Mold can be more than just a headache for your floors, furniture, and decor – it can seriously harm your health if left unchecked, even contributing to issues like early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia. It can also worsen conditions like allergies and asthma, while lowering your indoor air quality.
While there are many types of mold, they all need moisture to grow. That’s why it’s most common to find mold in carpets when there’s excess water, like after a flood or leak, in areas with high humidity like bathrooms, or in places with damp climates like the Pacific Northwest.
Want to learn how to spot and prevent mold in your home? Keep reading for our best tips and tricks!
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Why Does Mold Grow On Carpet?
Mold is a type of fungus that loves dark, damp, and humid areas. To grow, it needs three main things: moisture, oxygen, and a surface to spread on. That’s why damp carpet is like a party for mold. Carpet soaks up moisture quickly, making it the perfect spot for mold spores in the air to settle and grow. Not only can mold spread on the carpet itself, but it can also invade the padding and the floor underneath.
Signs of Mold on Carpet
An Unpleasant Musty Smell
Some types of mold release microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which give off that familiar earthy, musty smell. If you notice this scent lingering or getting stronger around your carpets, it could mean mold or mildew is growing, so it’s worth checking out.
Dull patches
The most obvious sign that mold has taken over your carpet is those weird blotches or spots. They usually appear in black, green, yellow, or brown patches. If your carpet suddenly has odd discoloration for no clear reason, it might be time to check for mold!
Lingering Dampness
Mold loves damp places, so if your carpet stays wet for too long, it can become the perfect spot for mold to grow and spread. Whether the moisture comes from a flood, a leaky pipe, or just too much humidity, it’s important to dry it out quickly to keep mold away.
Allergy Symptoms
If you and your family keep having cold-like symptoms that just won’t go away, mold allergies might be the reason. Being around mold for too long can cause issues like:
- Constant coughing
- Non-stop sneezing
- Trouble breathing
- Itchy nose and eyes
- A runny nose
- Dry, irritated skin
If these symptoms aren’t improving or seem to be getting worse, it’s worth checking if mold could be the culprit!
Positive Results for Mold
Whether you use a home testing kit or hire a pro, a positive mold test is the simplest way to confirm if there’s mold in your home.
How to get rid of mold in a carpet?
Expert Mold Inspection & Analysis
If you think there might be mold in your carpets, getting a mold test from an AIHA-certified lab can help you confirm if it’s there and give you the details you need to tackle the issue. With top-notch equipment, advanced tech, and a reliable team of experts, JSE Labs offers fast, thorough, and accurate mold testing results. This way, you’ll have all the information you need to deal with the mold problem in your home.
Clear the Mold Away
No matter the cause, severity, or where the mold is located, it’s crucial to remove it completely to protect both your family’s health and the integrity of your home. If you find mold in your carpets, start by cleaning the area well with a strong carpet cleaner or household products like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to vacuum the area thoroughly and repeat the cleaning as needed.
Always wear protective gear like gloves and a respirator mask while carpet cleaning. If you’re dealing with something more serious or have respiratory issues, it might be a good idea to hire a professional for the job.
Just keep in mind, this method works best for smaller mold problems. If there’s a lot of mold, you might need to replace the carpets entirely.
Allow the area to dry
Controlling mold in your home starts with managing moisture. Mold loves damp environments, so by keeping your floors dry—whether from spills, leaks, or humidity—you’ll reduce the chances of mold growing on your carpets and rugs.
Here are some easy tips to keep your carpets dry and mold-free:
- Vacuum regularly, especially after mud or outdoor dirt is brought in.
- If there’s been any water damage, make sure to dry the area thoroughly using indoor fans.
- Consider using a dehumidifier to keep the air dry.
- Avoid placing plush rugs in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Fix any plumbing or roof leaks as soon as possible.
By keeping moisture in check, you’ll help prevent mold from taking hold!
Take out the carpet if needed.
Since carpets are fibrous and porous, getting rid of mold can be trickier than on smooth surfaces like tile. If the mold in your carpet or rug is widespread, severe, or just won’t budge even after cleaning, the best solution might be to remove the carpet entirely. This ensures any leftover mold is completely gone.
When Should You Contact a Pro for Carpet Mold Removal?
If you’ve noticed mold growing on your carpet, it’s easy to wonder if you can handle it yourself or if you need to call in a professional. While small spots might seem manageable, there are certain times when it’s best to leave it to the experts.
First off, if the mold covers a large area or is spreading quickly, it’s time to reach out for professional help. Mold can be tricky, and the last thing you want is for it to get worse and affect your health.
Also, if the mold is in a tricky spot, like underneath the carpet or in the padding, it’s probably best to call a pro who can properly assess the situation and make sure the mold is completely removed.
Finally, if you’re sensitive to mold in carpet or have health concerns, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. A professional will have the right equipment and know-how to safely remove the mold without making things worse.
In short, if the mold’s spread is extensive, hidden deep within the carpet, or if you’re worried about your health, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. They’ll get your carpets mold-free and back to being safe and fresh!
Conclusion
mold on carpets is not something to take lightly. While small spots may seem easy to handle, mold can quickly spread and cause significant health issues, especially if left unchecked. If your carpet has large mold patches, hidden areas of growth, or if you’re dealing with respiratory concerns, it’s best to contact a professional. They have the right tools and expertise to make sure the mold is fully removed, protecting your health and your home.
To keep mold at bay, it’s important to control moisture, clean up spills quickly, and make sure your home stays dry. Regular vacuuming, fixing leaks, and using a dehumidifier can go a long way in preventing mold from taking hold.
Remember, if you ever find yourself unsure or dealing with a serious mold problem, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. Keeping your home safe and mold-free is always worth the extra step!
