Mold in Carpeting

Molds are substances that can produce allergic reactions. Sometimes certain molds can produce toxins called mycotoxins. Inhaling or exposures to mold can cause heath problems such as allergy and asthma symptoms. Mold exposure can also be the cause of much more sever health symptoms such as severe lung infections, nausea, headache, flu like symptoms and lightheadedness.

Carpeting in the home can be an area that can be highly vulnerable to mold growth. For mold too grow there are several environmental factors that need to be present. Mold requires air, moisture (humidity), and a source of food. Usually the source of food is an organic material located on the interior of the home. Mold can grow on almost any surface as long as the elements required for growth are present. Mold spores are found everywhere in nature and also in the household air. If carpeting gets damp or wet mold spores will naturally land on it. Mold can establish itself quite quickly on carpeted areas. All damp or wet carpeting is at risk for mold growth. Particularly vulnerable is the carpeting or rugs located in the basement of the home. Any carpet that has been wet can grow mold.

Mold growth can progress very quickly in damp carpeting. In most cases mold will not be clearly visible on the surface of the carpet. However just because mold is not visible on the surface does not mean that there is no mold growth occurring. Any carpet that has been subjected to flooding or water infiltration will establish mold unless it is dried out with in 48 hours of being wet. The best course of action in a case of flooding is removal of the carpeting from the home. If the carpet padding is also wet or damp that should also be removed and replaced. Do not install new carpeting over discolored or damp carpet padding. Any discoloration of the carpet or musty odors in the area of the carpet is a sure sign of mold development.

The best method to dealing with moldy carpeting is not to let the mold develop in the first place. Try to do your best to alleviate the conditions in the home that will allow mold to grow in the carpeting. The first thing to do is to try to lower indoor humidity levels. Installing and using dehumidifiers help to control household moisture. Try to establish indoor humidity levels at 30% to 50%. Humidity levels that are much higher will allow for mold growth. Any areas of standing water or flooding must be immediately cleaned and dried. Do not waste time all cleanup must be done quickly or mold will quickly grow under the carpeting. The top and bottom surfaces of the carpet, any padding, and the sub flooring must be cleaned and completely dried within a short period of time after exposure to water if the carpet is to be saved.? If a large flood has occurred, or if standing water has been present for any extended period of time, the carpet will probably need to be replaced.

Do not install carpeting in areas that are vulnerable to water intrusion and flooding. Do not install carpets on lower levels or basements. These areas will be more vulnerable to water infiltration then second or main living levels. Never install carpets in bathrooms or kitchens; these are rooms that are highly susceptible to moisture, spills and flooding.

Although most wet or moldy carpeting will have to be removed or replaced there is hope if only a small area is effected. Sometimes a small area of mold can be removed by cutting out the area and replacing it. It's rather challenging to match the new piece of carpet with the old. In areas where cosmetics are important removal and replacement may be the only solution.

Prevention is the best method of control of mold in household carpeting and in the home itself. Reducing areas of high moisture are the best lines of defense. Taking steps in order to reduce the risks of flooding are also greatly important in reducing the mold risk in the home.