Carpet has many amazing qualities: its soft, keeps the floor warm, makes your home look great, and filters the majority of allergens out of the air. Unfortunately it is also prone to grow mold. But how do you know when your carpet actually has mold? Mold can grow quickly in damp places, and once it gains a foothold in your home, you have to put in a lot of work to remove it. It can sometimes hard to tell whether you have mold because it often grows underneath the carpet. Regular inspection is the only way to rule out carpet mold. Five signs that indicate the presence of carpet mold are listed below.
- Musty Odors: A musty odor is one of the top signs of mold. If you spend most of your time at home, then you may not notice this odor. However, anyone who visits your home will likely smell it. If anyone comments on the odor, then this is something that you will need to take note of.
- Unexplained Allergies: Carpet mold has been shown to cause breathing problems, allergies, bronchitis and asthma. If you or anyone in your household has those issues, then you will need to inspect your carpet for mold. However, not everyone who is exposed to mold will have a problem.
- Damp Carpet: Any carpet that remains wet for more than a day is likely to grow mold. If you notice that your carpet is frequently damp, then the source to the leak may be under the carpet. Basements are where mold is most commonly found, but even accidentally spilling a drink on the carpet can lead to mold. Either way, you will need to dry the water up as soon as possible.
- Carpet Discoloration: You may be able to tell whether there is mold in your carpet by simply looking at it. When mold growth reaches its advanced stages, you will likely see discolored patches on your carpet. These spots are typically white, black or various shades of green. Keep in mind that the area underneath your carpet may develop discoloration before the carpet does.
- Positive Results from a Mold Testing Kit: One of the most reliable methods of confirming the presence of mold growth in your carpets is by using a mold-testing kit. These kits work by testing the airflow across the carpet. If there are any mold spores in your carpet, then they will land on the testing kit and multiply to give you clear results.
If you believe you have mold in your carpet, then it is time for you to call in a professional. Chem-Dry of Stockton is the preferred professional carpet cleaner in the Stockton area and will help you make your home cleaner and healthier than ever.
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