Mold on Carpet: Mold Growth, Signs, and Prevention

Besides ruining perfectly good flooring, furniture, and home decor, mold growth can cause serious health problems, up to and including early onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia  if  left untreated. It also exacerbates pre-existing respiratory problems—like allergies and asthma—and reduces indoor air quality.

If you want to know how to spot and prevent mold growth in your home, keep reading for our top tips and tricks.

Why Does Mold Grow On Carpet?

Mold is a fungus that thrives in dark, damp, and humid spaces and requires three primary factors to grow: moisture, oxygen, and a surface on which it can grow. That’s why damp carpet is a breeding ground for mold. Carpet retains moisture easily, which creates the ideal environment for mold spores traveling through the air to latch on and multiply. Mold can grow not only on the carpet itself but also on the padding and flooring beneath it.

Typical Signs of Mold on Carpet

Mold is most often found on carpeted areas in or near bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, and water heaters because they’re most susceptible to water leaks and spills.

If mold has grown rampant on your carpet, it’s sometimes possible to tell just by looking at it.

1. Visible Mold Growth and Mildew

You can see mold and mildew spores growing on the carpet, which are often identified by white, black, blue, red, or green stains. Carpet that contains visible mold growth will likely need to be replaced.

2. Wet or Water-Damaged Carpet

Wet carpet hosts the ideal conditions for mold growth. Just like carpet with visible mold stains, wet carpet will likely need to be replaced.

3. Wet Padding Beneath the Carpet

If the padding directly under your carpet is wet, mold will begin to grow there as well, often spreading down into the wooden subfloor. This padding may need to be replaced along with the carpet itself.

4. Odors and Stains

If your carpet gives off musty or sour smells or has discolored white sections, it has succumbed to mold growth.

5. The Onset or Worsening of Allergies or Other Respiratory Problems

Mold growth can put your family at risk of developing various health issues.  Common health-related signs of mold growth in the home include the following:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Headaches 
• Coughing or wheezing
• Red, itchy, or burning eyes
• Irritated skin
• Memory loss

How to Prevent Mold From Growing on Your Carpet

The sooner you can eliminate mold and stop the spread, the better. Here are our professional recommendations for removing and preventing mold growth in your home.

1. Dry and Ventilate the Affected Area

Get the carpet completely dry to stop the growth of mold spores. You can do this by directing fans on the carpet, opening doors and windows, and using towels to absorb moisture. We also recommend bumping down the temperature on your thermostat, as mold grows more rapidly in warm environments.

2. Treat the Affected Area

Disinfect the moldy sections of the carpet. You can create a mold-killing concoction at home to save time and money on store-bought cleaners.

• Baking soda: For mild mold growth, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the carpet, and let it sit overnight. The next morning, vacuum the residual baking soda.
• White vinegar: For mild to moderate mold growth, spray white vinegar onto the affected area, and let it sit for a few minutes. Rub the vinegar into the carpet until it’s fully absorbed, then dry the area thoroughly.
• Hydrogen peroxide: For severe mold growth, apply a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to the carpet. As a natural antifungal solution, hydrogen peroxide will rid your carpet of mold spores in no time. Spray the mixture onto the affected area, let sit for ten minutes, rub it into the carpet, then dry thoroughly.

3. Prevent Future Mold Growth

Mold can resurface at any point—especially in the same area as before—so don’t let your guard down. Here are several ways you can prevent mold from resurfacing on your carpet.

• Install a dehumidifier in any dark, damp, and warm spaces throughout your home to reduce humidity levels
• Ensure adequate airflow
• Clean your carpets routinely
• Don’t install carpets in areas of your home that are prone to excess moisture or water leaks
• Fix any water leaks
• Remove standing water immediately
• Invest in quality carpet padding to prevent mold growth from spreading below the carpet
• Install an air purifier to remove airborne mold spores
• Replace HVAC air filters every few months

4. Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment

When cleaning mold-infested carpet, keep yourself and your family safe by wearing latex gloves, an N-95 face mask, and goggles. Carefully dispose of all used safety gear when finished, and wash your hands thoroughly to remove any traces of mold and spores.

When to Call a Professional for Carpet Mold Removal

Whether the methods outlined above didn’t work or you don’t feel comfortable removing mold growth on your own, call on the mold removal experts for assistance. Don’t put yourself, your family, or your home at risk.

Kansas City’s Mold Removal Experts

As the leading mold removal professionals in Kansas City, you can count on the Power Dry team to get the job done right the first time. From carpet drying to mold removal and remediation, we do it all to give you greater peace of mind.