Removing the Mold

• Removing the mold is a job best done outside, as mold spores can easily spread and cause problems in other places. Take the rug outside and clean the area where it was lying. If there is any moisture underneath the rug, clean it up with towels, and sprinkle baking soda on the floor to absorb any excess moisture that may have seeped into the floor. Leave the baking soda there for at least an hour before vacuuming it up.
  
  Wear gloves, a mask and protective eyewear when removing mold, as this is something you don't want to touch or inhale. Mold can lead to respiratory problems, so caution is of extreme importance. Lay a tarp or newspapers on the ground, and lay the rug on top of it. Use a medium-bristle brush to scrape away as much of the mold as possible. Brushing the mold off onto the tarp will make it easier to dispose of.
  
  

Cleaning the Rug

• After the mold is removed from the surface of the rug, there will still be mold trapped in the fibers that will need to be dealt with. If the rug is small enough, check the manufacturer's instructions, as it may be machine washable. If you're lucky enough to be able to machine wash it, wait until the washer is filled up with water and add a cup of white vinegar or color-safe bleach, and stop the machine, allowing the rug to soak for 30 minutes to an hour before starting it again. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help eliminate any residual odor. When the cycle is finished, hang the rug outside to dry in the sunshine.
  
  If your rug isn't machine washable, it will need to be washed by hand. Fill a bucket with warm soapy water, and add a cup of white vinegar. Use a clean cloth to scrub the rug, starting at one side and working your way toward the other end. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean any fringe or tassels. Use a second clean cloth dipped in clear water to rinse the rug. Press the rug between your hands, or use a squeegee to gently push out any excess water from the rug, and hang it outside until it is completely dry. If an odor persists, lay the rug flat and sprinkle baking soda all over it. Leave the baking soda on the rug overnight, and vacuum it up in the morning.