5 Signs That Your Carpet Has Mold

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Carpet mold often grows after water damage either through flooding, broken water pipes, and/or roof leaks. It's often hard to tell if you have mold as it can grow under the carpet.

Why mold grows rapidly on carpets

Carpet fibers are porous, which means that things (like water) can easily seep through them. After water damage occurs, the carpet fibers absorb water - creating a moist, inviting environment for mold growth.  

Mold growth starts after 24-48 hours after water exposure. The early mold population rapidly reproduces by releasing microscopic spores (tiny lightweight “seeds” that travel through the air), and if left unchecked they can spread all over your living space in a matter of days. Read on to learn how to detect mold, and how you can stop mold growth right in its tracks.

5 Signs That Your Carpet Has Mold

Given their rapid spread, it is important to identify mold growth on carpet early and call in a home mold removal company.

Below are five common signs that your carpet has mold.

1.    Carpet Discoloration

Although mold is likely to grow deep into the carpet where it is hard to see, in its advanced stages you may notice black, white or green spots (similar to what you see when you leave bread out for too long). Any slight discoloration should be investigated further and should not be dismissed as mildew (see below).

EXPERT TIP
How to tell the difference between mold and mildew:
Mold tends to appear in shades of green, blue, or red.
Mildew (a type of fungus) typically appears in shades of white.

If the mold contamination advances to the extent that it is visibly staining your carpet, contact an in-home mold removal company to see if they can help salvage the carpet. If the carpet can’t be salvaged, dispose of and replace it immediately.

If you’re concerned about mold, even if there is no evidence of mold growth at the top of your carpet, regularly inspect your carpet’s underside for signs of mold growth and dampness.

2.    A Bad Odor

A bad odor is the first sign of active mold growth in your home. The odor might not be immediately apparent if you spend most of your time indoors. Take note of any visitors’ comments on a musty smell and take immediate action by checking your carpet and the rest of your home for signs of mold.

3.    Increase in Allergies While Inside

Increased allergic reactions including a runny nose, sneezing, breathing problems, coughing, and eye irritation could be indicative of mold infestation. While these symptoms should always be immediately brought to a physician’s attention, you should follow up that doctor’s visit by having your house thoroughly inspected for the presence of mold.

4.    A Water-damaged or Damp Carpet

A carpet that has been subjected to water damage either from flooding, standing water, or spillages should be either cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours or be disposed of. If you notice wet or damp spots on your carpet, it could be as a result of leakages beneath it. Inspect the floor for signs of leaks and have the carpet cleaned and dried immediately.  

5.   Using a Mold Testing Kit

If you suspect that your home is infested with mold, an easy way to find out is by using a mold testing kit. While you could perform the tests yourself, this is best left to a mold inspector as he or she will be able to determine the extent of the contamination and advise you on the best course of action.

How to Limit Mold Growth on Your Carpet

Getting rid of mold on hard surfaces such as tiles isn’t easy, to begin with, but removal gets even harder when the mold is embedded in your rugs and carpet.

What’s the best way to deal with carpet mold? - You guessed it: don’t let it happen in the first place.

1. Keep Your Home’s Humidity Level Lower than 60% (Much Lower)

Keeping the humidity levels in your home low is the first step towards retaining a mold-free carpet. The EPA (The Environmental Protection Agency) recommends that home humidity levels be kept at around 30% to 50%, with 60% being the highest desirable limit. The easiest way to achieve this is by using a dehumidifier. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, you can substitute in regular fans, or just open the windows to ensure that there is constant air circulation.

2. Clean Your Carpet Every Week (Yes, Every Week)

Though obvious, this is an important one to keep in mind. The strongest preventative measure you can take against mold growth on your carpets is - you guessed it - keeping them clean. Keeping your carpet clean is one of the most effective mold mitigation measures and an easy one at that.

Generally speaking, there is no measurable way to determine how clean your carpet needs to be, but at the very minimum, you should be vacuuming your rugs and carpets every week. On top of that, you should hire a professional carpet cleaning company at least once per year to deep clean your carpets and rugs, getting rid of any inactive mold spores and other toxins that are waiting for a spilled glass of water to thrive. And, if you haven’t been keeping up with a tight cleaning schedule, clean and treat your carpet with a carpet cleaner immediately after spillages.

3. Call in a Mold Remediation Company if You Suspect Mold Damage

Do you think your carpet or rugs have incurred mold damage?

If you experienced a flood, whether it be from environmental factors, a broken water heater, or anything in between, call in a Dallas water damage restoration company to remove excess water and dry the affected surfaces, thereby making it difficult for mold to reproduce.

Next, get in touch with a home mold removal company for residential spaces or a commercial mold removal company for business spaces and offices. If you have any health problems, especially respiratory problems, or environmental allergies, you should call in a professional instead of attempting to clean up the mold by yourself. Cleaning up mold exposes you to mold spores that can worsen your allergies.

Also, most mold remediation professionals in Dallas, TX offer free consultations in your home. With this in mind, there’s nothing to lose. You only stand to benefit from expert advice about keeping your carpet mold free.

Reclaim the ambiance of your living space today by calling in a mold remediation company in Dallas to inspect and clean your carpet. Working with an expert guarantees you of effective mold removal and, most importantly limits further damaging mold spread. To speak with a mold inspector in Dallas today, call us at (972) 986-7677.