There’s no question that carpets can be one of the best additions to a home. Along with adding color, they can add warmth, softness, and an overall change to the ambiance of any room. But, they’re also incredibly susceptible to mold. As such, it’s important to take steps to prevent moldy carpets from becoming an issue and making sure that your home is safe.
A Huge Danger
Mold can be one of the biggest risks to any home. Not only can it create health hazards and trigger respiratory problems and other issues, but it can have numerous additional impacts on your home and your life including:
- Pungent, musky odors that are impossible to get rid of
- Feelings of persistent dampness
- Increased risk of developing illnesses
- High repair costs
When mold invades a home, it can be incredibly difficult to eliminate. Those with carpets that develop mold issues will end up having to have the carpet removed, subfloors cleaned and dried, water damage dealt with, and more. And in many instances, the risk to your health is so high that you may have to live elsewhere temporarily until the mold damage is corrected.
A little prevention can help avoid this. By taking proactive steps to prevent mold from growing on carpets, you’ll be able to keep yourself, your home, and your bank account safe. Here are some of the main things to keep in mind when trying to make sure you prevent moldy carpets from becoming an issue.
Control The Climate
Mold grows when the air is moist and the temperatures are a bit higher. And carpets are one of the main areas of a home that will soak up moisture and thus be more likely to grow mold. As such, it’s important that you keep your climate controlled as much as possible. In particular, keep humidity levels below 60% and make sure you keep your house cooler - at least less than 80 degrees and preferably in the 66 to 75 degree range.
Know Where To Avoid Carpet
Like it or not, some areas just aren’t made for carpet. Some areas in the home are more likely to be damp and have more humidity no matter what you do, and as such, they're not a great location for carpet.
In particular, avoid using carpet in bathrooms, kitchens, and entry points. Basement floors are another moisture- prone location that you may want to consider alternate flooring.
Use The Right Carpet Padding
Antimicrobial carpet padding is available readily, and can be installed easily. It’s an option that is more resistant to mold growth than traditional padding and that is well worth the extra investment if you're worried about mold.
Clean it Fast!
Finally, if you do end up noticing standing water, spills, and other moisture problems, clean the area and remove the water quickly. If leaks are a problem, correct them as soon as you can. By being just a little proactive with water prevention you can avoid mold growth and ensure that you keep your home free from this all-too-common problem.
