Top 5 Tips to Prevent Mould on Carpets

Nobody wants mould lurking in their homes. However, no matter how hard homeowners try to avoid it, mould can still find its way into homes and belongings. Yet, knowing how to prevent mould can minimize its growth. Besides walls and wooden items, the carpet, which easily attracts moisture and dirt, is a common target for mould. Here are five key tips to prevent mould in carpet.

How to prevent mould in carpet

1. Controlling the indoor humidity

Mould doesn’t only need standing water to grow — an area with increased humidity and heat is enough. As mould spores reproduce in excessively humid conditions, indoor humidity should be kept under 60%. Those who live in a humid part of the country should install a dehumidifier that’s suited for their room size. Also, the temperature in the home should be kept below 27 degrees Celsius.

2. Removing carpet from humidity-prone areas

Keeping the carpet away from humidity-prone areas is another key tip to prevent mould in carpet. Areas that are more likely to experience humidity or water leaks include the basement and bathroom. These areas are more prone to flooding caused by storms, river or ocean overflows, washing machine failures, and more.

3. Installing antimicrobial carpet padding

When installing new carpet in a home, a rubber-slab carpet padding is preferred as it is less prone to developing mould and bacteria. Although it is more expensive than normal padding, it helps keep mould at bay, especially if the home is naturally high in humidity.

4. Removing standing water

Mould needs only a small amount of water and time (24-48 hours) to grow. Therefore, when water damage occurs, the water should be removed immediately. The carpet should be dried even if the damage was minor, such as a small spill or leak. In case of flooding, the carpet may need to be replaced, depending on the floodwater (tap water, grey water or sewage).

5. Cleaning the carpet to prevent mould

Dirt and dust are mould “food” and need to be removed regularly from the carpet. Using a good-quality vacuum cleaner weekly is a great idea. When the carpet needs to be cleaned, using a dry form of cleaning is desirable. This process minimizes the amount of moisture the carpet absorbs.

After removing mould from the carpet, it’s important to deodorize it afterward. If using baking soda, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide doesn’t work, hiring a professional cleaner may be the only solution.

For carpet mould removal and deodorization, contact the PuroClean restoration experts!

Following these tips on how to prevent mould in carpet doesn’t guarantee that it won’t be a target for mould growth! If that happens, the carpet may need professional cleaning. That’s where we come in. Our PuroClean technicians stand ready to provide professional mould removal and deodorization services to carpet of any type and size.