When you have carpeting at home, mold growth can be a difficult problem to tackle. A damp carpet is the perfect breeding ground for mold spores to grow and set in. You may not see it, but it’s there deep within the carpet fibers. Once they have settled underneath the surface, you have to put in a lot of work to remove them.
Regular carpet inspection and cleaning prevent the buildup of mold and ensure a hygienic environment in your home. Fortunately, our Carpet Cleaning Pros of Lancaster team knows exactly what to look out for. Here are some signs that indicate the presence of mold spores in your carpets and rugs.
Visible Mold Growth
A visual inspection helps identify mold growth on your carpet. If you see discolored patches that are white, black, or various shades of green, then your carpeting might not be salvageable anymore. A carpet replacement is recommended for this case.
Change in Color
The change in color of the fibers tells us that the mold growth has reached its advanced stage. During this time, the mold will move from the underlayers through to the top of the carpet. The discolored spots will stain the carpeting permanently. Always check the area underneath the carpet before discoloration starts to develop.
Musty Smell
A musty, nasty odor is a sure sign of mold growth. Chances are you may become accustomed to the smell if you spend most of your time at home. However, that’s not the case for everyone. Visitors may be able to smell and notice it. You may ask a friend or family relative for any comments on the carpet’s odor, then have your carpet cleaned immediately.
Old Carpeting
Most carpets last from 5 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the carpet and padding. The lifespan is also affected by the number of household members and pets. The older your carpet is, the higher chances for mold growth. If your dingy and stained carpet has reached its maximum lifespan, it’s better to replace it with a new one. Once you’ve bought and installed new carpeting, you can prevent mold buildup and make it last longer through professional carpet cleaning and maintenance.
Wet or Damp Carpeting
From coffee to milk spills, messy accidents can happen and cause stains on your carpet. As long as you clean the spills immediately and ensure the carpets dry quickly, then you don’t need to worry about anything. However, when you let your carpet damp, then prepare for the worse.
Damp places are where mold and mildew growth. Even if visible mold growth has not yet begun, you need to have your carpet cleaned and dried immediately and within 24 hours. Besides carpet cleaning, you can use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and eliminate mold spores.
Allergies and Other Diseases
Mold spores float around like pollen, which can make you or your family sick. Inhaling mold triggers allergic reactions, sneezing, and coughing in sensitive individuals. Exposure to mold may also lead to breathing issues, asthma, and other respiratory tract infection.
If you or anyone in your household has developed any of these conditions, then it’s time for a carpet inspection. The best method for combating mold is to become proactive and address the mold issue immediately before everyone gets sick.
Mold Testing Kit
There are available mold test kits in the market that help you identify toxic mold spores that could harm your health. DIY testing kits work by testing the airflow across the carpet through chemical strips with several substances. This test is designed to confirm mold growth and provide you with accurate and reliable results. Once the tests come back as positive, you may now take the necessary steps to eliminate the mold and mildew in your carpet.
Call in a Carpet Cleaning Professional
Need help in getting rid of mold in your carpeting? Get a professional to check it for you! Carpet Cleaning Pros of Lancaster is a premier company that offers carpet mold removal and inspection to our valued clients. We’ll remove all traces of stubborn mold and help make your home cleaner and better than ever. Call us for a consultation!