Wet Carpet Mold Dangers

Unattended wet carpet is prone to mold and mildew.

Wet carpet mold dangers.

Dampness becomes a problem when various materials in buildings e g rugs walls ceiling tiles become wet for extended periods of time. According to the international association of certified home inspectors mold can go unseen and is even more common in basement carpeting. A carpet that remains damp or wet for more than 24 hours has a high risk of growing black mold. When carpets get wet the water and existing dust dirt hair fibers skin cells food crumbs bug parts etc in the carpet provide the necessary food and moisture for the mold and bacteria to grow in the carpet.

Wet padding beneath carpet. Excessive moisture in the air i e high relative humidity that is not properly controlled with air conditioning can also lead to excessive dampness. The presence of mold can cause a variety of health issues but the presence of mycotoxins cause severe stomach irritation and infection. Some of you will think that the carpet will get dry on its own once you wipe out the liquid.

Leaving wet carpet sitting risks not only damaging the carpet and the padding beneath but risks damaging your subfloor as well. If you find an area of your carpets that feels damp often you may be experiencing a water leak somewhere beneath the floors that requires immediate attention from a professional. 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. Or a leaky window or door that s allowing moisture to enter and flow downward to the floor.

Mold growth in carpet is most commonly due to wet foot traffic especially in carpeted bathrooms. Remediation procedures carpet water damage mold mold spores and bacteria naturally exist in settled dust especially in carpets. In the wake of hurricane katrina in 2005 much was written and discussed about the health effects of household mold. A dirty carpet does not just look ugly and smell disgusting but it also threatens your health due to dust pet hairs mold bacteria and other microscopic organisms that are trapped within its fibres.

Sadly the case of black mold on the carpet will not be visible straight so it s better to send it to the nearby laundry to get it cleaned and has proper drying. Damp wet carpet areas that are prone to a more humid climate are the most vulnerable to mold growth such as basements and bathrooms. When you leave moisture sitting in a warm dark place these toxins will invade your home and once moisture and mold permeate a carpet pad it s impossible to eradicate.