A simple way that you can check for mold is to use a mold testing kit. The mold testing kit works by testing the airflow in your carpet. If there are any mold spores in your carpet, then they will land on the kit.
Patches of Carpet Changing Colour
A good idea is to check under the carpet first as this is where discoloration may develop. Another way to check for mould is to get a mould testing kit. This kit works by testing the airflow in your carpet and mould spores will land on the kit if they are present.
wet padding beneath carpet: If padding beneath the carpet has become wet for any reason, or has become moist from condensation, the padding as well as the carpet on top are at risk for mold growth. The padding may need to be replaced, as will the carpet, in some cases.
Mold can cause health issues ranging from a runny nose or headache, up to possible hair loss. Mold presence is especially dangerous to those suffering from respiratory issues such as COPD and asthma. When mold is residing in your carpeting there is also a chance for dermatitis, a type of skin rash, to occur.
1. Mold on Carpet Can Cause Health Problems. Thousands of different mold types could be hiding in your carpet. Some of the molds hiding in your house can cause allergies, cancer, respiratory diseases, and even death.
Hydrogen Peroxide or Bleaching agent: Both these chemicals are extremely effective for preventing growth as well as killing the mould formed on the carpet's surface. You just have to mix 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide or bleaching with 8 tbsp of water.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Mildew (mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.
A mildewed surface is often difficult to distinguish from a dirty one. To test for mold and mildew and how to tell if your house has mold, simply dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew.
The most unusual thing about mold is that molds grow inside of their food sources. They can penetrate deeply into drywall, carpets, underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks, etc. There is only one thing you can reasonably control when it comes to mold, and that is the moisture level.
These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss.
Do air purifiers help with mold? Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
The mold spores can colonize (grow) inside lung cavities that developed as a result of chronic diseases, such tuberculosis, emphysema, or advanced sarcoidosis. The fibers of fungus might form a lump by combining with white blood cells and blood clots. This lump or ball of fungus is called an aspergilloma or mycetoma.
Symptoms of mold exposure may include headache, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and fatigue. In those with asthma, asthma attacks can occur. In those with impaired immune systems, serious infection can occur.
Vacuum the carpet or rug thoroughly. Scrub the effected area with a quality carpet cleaning solution and warm water. To use a DIY solution, use a vinegar and baking soda solution which should kill mould and remove musty smells from the carpet. Allow the carpet to dry out thoroughly.
Spray vinegar onto the moldy surface and leave it for an hour. Then wipe the area clean with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell should clear within a few hours. While it's safe to use on most surfaces, vinegar is unlikely to be effective at cleaning mold off of soft surfaces.
All contaminated surfaces will be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum to trap the mold spores while releasing clean air, unlike traditional vacuum cleaners. Next, a professional will spray and wipe down the once contaminated surface with microfiber cleaning cloths.
The carpet is one of the common areas in a home that can be at high risk for mold invasion. Area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting provide a perfect breeding ground for mold if spores land on wet or damp spots. Carpeting that is usually moist or damp is more likely to be infested by mold.