So the rain seeped in through the door last night and soaked a spot of carpet. Your first reaction may be to let it dry on its own, but seemingly invisible mold can start growing in your carpets within 24 hours. Here’s how you can prevent carpet mold from happening in your home.
- Fix your leaks early on. Even the smallest leak can cause a frequent wet spot on your carpet. Fix it early on to prevent the growth or spread of carpet mold.
- Dry it out. Mold can start growing within 24 hours in a damp carpet. Get ahead of the game and lift up the wet carpet and use a fan to dry it out right away.
- Keep your carpets clean. Mold feeds off of dirt almost as much as moisture, so a clean carpet can also lower your chances of carpet mold.
- Keep your humidity levels low. This may seem the impossible task in humid Florida, but you can use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in your home between 30-50% all day, cutting off the mold at the source.
- Make sure your home has enough ventilation. Trapped moisture in your kitchen or bathroom can create easy growth spots for carpet mold. Keep the air moving by opening windows or using fans that vent outside the house.
If you suspect any carpet mold, look for the following signs: carpet discoloration, recent water damage, or a musty odor in the room.