Carpets go beyond providing a decorative feature to your home or office space. They’re significant investments that increase your property value and improve indoor ventilation by catching dust and allergens. These additions can also insulate a room and make it more comfortable.
Unfortunately, its constant exposure to the elements makes it the perfect zone for mold growth. Besides being unsightly, these organisms can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies or sensitive respiratory systems.
If you want a safer space, this article will answer if mold can destroy your rug and when to call professional carpet cleaning services. We’ll also teach you how to remove these unwanted guests.
Can Mold Destroy an Entire Carpet?
Neglecting mold can damage your entire carpet. These organisms multiply on carpet fibers with excessive moisture. Once it grows, it can spread fast and release spores that can cause health issues and unpleasant odors. Not immediately addressing this problem will enable the mold to severely damage the fibers and may require a total replacement.
5 Warning Signs Your Carpet Has a Mold Infestation
Mold in carpets can cause damage and health issues, and you should immediately act to address the problem by removing and replacing the affected item and cleaning it thoroughly. After answering a commonly asked question, here are the red flags to call professional carpet cleaning.
1. Visible Growth
When you see visible mold growth on your carpet, it’s a sure sign it’s suffering from an infestation and warrants a call from professional carpet cleaning services.
2. Dampness
A wet carpet may indicate accumulated moisture, which can encourage mold growth.
3. Musty Smells
If your carpet has a musty smell, it may indicate mold growth because mold emits a distinctly unpleasant odor.
4. Discoloration
If you notice that some parts of your carpet have a different color, like green, black, or white, it could indicate mold growth.
5. Allergic Reactions
If you or an occupant is experiencing allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing, it might be because of the mold spores in your carpet.
6 Steps to Removing Mold from Your Carpet
After discussing the warning signs, here’s how to remove these unsightly spores from your carpet.
1. Identify the Mold
Begin by locating these unsightly spores. Look for green, black, or white patches and a damp smell. You can always seek professional help if you can’t find it.
2. Dry the Affected Area
Since mold thrives in wet spaces, dry the affected area with a fan or dehumidifier to remove moisture and increase air circulation before proceeding to the next step.
3. Vacuum the Mold
Next, use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. However, you must clean the filter and dispose of the vacuum bag or contents afterward. Never use a regular vacuum cleaner because it may spread mold spores throughout your home.
4. Apply a Cleaning Agent
Remove the carpet stains by combining vinegar and water, spraying on the affected area, waiting ten to 15 minutes, and blotting with a clean cloth. You can also use commercial carpet cleaners or baking soda and water.
5. Rinse and Dry Your Carpet
After using the cleaning solution, rinse the carpet with clean water, then blot and dry thoroughly with a fan or dehumidifier to prevent mold from growing again.
6. Prevent Future Mistakes
You can prevent mold growth on carpets by keeping the space clean and dry, ventilating your property, cleaning up spills immediately, and placing wet objects away from the carpet. You should also vacuum regularly and schedule a regular professional carpet cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Mold spores are unsightly organisms that can damage your carpet and cause severe health issues if you don’t address this problem immediately. You can avoid expensive replacements by knowing the warning signs of mold growth and scheduling regular professional carpet cleaning.
If your home or business needs professional carpet cleaning in Seattle, WA, contact J&M Carpet! We’re committed to helping properties enjoy cleaner rugs and carpets with our quality services. Book a cleaning now!