Wondering how to detect mold buildup in your rugs and carpets? Read on to find out the telltale signs of mold growth in carpets and how you can prevent it.
Damp and insufficiently ventilated areas such as your basement are the ideal places for mold to grow and thrive. If mold starts to grow, it can quickly breed on your walls, floors, and even carpets! Carpet mold can be incredibly difficult to tackle and detect as it tends to grow underneath the surface. However, with regular inspection for mold growth signs and preventative measures, you can avoid the risk of mold growth on your carpet.
Here are some typical signs of mold growth on carpets:
Musty Odors
A musty odor in your carpeted room is the ultimate telltale sign of mold buildup in carpets. You might not be aware of the musty odor right away, especially if you spend the majority of your time in that room. However, a visitor will be able to smell it right away. So, if a guest complains about a funny, musty odor in your room, then make sure to thoroughly inspect your carpets, floors, and walls for mold growth.
Higher Incidence of Allergies
Carpet mold can cause numerous health issues such as breathing problems, increased asthma, allergies, and even bronchitis in people with preexisting allergies. If you notice a higher occurrence of such allergies in your household, make sure to inspect your carpets, walls, furniture, and floors for potential mold growth.
Green, White, or Black Growth on Your Carpet
Discolored carpet patches are a sign of mold growth. Most often, these discolored patches are green, white, or black. The color is caused by the mold colony growing and multiplying on your rugs and carpets.
How to Prevent Mold Growth on Your Carpet
If you have a carpet in your basement or any other humid area, then you need to regularly inspect it for signs of mold growth. Moreover, you need to take the following actions to prevent any mold growth altogether:
- Make sure to keep the humidity in your room below 60 percent at all times. Invest in a portable dehumidifier and provide plenty of airflow by ventilating the room and keeping the door open if possible.
- Keep the room temperature low as temperatures higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit can contribute to mold growth. Invest in either portable or central air conditioning to keep the temperature and moisture at an optimal level.
- Keep your carpet as clean and dry as possible. Make sure to use a vacuum cleaner rather than a wet cloth to clean the carpet as dampness and moisture in the carpet can lead to mold growth. Also, maintain a dry and clean floor under the carpet. If your carpet is in the basement, regularly check for water leaks to ensure that there’s no moisture seeping into your carpets.
- Install synthetic carpet materials instead of organic ones as organic materials such as wool are more prone to mold growth as compared to inorganic or synthetic materials, such as ole-fin or nylon.
Follow the preventative steps mentioned above to prevent your carpets form developing mold growth.
