4 Essential Tips to Prevent Carpet Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are common problems that can occur in any environment, especially in areas with high humidity like the bathroom or kitchen. Carpet mold and mildew can create an unsightly mess and lead to health problems if left untreated. Black mold and other types of mold can release spores that prompt asthma attacks, aggravate allergic reactions, and even pose a health threat to people and pets. Fortunately, you can do a few things to help prevent these problems from occurring in your home. Here are four tips to help keep your carpets mold and mildew-free.

Clean Spills Immediately

While it may be tempting to leave a spill and deal with it later, that’s actually one of the worst things you can do. The primary cause of mold and mildew growth in carpets is liquid that’s been left to sit for too long. If the spill has sugar, mold is even more likely to appear. If you don’t clean up a spill immediately, it will become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also damage your carpet beyond repair. To prevent this from happening, always clean up spills as soon as they occur using a clean, dry cloth to blot up as much of the spill as possible, then spray it with diluted white vinegar to break down discoloration and greasy elements, and then dab it again.

Choose the Right Carpet Padding

Carpet padding is often an afterthought when selecting a new carpet, but it actually plays a crucial role in the lifespan of your carpet. Not only does it add an extra layer of cushioning and comfort, but it also helps to protect your carpet from dirt, spills, and other sources of wear and tear.

Cheap carpet padding will disintegrate when wet, leaving uneven spots under your carpet. This reduces its effectiveness in protecting your subfloor. You should also consider a moisture barrier pad underneath your carpet padding. A moisture barrier pad is a thin layer of material between your carpet padding and subfloor that helps to block moisture from through to the subfloor.

Spilling a large quantity of liquid can soak all the way through to the subfloor, causing mold and rot. But, with a moisture barrier pad in place, you can prevent this from happening.

Keep Your Home’s Humidity Down

Most people know mold and mildew can be a problem in damp, humid environments. Carpet mold and mildew typically occur in homes with high humidity levels, often due to poor ventilation. To prevent these fungi from taking hold, it’s important to keep your home’s humidity levels down. This can be done by using a dehumidifier, opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate, and ensuring that bathrooms and kitchens are well-ventilated.

If you live in an area with high rainfall, set up waterproof mats at your door and ensure to remove shoes and jackets when you come into the house. Even drops of water from wet shoes or a raincoat can linger on your carpet, allowing mold to grow.

Hire a Professional for Cleaning

It is important to hire a professional to clean regularly. Professional cleaners have the experience and expertise necessary to deep clean your carpets, removing all the dirt and debris that can lead to mold and mildew growth. In addition, they will also treat your carpets with a special solution that helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. As a result, hiring a professional for carpet cleaning is one of the best ways to keep your carpets in good condition.

Keeping carpet from growing mold takes a little extra effort, but it’s worth it. If you properly clean up spills and keep your carpets clean, you’ll increase the lifespan of your carpet.

If you’re looking for a professional carpet cleaning company that can help to prevent mold and mildew growth, contact Premier Carpet Cleaning today. We offer a wide range of carpet cleaning services designed to keep your carpets looking and feeling their best. Call us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.