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.