One of the biggest dangers of wet carpet is that it can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. The fungus that naturally occurs in moist environments is dangerous when it invades your home. Affecting your airways and making it difficult to breathe, the mold can become a serious hazard to your health. Appearing in patches or gradually spreading across the carpet, it should be removed as quickly as possible for health reasons.
Mold Prevention Tips
Removing mold can be nearly impossible, but you can prevent it from taking hold in the first place. Keep humidity levels in your Greenbrook home low to prevent the growth of mold. If humidity levels are too high in the home, invest in a dehumidifier to bring them down between 30 and 60 percent.
Any liquid spilled on the carpet should be cleaned as quickly as possible. Mold thrives in damp, warm areas, so allowing a spilled drink to soak into the carpet will result in mold and mildew. Use a clean cloth to blot up spills until the area is completely dry.
Find the Source of the Mold
Mold and mildew always have a source. A carpet that is maintained and kept dry will not mold. However, the source of the water may not always be obvious. It’s imperative to find the source of moisture to ensure that the mold does not return. Check plumbing lines for leaks, look along the ceiling for water stains and check the HVAC system to determine what the water source is. Invest in having the problem fixed at the source, and you will not have to go deal with the hassle of removing mold from the carpet again later.
Thorough Drying of the Carpet
Before you can start cleaning the carpet, you should have a plan for drying it completely. Mold needs moisture to thrive, and removing moisture will keep the mold from returning. Fans and dehumidifiers are ideal for pulling residual moisture out of carpet and upholstery. Whether you are cleaning the mold by hand using a scrub brush or a steam-cleaning machine, you should have equipment lined up to completely dry the carpet.
All-Purpose Cleaners and Hypochlorite
There are several quality cleaners that will help you remove mold from the carpet. They will kill the mold spores, so you can clean them away with your vacuum or steam cleaner. However, they should be used with care. Open windows to improve ventilation in the room, spot-test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area and use protective gloves to protect your skin.
When you find mold in your carpet, it is well worth your time to call in professional carpet cleaners. Buying extra fans and dehumidifiers can be expensive, but the professionals already have these tools. They also have access to more powerful equipment and stronger chemicals that can remove the mold. The services are affordable and highly effective. Visit http://www.highqualitycarpet.com/ to see how a professional carpet cleaning company can save the carpets in your home.