Here’s a guide on what does mold on carpet look like to let you identify it and deal with it as soon as possible. Getting mold on your home or office carpet is not a laughing matter, and it is certain you refuse to experience it.
Mold is more than just running the aesthetics of your place. It stinks and can also be a threat to your health. It is why it is important for you to know how it looks, how you will prevent it, and in worst cases, how to get rid of it.
Identifying Mold On A Carpet
To spot mold growth, you need to have your eyes open for visible symptoms and be aware of strange smells lingering around your carpet. You may not be able to see all signs at once, so always be observant.
Visible spots of mold growth
Mold growing in your carpet is not usually visible. It often grows underneath or in areas beyond your sight. It is why when checking your carpet for mold, make sure that you inspect both sides.
If you see visible green, black, or white spots, it is most likely that your carpet needs to be replaced. Get rid of it quickly before it causes a threat to your health. Here is a helpful article about the colors and kinds of mold so you can be more aware of the kind of mold you happen to spot in your carpet.
Carpet mildew
Any visible color or discoloration in your carpeting that looks like mildew can be a sign of mold growth. Don’t disregard any weird changes in your carpet to avoid further damage.
Stains and foul odor
Stains in carpets have several causes. However, water stains are most likely to cause mold growth. If your place starts to have a musty smell, chances are mold is growing in your area so inspect immediately.
Allergies
Mold can also bring health problems. If you start having allergies, it is best that you check your carpet and other parts of your home for possible mold growth.
Preventing Carpet Mold Growth
There is no better way to deal with mold than fighting it before it has the chance to grow. It is best to ensure not to create a conducive environment for mold growth. Here are some ways you can do to prevent it.
1. Regulate indoor humidity
Dehumidifiers are very handy in controlling moisture in the air. Humidity levels between 30% and 60% is acceptable in preventing mold from growing.
2. Avoid standing water
When a spill or leak occurs, clean up immediately. Standing water can instantly ruin your carpet and is very conducive for mold growth. Once it is soaked for a period of time, your carpet will most likely require replacement.
3. Do not install carpets in damp areas
It is surely aesthetic, but installing carpets in your bathroom and other areas exposed to excessive and frequent moisture is not a good idea.
4. Be extra careful in cleaning
Carpets are best dry cleaned rather than wet cleaning. If you happen to get water in contact with your carpet, make sure that you dry it thoroughly and you remove all the moisture out of it.
5. Install high-quality padding
Carpet padding now comes with anti-microbial properties. Solid, rubber-slab padding can be slightly more expensive than other padding types, but it is worth investing in. It is helpful in the prevention of mold growth, especially in areas of high and frequent humidity.
Getting Rid Of Mold In Carpet
If you fail to protect your carpet against mold, you have to deal with it as soon as possible. Fortunately, if the growth is not severe, you can handle it yourself by using materials you can find at home.
Vinegar can kill about 82% of mold. It is highly acidic and has destroying properties. Aside from that, it is very safe, convenient, and won’t cause you much.
You just have to dry the carpet out before spraying diluted vinegar over it. In cases of intense mold, you can go for pure and undiluted vinegar. Make sure that you open up your windows and doors so the smell won’t permeate the whole area.
In cases where the mold gets out of hand, you can ask for professional help. Experts are equipped in dealing with severe cases of mold. However, most of such cases will require you to dispose and replace your damaged carpet.
If you have spotted mold in your carpet, you can read this guide on products you can use to effectively get rid of mold and mildew.
Conclusion
Carpets in floors are really nice accents to spaces. They are aesthetically pleasing but are sensitive, so you have to be extra careful around them. They are very prone to mold growth, especially when not properly maintained.
Now that you are aware of what does mold on carpet look like as well as its prevention and removal, you are now more capable of installing carpets in your home. Mold is not something to be taken lightly, so make sure to deal with immediately.