Signs:
•Odors, specifically the musty kind, is a number one tell-tale sign that you may have carpet mold.
•Health problems. Carpet mold – like every other mold – can cause allergies, breathing difficulties, itchy eyes and skin, coughing and sneezing, asthma and even severe lung complications, such as bronchitis – among other things.
•Mold will grow in any environment that remains wet for more than 24 hours. If you notice damp on your carpet, you’ll probably find mold lurking somewhere, too.
•Visible growth. Whether it’s a spot of green, white or black you can see on your carpet, it’s a definitive sign that mold has very much made itself at home. Prevention:
•Sensible installation. No, carpeting your basement or bathroom is not a smart idea! Stay synthetic. Organic materials are more prone to mold growth than their man-made counterparts, so choose nylon over wool.
•High quality padding. Rubber carpet padding with anti-microbial properties is available at a slightly higher cost – worth every dime! Keeping on top of the ventilation in the room whilst reducing indoor humidity (between 30-60%).
•Clean carpets. Studies have found that when it comes to carpet mold, dirt may be a bigger contributing factor than moisture. This is for two reasons: 1. Because dirt itself contains mold spores 2: Dirt is a hygroscopic material, meaning it readily soaks up any available moisture. You should vacuum you carpet regularly and steam clean at least twice a year.
