Everyone knows that mold should be avoided; however, not everyone knows that a carpet is a common place for mold to grow. Carpet can hold moisture and this is perfect for mold. Here are the top 5 ways to keep mold from growing in your carpet.
1. Control the humidity
While standing water is usually the cause of mold, humidity and heat are also just as effective. If your home is humid, you should get a dehumidifier to try keeping the humidity under 20%. Keeping the temperature under 80 is also important, as the combination of both will most likely grow mold.
2. Antimicrobial padding
If you do have a humid home, we would recommend having antimicrobial padding under your carpet. This will fight mold and bacteria. It does cost more than standard padding but is usually worth buying to keep your home mold-free.
3. Remove carpet from damp areas
Often in older homes, you would see a carpet in kitchens and even bathrooms. This is no longer common since these are the worst areas in your home to have carpet. Bathrooms, especially, are humid and damp, which then sit underneath the carpet and grow mold. If you have carpet somewhere that routinely gets wet, remove it! There are many other flooring products that are a better fit for these types of rooms.
4. Remove standing water quickly
Standing water will grow mold in just a few days if it’s not dealt with. It can actually grow in as short a time as 24 – 48 hours. If you do have standing water in your home, remove it or have a professional remove it as quickly as possible. Small spills or leaks can be easy to repair and clean up, but long-standing water can cause massive damage. Also, if there is standing water in a space that has carpet, there will likely be mold. If you have standing water in your home, we suggest having a professional get rid of it, which will help prevent further damage.
5. Have your carpets cleaned
This should be done no matter what, but cleaning your carpet regularly, and having your carpets cleaned multiple times per year is always a smart idea and can prevent many issues, including mold.
These are just a few ways you can prevent water damage and mold growth in your home. Mold can cause serious health issues and has many other side effects. Prevent it as often as you can.
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