Do you know that carpets in your home are also prone to mold growth?
Unlike other materials, mold isn’t as visible on carpets. However, it doesn’t mean that mold damage cannot take place in carpets. Mold in your carpets only becomes visible, when the damage is severe. It usually happens when there is intense flooding or the carpet has remained moist for a long time.
As discussed above, identifying mold in carpets is difficult but it is possible. Let’s take a look at some of the ways to identify mold growth in carpets.
- Prominent Mold: the most obvious sign of mold damage in carpets is mold itself. In such cases, the carpet becomes salvageable and needs to be replaced as quickly as possible.
- Mildew: The greenish discoloration on your carpets is mildew, and oftentimes alludes to mold damage.
- Moisture: If the carpet has been wet or moist for a long time, chances are that mold damage has started. Even if mold damage hasn’t started, you should have your carpet washed and dried, before mold shows up.
- Wet Padding: Sometimes, the padding underneath the carpet becomes wet or moist from condensation. This is a sign that both paddings, as well as the carpet, are at the risk of mold damage. If mold has taken root, both the padding and the carpet need to be changed.
- Basement Carpet: the basement is where humidity is the highest. The carpets and rugs in your basement are subject to high temperatures and dampness. If you notice wet carpets and rugs in your basement, have them replaced, right away.
- Strange Stains and Odors: There is a variety of things that can make carpets smelly and discolored. If you suspect mold, get your carpet tested.
Mold Prevention in Carpets
Up until now, we have discussed the signs of mold in carpets. Now, let’s discuss the ways to prevent carpet mold.
- The first thing you need to do is reduce the amount of humidity inside your house. If possible, invest in a dehumidifier.
- Make sure the carpet isn’t placed in areas that are subject to mold growth such as kitchen, basement, and bathrooms.
- Always go for a high-quality plastic-slab anti-microbial padding for your carpets, and refrain from using low-quality conventional padding.
- Never allow water to pool inside your living space. If you notice flooding, make sure to have the pipes and faucets checked.
- Always clean the carpet in a dry manner without any water. In case something spills on your carpet, have it dried before water damage takes place.
Removing Moldy Carpet
If mold has gotten the best of your carpet, there is no other option but to replace it. However, if the damage is fresh, there is plenty of room for cleaning it away. Minimal mold damage is curable and can be identified using the above-mentioned signs. If the damage is manageable, use a mixture of lukewarm water, and clean with a steam cleaning machine. After the cleaning is over, make sure you allow enough time for the carpet to dry. If left wet, the mold might just come back.
The aforementioned tips will help you identify, remove and prevent mold from your carpets, and make them look good as new.
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