If you’re concerned that your carpets are dirty and really want to get them steam cleaned, you may be hesitating because you’ve heard that carpet cleaning can cause mold. But don’t worry: carpet cleaning won’t cause mold IF you hire the right people to do it, AND it is allowed to dry properly.
Here at 1st Class Carpet and Upholstery, for example, with our method, carpets dry within six to eight hours. Mold starts to grow within 48 hours so this time frame is critical. That’s why it’s important to hire the right company.
This doesn’t mean mold can never grow in carpets. It does, for a variety of reasons.
High Humidity
Mold needs warmth, bacteria, and humidity in order to grow. If a carpet has been exposed to these three elements, mold may start to appear. It can grow under the carpet or carpet padding, which makes it very hard to diagnose the problem. If you recently spilled something on the carpet or had some flooding, the risk of mold is high. And if your carpeting is in or near a bathroom or kitchen, you should inspect these areas regularly to make sure no mold growth is occurring. When left unchecked, mold can cause illness in occupants, resulting is a stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, or skin rashes. It can cause more serious health problems in the case of black mold.
Insufficient Cleaning
Improperly-cleaned carpet stains are another source of mold growth. If you never cleaned up a significant spill or stain, mold can start spreading underneath the carpeting, unbeknownst to you. Be careful, though, as carpets exposed to too much water or liquid – even as part of a cleaning regimen — may start to harbor mold.
Low-Quality Carpet
Low-quality carpeting and padding can be exposed to bacteria and humidity, allowing mold to grow. Homeowners may consider installing anti-microbial carpet pads coupled with high-quality carpets. With the right balance of moisture resistance and anti-microbial properties, it’s hard for mold to grow. Rubber-slab padding is wise to install if you live in an area of high humidity.
Improper Carpet Cleaning Practices
If you decide to clean your own carpets and rent a machine from the local department store, you could be doing more harm than good. Professionals use methods that can ensure rapid dry times. The average homeowner will simply let the carpet air dry after a sub-par cleaning. As we said above, mold can start growing within two days. It’s always best to let a professional handle your carpet cleaning so the area can be dried in a rapid manner.
Contact 1st Class Carpet Cleaning & Restoration Services
Now that you’re reassured carpet cleaning does not cause mold when done correctly, you can book our services with confidence. To get a free quote on carpet cleaning near you, call us today at (248) 491-3088.
