Carpets and rugs are known for collecting dust, hair, fibers, food crumbs, etc. All that, combined with a water source leads to the growth of mold on the carpet.
As a general rule, mold needs a food source and moisture to grow on organic materials such as wood, drywall, upholstery, or carpets. When left untreated, mold causes a series of health problems, such as red eyes, skin rash, or breathing difficulty. This is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and mold removal and remediation experts consider mold a health hazard and recommend removing it as soon as possible.
Floods, pipe breaks, and any water damage cause a great deal of harm to your carpet or area rug, even if there is not a lot of water underneath. “All it needs is a little moisture and a little dark space, and it can grow so quickly,” reported Danny Lipford, the host of Today’s Homeowner.
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How long before wet carpet molds
Mold grows incredibly fast – within 24 to 48 hours from the water damage incident. You need to get your carpet dried within the 48 hours to remove the moisture that leads to mold growth. Water damage restoration professionals use advanced water extraction equipment and techniques to restore not only your carpet but the entire area affected by the water damage.
If you leave the carpet wet for more than two days, mold has probably started to grow into the carpet threads and fabric. At that point, IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration) recommends that you throw it away, including the padding underneath. It is important that you also inspect the flooring for mold growth.
Even if you act fast, if the water damage is critical, you might still have to replace the carpet. Once mold attacks the fibers, it is close to impossible to remove it completely.
How to prevent mold in carpet caused by a water damage
It is critical that you start restoring your home after water damage as soon as possible to stop the mold from growing on your belongings. Water damage restoration professionals use advanced equipment to completely dry your home. Even then, there might still be water in the walls or floors, which is why restoration companies use special tools and techniques to identify any sign of moisture in the walls and get rid of it.
Here is what you can do to prevent or reduce the damage:
Get good-quality carpet padding
One of the best options in terms of carpet padding is the rubber-slab, anti-microbial paddings. They help prevent mold growth, especially during summer when the humidity level rises. In case you have water damage, it might slow down the mold growth process.
Act fast
Your carpet will be ruined if it stays in the water for too long, even if it doesn’t necessarily grow mold. If you experience a leak, flooding, or even a large spill, you need to act promptly. You need to dry the carpet and also clean it properly. The floor underneath is most likely to be damaged as well, so make sure to inspect it.
Install accordingly
You can avoid mold on your carpet by installing it in areas where it’s protected from moisture. For example, the bathrooms or basement are two of the most dangerous places for carpet. The high level of humidity combined with the dust and hair make the perfect environment for mold growth.
Wet carpet health risk
When left unattended for more than 48 hours, mold will grow on your carpet, starting with the padding. Even though it is not visible, the mold spores traveling through your home cause allergic reactions such as sore throat, red eyes, skin rash. Children, infants, and the elderly are most likely to be affected by mold, as their immune system is not very strong. Similarly, people suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma are at risk.
Carpet cleaning in New York
If you experience a flood or pipe leak, the potential sewage water, mildew and mud will contaminate your home. When it comes to carpets, it is very difficult to completely dry it without proper drying equipment. After the carpet is dried, it has to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to get rid of the mold spores and bacteria. Again, you need a certified technician to properly perform this service.
iFlooded Restoration is licensed by the New York State to perform mold remediation and removal, License #MR01129.
We use advanced tools and techniques to completely dry your carpet and your home and restore it back to its original condition, following IICRC standards.
Have you experienced a flood or pipe break? We do free assessments of water damage . Check if your loss is covered. Once we get your home back to normal, we bill the insurance company directly so you have one less thing to worry about.
