Preventing Mold and Mildew in Your Carpets

Rugs and carpet have been around a long time. It is thought they originated in Central Asia during what is known as the Bronze Age between 3000BC and 2500BC. They followed the trade routes to Europe and before long the floors of the homes of the nobility were being covered with rugs. Now days you can find carpeting in just about every house on your block. It’s been an epic a journey for this unassuming piece of floor covering.

With the advent of carpet came a whole other issue; keeping it clean. In this day and age a major issue with carpeting is the unseen growth of mold and mildew. This is particularly true in areas with high humidity and carpets inherent ability to hold moisture not only in its fibers but also the foam padding underneath that is installed under most carpet.

It is important to take care of any mold and mildew problem you may have in your carpet because it can cause irreversible damage. In some cases certain types of mold can cause health issues in people as well.

If you think you have a mold or mildew problem in your carpet there are way you can deal with it. The first is to have it professionally cleaned. While this can be expensive professional cleaning services have a variety of cleaning solutions for a variety of situations including moldy carpets. And replacing your carpet will be a far greater expense then having it cleaned.

You can also rent a carpet cleaning machine and use an anti-mold/mildew shampoo. Be sure to “spot test” an inconspicuous area of your carpet to be sure the shampoo will not harm or discolor your carpet.

Once you get rid of the mold and mildew problem there are steps you can take to prevent it from re-occurring.

1. Baking Soda – Get a box out of your kitchen and sprinkle it over your carpets. A light dusting is all you need. Let it set for an hour or two and then vacuum it up. Baking soda will not only help eliminate any mold or mildew it will also get rid of any odors that may be a problem. Do this regularly and your problem should become a thing of the past.

2. More Light – Molds and mildew thrive in dark places. Open the curtains and let the sunlight in. You can also lighten your home with brighter light bulbs, particularly in areas that are more susceptible to its growth.

3. Keep it Dry – Carpets and rugs naturally attract and hold moisture, and moisture is the thing molds need most to grow and thrive. Having carpet in wet areas such as the kitchen or bathrooms is an open invitation to problems. If possible replace any carpeting in these areas with tile or linoleum. Doing this will significantly reduce any problems you may be having.

If you live in an area with high humidity then constant air flow will help reduce the moisture in the air. Using fans and opening windows will allow the air to circulate. Air conditioning during the hot summer months will also remove any excess moisture from the air in your home. For severe moisture problems that are mainly found in basements a dehumidifier can help in addition to the other options outlined above.

Mold and mildew is not something you want in your carpets as they can cause serious damage resulting in the need to replace what is an expensive part of your home. Taking the necessary steps to prevent its growth can extend the life of your carpet and keep your investment in your home safe.