Since wet carpets cause mold to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours you need an action plan.
Can wet carpet cause mold.
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.
This is because molds disperse their spores in the air and when inhaled they can cause mild to severe allergic reaction.
Carpet water damage mold and black mold in carpet can develop anytime your carpet has become wet and stayed wet for a while without the opportunity to dry out thoroughly.
This scenario occurs mostly in basements.
You can often take care of it without heavy equipment but the job requires old fashioned scrubbing.
Flood water or pipe leaks can quickly cause mold to develop under your carpet.
Wet padding beneath carpet.
We ve outlined the two do it yourself methods for the fastest way to dry wet carpet.
Flooding plumbing leaks can lead to harmful mold growth on and underneath your home s flooring.
If your home had some flooding and the carpet was damp for more than 24 hours you probably have some mold in your carpets.
The padding may need to be replaced as will the carpet in some cases.
By jennifer pinto updated december 14 2018 wet carpet can be a perfect breeding ground for mold especially if the air is humid and the water remains in place longer than 48 hours.
None of those allergic reactions is life threatening but prolong exposure to black mold on carpet can cause extreme nausea vomiting or bleeding in the nose.
You can avoid carpet mold by not thoroughly soaking your carpet.
Mold is incredibly toxic to humans and pets.
Follow these steps to clean and dry small areas of damp carpet.
Though that s a very understandable fear mold is creepy and scary.
But we do not want you to give up on carpet cleaning out of fear of mold.
Prolonged exposure to molds and mildew causes allergy.
If you notice that your carpet is damp the cause may be a leak from the floor underneath.
Any floor that remains damp or wet for more than a day may grow mold.
A wet carpet if not dried properly will become a breeding ground for molds.
If you have had a water leak or similar accident wherein the carpet was left wet for an extended period of time you will probably find mold.
When you leave moisture sitting in a warm dark place these toxins will invade your home and once moisture and mold permeate a carpet pad it s impossible to eradicate.
Even if wet carpet is limited to a small area it s still very important to address the moisture as quickly as possible.
How to clean small areas.