Carpet Mold: A Hidden Hazard

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Nobody wants mold, especially not in their house. We’ve all heard of how mold (especially black mold) is dangerous to breathe in, and can even cause asthma attacks. So if there was mold hiding in your living space, you’d want to know, right?

Of all the places mold can hide, carpet is perhaps the worst. It’s easy for mold to hide underneath the surface of carpets, making it difficult to catch early. Once mold growth has established in an area of carpeting, replacement is the best (and often only) option. Your best bet is to prevent mold from growing in the first place.

As you’re probably aware, mold grows in damp conditions – and with all the snow we get in the U.P. it’s no wonder mold can be a major issue. Carpet is good at absorbing water, making it one of the most at risk types of flooring. Add to that the abundance of dark, hidden space beneath the plush surface, and it’s easy to see how carpeting can make a hospitable home for mold. But there are ways to reduce the mold risk of your carpets.

Here are six of our best tips for keeping your carpet clean and mold free:

1. Placement. Avoid putting carpet in areas where water spills are common. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Basements can also be prone to damp floors. If water does get on your carpet, dry it as best you can right away.
2. Cleaning. Mold spores can get into carpet from the air. Regular vacuuming goes a long way towards keeping your carpets mold free.
3. Padding choice. Opt for high quality, anti-microbial carpet padding. This will help prevent mold from growing in wet padding below the carpet.
4. Humidity. Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 60%. This will deprive mold spores of the moisture they need to grow.
5. Rugs over carpets. When possible, choose area rugs instead of floor to floor carpeting. This makes cleaning both the carpet and the floor underneath much easier.
6. Mold inspection. If you’ve had mold problems in the past or just want to stay on the safe side, hire a home inspector certified in mold inspection to regularly check for mold-conducive conditions and/or new mold growth.

If you do find mold growth in your carpet, don’t disturb it. That will just send mold spores into the air, where they can cause lung irritation and spread to more areas of your home. Have mold removal specialist safely remove the carpet from your home.

Worried about mold in your home?

We are more than happy to inspect your house for mold. Schedule your mold inspection today.

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