What Are the Symptoms of Mold on Carpet?
Carpet mold requires warmth, bacteria, and humidity to grow. Symptoms of mold on carpet may include musty odors, discoloration and visible spots or patches.
Before handling the area, wear personal protective equipment, and use a HEPA filtered vacuum to remove spores. Test cleaning solutions on a small patch of the carpet before applying.
Water Damage
When water gets into carpet, it can soak through the pad and into the wood or concrete subfloor beneath. This creates an ideal environment for mold to grow. Even if no visible mold has yet appeared, carpet with water damage should be removed, cleaned, and thoroughly dried immediately.
The toxins produced by mold can be dangerous to your health, leading to breathing problems, itchy eyes and skin, and a variety of other symptoms. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold spores to begin spreading on damp carpeting.
To clean up a small area of mold in a carpet, saturate the affected area with an anti-fungal spray that specifies it’s safe for use on carpets. Use a rag to blot away any excess, and then allow the carpet to dry completely. If possible, open the windows and use a dehumidifier to speed up drying. Do not use a fan, as this could blow mold spores around the room and cause new problems.
Excess Humidity
Mold spores are naturally occurring in the air and love moist conditions, so they have no trouble entering homes and finding the perfect environment for growth. They can travel through doors, windows and heating and cooling systems. They can also hitch a ride on clothing and pets, settling anywhere they can find a moist environment.
Mould spores can cause allergies, irritation and breathing problems in those who are allergic to them. They can also produce toxins called mycotoxins that can affect the eyes, skin, nose and throat of those who are exposed. In extreme cases, these toxins can even cause disease and death in humans and animals.
You can prevent mould on carpet from growing by detecting and treating any signs of moisture quickly. Carpet and padding that have substantial mold growth should be removed and replaced. If you are unsure about whether or not a certain area is infested with mold, it’s always best to contact professionals for evaluation.
Food Sources
Mold spores are naturally found in the air and are highly attracted to moist environments. They can easily travel through doors, windows, and heating and cooling systems before finding their way into your home. Inhaling these spores can cause a wide variety of health problems including itchy eyes and skin, coughing, sneezing, headaches, bronchitis, and asthma.
If you suspect that your carpets are contaminated with mould, the first thing to do is to remove excess water and humidity from the area. This can be done using fans and dehumidifiers.
Once the carpet has been thoroughly dried, it’s a good idea to use an anti-fungal spray that is specifically made for carpets. After using the spray, make sure to blot both the front and back of the carpet. This will help kill any lingering mold and prevent the spread of it in other areas.
Cleanliness
Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp, wet areas. If your carpet is wet for an extended period of time, it can encourage mold growth and trigger health issues for your family. These include upper respiratory problems, chronic allergies, sneezing and coughing, itchy eyes and skin, and even bronchitis.
If you notice a musty odor coming from your carpet, you need to get it cleaned right away. Children are particularly susceptible to mold and can develop health problems if exposed over a long period of time.
If you’re a DIY-er, it’s possible to remove mold from carpet with the help of an anti-fungal spray and a brush. Just remember to use a face mask and rubber gloves to avoid breathing in the spores. Once the affected area is clean, leave the doors and windows open to air it out and let it dry completely. This will keep the spores from spreading to other areas of your home.
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