How Dangerous Are Moldy Carpets?
Moldy surfaces on our showers and tiles tend to spike our attention immediately. The unsightly green or black mold is known to carry health risks that we want eliminated immediately. However, carpets are one of the largest furnishings of a home, and one of the least to be routinely cleaned. Unkept carpets harbor dirt, debris, allergens, and mold spores.
Dangers
When mold exists in carpeting it can take time before it is visibly noticeable, and by that time it has become a severe contaminant. Mold can cause health issues ranging from a runny nose or headache, up to possible hair loss. Mold presence is especially dangerous to those suffering from respiratory issues such as COPD and asthma. When mold is residing in your carpeting there is also a chance for dermatitis, a type of skin rash, to occur. Children, especially infants and toddlers can be at greater risk for these irritants due to the increased amount of time they spend on the floor playing and crawling.
Common symptoms of mold exposure include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Exasperated asthma symptoms
Identifying Problems
Mold is not visible on carpet until the situation has become severe. In some extreme cases, fungi (mushrooms) can even begin to grow in your carpet. But if the mold is not detectable to the eye, how do you know it is growing?
- Water damage: Any wet or water damaged carpet must be cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours to help reduce the risk of mold growth. Mold breeds in wet environments. Be cautious and proactive when carpeting gets wet from leaks, spills, or floods.
- Odors: While there are a vast number of contaminants that can cause odors, any odor described as musty or mildew can usually be classified as a mold problem.
- Stains: If a stain appears and the origin is unknown, it could mean you have mold growing in your carpet padding.
Remediation and Replacement
Remediation of moldy carpets may work for mild cases, however in more severe cases carpet replacement may be necessary. Having a mold professional inspect your carpet and carpet padding will inform you on the degree in which the mold has contaminated, and give you an expert’s opinion on the best course of action.
Moldy carpets can develop an odor during cleaning, and vacuuming will not prove productive. During remediation the mold professional can also inspect the surrounding materials (baseboard, padding, etc.) for mold intrusion. Technicians at iMold are certified in both mold remediation and professional carpet cleaning with years of experience, so you can trust you are receiving the best comprehensive care for your flooring.
Prevention
Choosing the correct carpeting material can be helpful in mold prevention. Organic carpet materials are more prone to attract mold. Instead, choose a synthetic material, such as nylon, for your carpeting.
Water can be detrimental to carpeting. Should a leak, flood, or large spill take place, your carpeting should be quickly cleaned and fully dried. Depending on the severity of the water exposure, the carpet padding and floor underneath could also require a cleaning and dry time. Otherwise, the carpeting could require complete replacement.
Humidity and dirt can both contribute to mold growth in carpet. Simply keeping your carpets clean can be a preventative measure. Mild amounts of mold in carpets can colonize quickly, especially in a humid climate like southwest Florida, which is why it is imperative to keep routine carpet care in your home. Regularly vacuuming your floors will help reduce the presence of carpet contaminants, and an annual professional carpet cleaning will help deep clean to assist in sustaining your carpets life for an additional 3-5 years.
iMold is your one stop shop for carpet cleaning and mold prevention and remediation in southwest Florida. Call today to set up a professional carpet cleaning by our specialized technicians, a mold inspection, or complete mold remediation. We are conveniently available 24/7 to assist with any water damage emergency you may have.