Do You Have Mold on Your Home's Carpet Fibers?

When one thinks of areas of the home that are prone to mold, one might think of tiled bathrooms. However, mold can collect on carpet fibers if a stain isn't adequately cleaned. If you notice a musty odor in your home, you may want to check your carpeting. Take a look at some tell-tale signs of mold, how to fix the issue, and how to prevent reoccurrence.  

What are the Signs of Mold Besides an Odor?

Besides causing a musty odor, mold in the carpet can cause health problems in family members. If you or others in your household are developing symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, or allergies, you could have a mold problem. Also, feel carpet fibers for any areas that feel damp. You may not have spilled anything, but if the carpet fibers are near a door or other high-traffic area, people could be tracking in water which can lead to mold. Lastly, if the mold has had time to grow, you could actually see green or black discolorations on your carpet.

If you still aren't sure you have mold, try using a mold testing kit from a home improvement store. These kits can test the airflow around your carpet and pick up any spores in the air.

How Can a Carpet Cleaning Company Help?

Because mold can be a health hazard, it's best to leave the clean-up to a professional cleaning company. Employees of these types of services will wear protective gear and clothing so that they aren't exposed to spores or harsh cleaning chemicals. If you have floor rugs with mold, then a cleaning company may take these rugs back to their place of business for deeper cleaning.

Once the mold is removed, the service may spray an anti-mold spray and have you use a fan in the area to dry out the area. If spores are contained in one area of the house, the cleaning service may have you close off doors and vents so that the mold doesn't spread to other areas of your home. If there is more mold to clean than anticipated, the cleaning service might refer you to a mold remediation company.

How Can You Prevent Future Issues?

You can actually invest in carpet padding that has anti-microbial properties. This type of padding may be a little more expensive, but it can prevent future issues. And the price may be worth it if you live in a humid area.

The carpet cleaning company may use dehumidifiers after they have cleaned and disinfected your carpet. To prevent future issues, you may want to invest in a free-standing dehumidifier. Mold needs higher levels of moisture to thrive, so a dehumidifier could prevent future issues if you don't happen to clean up a spill or leak right away.

Reach out to a carpet cleaning company for more information today.