Wet Carpet Mold Dangers

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.

Wet carpet mold dangers.

The padding may need to. Dampness becomes a problem when various materials in buildings e g rugs walls ceiling tiles become wet for extended periods of time. Excessive moisture in the air i e high relative humidity that is not properly controlled with air conditioning can also lead to excessive dampness. Mold growth in carpet is most commonly due to wet foot traffic especially in carpeted bathrooms.

Some of you will think that the carpet will get dry on its own once you wipe out the liquid. Or a leaky window or door that s allowing moisture to enter and flow downward to the floor. Wet padding beneath carpet. A carpet that remains damp or wet for more than 24 hours has a high risk of growing black mold.

Unattended wet carpet is prone to mold and mildew. Damp wet carpet areas that are prone to a more humid climate are the most vulnerable to mold growth such as basements and bathrooms. 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. 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.

According to the international association of certified home inspectors mold can go unseen and is even more common in basement carpeting. 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. In the wake of hurricane katrina in 2005 much was written and discussed about the health effects of household mold. Some of the symptoms and problems directly related to mold are serious symptoms and illnesses such as chronic bronchitis learning disabilities mental deficiencies heart problems cancer.

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. Your carpet could even be a host for salmonella.