap way to sanitize the carpet?
 
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bleach? jk! rent one of those carpet cleaners at the grocery stores, I think you can get them for the day for like $15.
 
Ah ha! That's right. There's one right here in town. Thanks!
 
Mallignamius said:
I'm moving into a new apartment, closer to work and school. Judging by what was left behind, the previous tenant may have had a foot fungus or nail fungus. What's a good, cheap way to sanitize the carpet?
The apartment wasn't cleaned out before you occupied it?

I would suggest a thorough steam cleaning, I think they have some sanitizing formulas. You need to be aware of what kind of carpet it is. From your statement I take it that it is probably a cheap synthetic, so you don't have to worry as if it were a fine wool carpet.

I personally would probably go with a solution of boric acid, wear a face mask and protective clothing to reduce contact with it, then thoroughly rinse the carpet with clear water in the steam machine (I own one). But then I tend to do things that are not all that safe. Boric acid is just the first thing that comes to mind to kill off any foot fungus.

Someone feel free to contradict me if they think it would be too dangerous. Also, whatever you use, you'll need to check for colorfastness.
 
Last edited:
Evo said:
The apartment wasn't cleaned out before you occupied it?

I would suggest a thorough steam cleaning, I think they have some sanitizing formulas. You need to be aware of what kind of carpet it is. From your statement I take it that it is probably a cheap synthetic, so you don't have to worry as if it were a fine wool carpet.

I personally would probably go with a solution of boric acid, wear a face mask and protective clothing to reduce contact with it, then thoroughly rinse the carpet with clear water in the steam machine (I own one). But then I tend to do things that are not all that safe. Boric acid is just the first thing that comes to mind to kill off any foot fungus.

Someone feel free to contradict me if they think it would be too dangerous. Also, whatever you use, you'll need to check for colorfastness.
Boric acid or borax (sodium borate, sodium tetraborate)? Borax is an antifungal agent, and I believe boric acid is also. Otherwise, I agree with Evo.
 
Okay, borax it is. And thank you very much. I prefer my feet clean and healthy. :smile:
 

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