The warmer months are around the corner, but typically before we get there, we have rainy ones. As the saying always goes, April showers bring May Flowers! But before April gets here, you want to prepare your home for the upcoming spring weather. Rainy weather can bring about flooding that could affect you and your home. Here’s what you can do about potential mold before it affects your household this spring!
What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that grows in different areas as a result of a damp environment. If an overload of moisture or water goes unnoticed for an extended period, mold will appear quickly. It is essential to find it right away, so the condition does not worsen. Mold can become very dangerous to people and cause serious health effects. According to the CDC, here are some symptoms that point to mold exposure:
- stuffy nose
- wheezing
- red and itchy eyes
- red and itchy skin
- trouble breathing
- worsening asthma
Now that you are aware of the consequences of mold, you must know where and how to find it.
Where and How
Mold is often found as a result of flooding or recent leaks. The common areas that are affected by flooding or leaks are roofs, windows, pipes, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. A popular place that is greatly affected by mold is your flooring. One in particular that suffers the most is carpet. If you have carpet and are displaying similar symptoms to those previously listed, you likely have moldy carpets. It is vital to locate the mold as soon as possible. Here is how you can look for mold in your carpets.
1. Odor
This is a big giveaway to the presence of mold. If your carpet smells musty or damp, follow the scent to the exact spot. You will likely find your moldy place by following the smell. Mold gives off a strong and potent smell that is hard to ignore.
2. Damp
This might seem obvious, but if you have a wet carpet, you may have mold too. The top layer of your carpet doesn’t have to be soaking wet for bacteria and fungus to grow. The padding underneath the carpet can become damp and start the growth process. If you step on an area and feel that it is squishy and moist, act quickly. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to begin its process.
3. Discoloration
A sign of mold growth is the discoloration it creates on your carpet. Mold comes in a variety of colors. Common mold colors found in the carpet are black, white, or green. If you see these colors in corners of your carpet, baseboards, or your flooring, you have mold.
What Now?
If you discover mold in your home this spring, contact Spotless Carpet Cleaners first. At Spotless Carpet, we have years of experience dealing with moldy flooring and insurance companies as well. If you feel the damage requires insurance, we can help you with the process. Not only that, but we will take care of your carpet for you entirely. There is no need to lift a finger or try to do it yourself. Just call us at (423) 926-9251 at any time for emergency restoration services. For more information on the type of care we provide for all your flooring needs, visit us online here. Brace yourself for spring the right way, and know how to spot mold in your carpet!
