You could be living with an unseen health threat. Under-carpet mold is a common problem that many people don’t realize they have until it has spread so far and become a real pain in the butt to remove. In this article, I’ll look at why mold can grow under your carpet, how to detect it, and the factors which increase the risk of getting mold underneath carpeting.
What causes mold under carpet?
In my blog post “Cleaning 101: How do I remove mold from my carpet?”, you’ll have read that not only is mold an unsightly fungus that eats into textiles, it’s also a health hazard. By knowing what causes mold on and under your carpet, you will have a better chance of preventing it.
The smallest liquid spill could be enough to promote mold growth. Water or other liquids seep through carpet when it’s not dried quickly enough. Underfloor water pipes can leak and create the damp conditions in which mold thrives.
In short, mold growth is most likely in moist conditions, especially if these are accompanied by temperature fluctuations and dusty conditions.
How do you know you have mold under your carpet?
Symptoms of under-carpet mold include:
- A musty odor. This can creep up on you, and you may not notice it. If a visitor makes a comment about such a smell, it’s probably wise to look under your carpets for other signs of mold growth.
- More coughs and sneezes. Mold could be the cause of several health issues, including increased allergies, bronchitis, coughs and asthma. Living with mold under your carpet will only make those symptoms worse.
Under-carpet mold can be difficult to detect, and my advice would be to lift your carpets regularly to check for signs of mold. You’ll spot dampness, and green, white or black spore growth. This check could prevent those nasty smells and dangerous health hazards.
What increases the risk of under-carpet mold?
As I’ve already mentioned, liquid spills and water leaks should be tackled immediately. However, there are other less obvious factors that will increase the possibility of mold on and under your carpet.
Mold thrives in humid, dusty conditions. Condensation caused by extreme temperature changes – as you might find in bathrooms, for example – are a trigger for mold, which grows best when humidity is above 60%. Dust provides the perfect food source for spores to multiply.
Prevent mold with these simple solutions
A few simple precautions could help you prevent or even eliminate mold growth:
- Use dehumidifiers and control humidity to between 30% and 60%
- Never have carpet in bathrooms
- Keep temperatures constant in the home
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation
- Vacuum regularly
For more tips on how to get rid of mold in your house, or if you have a stubborn mold infestation that simply won’t go away, contact us today. We’re available 24/7 – and we’ll be happy to help.
In my next blog post, I’ll explain how to get mold out of carpet and get rid of it from underneath.