There are three ways on how to tell if there is mold under carpet. One of them is to check the carpet for signs of discoloration.
This article will talk about mold and carpets, their causes and effects, and how to remove mold. If this interests you, read until the end of our article!
Are carpets susceptible to mold?
Due to the characteristics of carpets, they are susceptible to mold. They easily harbor mold growth as it only takes a day for a wet rug to house mold.
Mold spores are ever-present, and they wait until all their needs are met to grow on a surface. They need moisture, warmth, oxygen, and a food source.
How does mold on carpets affect pets?
Carpets are the hang-out places for children and pets. So, a mold-contaminated carpet would expose them to the dangers of mold.
When pets are exposed to mold, they may experience respiratory difficulties and lethargy. Some may even have a pulmonary hemorrhage.
If your pets experience such symptoms, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
How does mold on carpets affect humans?
Mold has adverse health effects, especially on children. They can give rise to respiratory illnesses in healthy children.
Some may even develop asthma because of it. The respiratory-related symptoms include sneezing, runny noses, and coughing.
However, mold exposure can also lead to skin irritations and eye irritations. It may even result in headaches.
For children with pre-existing respiratory illnesses, they may experience shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Signs That There Is Mold Under The Carpet
As mentioned above, carpets are pretty prone to mold growth. Mold is a severe issue for homeowners, so be mindful of the signs we’ve listed below.
1. Discoloration
Generally, mold that grows under the carpet is hard to see. However, when it has spread extensively, there will be discoloration.
You will also notice spots of green, black, or white. If you see those, then you’re likely to have mold growth on your carpet.
2. Foul odor
Even when you do not see mold on your carpet, you will not miss its smell. The musty odor of mold is one of the ways of detecting its growth in your household.
You typically use carpets in living rooms, where the family spends their free time. It will ruin your bonding time if there’s a foul odor in the room.
It would be best if you investigate your carpet as soon as you notice a hint of a musty scent.
3. Allergic reactions
If your family members suddenly get allergic reactions like a runny nose or eye irritation, it could be a sign of mold contamination. Moreover, if these symptoms are heightened when they spend a prolonged period where the mold-infested carpet is, you’re likely dealing with mold growth.
Causes of mold on carpets
From high-traffic areas to wet surfaces, the materials of carpets make them vulnerable to mold because of their ability to absorb.
This ability to absorb moisture makes them a perfect environment for mold. You know that mold spores are everywhere, and they really cannot be eradicated completely.
However, if you want to lessen the mold spores in your home, here’s an article about getting rid of mold spores in your home. These spores look for a moisture-rich environment, like your carpet.
Then, they settle there. But where does this moisture come from anyway?
The leading cause of carpet moisture is water damage. Water damage may be in the form of flooding, leaks, or spills.
Spills are typical when you have infants or pets in your home who play around on your carpets. When these spills aren’t dealt with immediately, they can lead to mold growth.
Leaks from the walls or the floor will inevitably lead to mold contamination as well. Water damage is a prerequisite to mold growth.
Maintaining your home and preventing water damage from happening is one of the most effective ways of mold prevention on your carpet.
Cleaning mold off carpets
When mold prevention is not done thoroughly, then mold removal is inevitable. Fortunately, there is a homeowner-friendly way of removing mold.
You can use baking soda, vinegar, tea tree oil, or a mold-removing product. For this situation, let’s use baking soda and vinegar.
Step #1. Apply baking soda on the mold-contaminated carpet and leave it overnight. This will help the baking soda to absorb excess moisture and foul odor.
Step #2. Use a HEPA vacuum and run it through the carpet. Next, dip your stiff bristle brush on a bowl of vinegar and scrub the carpet.
It is better to do this outside where you do not accidentally soak your flooring with vinegar.
Step #3. Dry your carpet under the sun to kill the remaining mold. For proof, here’s an article talking about what temperature molds die.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to tell if there is mold under the carpet, we hope you won’t have to deal with it again.
Carpet maintenance is challenging, along with other forms of house maintenance. However, they are necessary to prevent future repair costs.