Does Carpet Cleaning Cause Mold? Debunking Myths and Facts
We've all had a similar thought process: Where there's excess moisture, there's likely to be mold or mildew. Will carpet cleaning cause mold to grow under my carpet after a cleaning?
The answer is more complex than you would think. Mold and mildew can grow where there's a surplus of moisture. But carpet cleaning is aimed at improving your home's health, not worsening it. Here's the breakdown of the way carpet cleaning can impact the growth of mold or mildew:
Understanding More About Mold
At Zerorez, we claim to be cleaning experts, not scientists. That being said, imagine that delicious loaf of bread that's been sitting in your pantry.
Have you ever noticed that having your bread in the pantry grows mold faster than keeping the loaf in the refrigerator?
That's because mold thrives in dark, moist, and warm places. Particularly with bread, just sitting in its plastic package! Because of the natural moisture that bread has, it makes for a great breeding ground for mold growth.
The refrigerator is sort of the antithesis of that until you open the fridge. The point is that the refrigerator keeps the bread chilled, and the cold practically hardens the bread, so there isn't as much moisture and warmth!
Though mold on your bread is much different than the mold that could potentially grow under your carpet, there are still some similarities! Mold is swirling in the air constantly- it's always around. While there are plenty of ways to limit exposure and prevent growth, the spores are always around us.
And, of course, mold has a knack for finding dark, moist, and warm places. But the similarities of bread mold and carpet mold pretty much end there.
Carpet padding can retain moisture and transfer it to the underlying subfloor, creating a conducive environment for mold.
Still, the question remains: under what circumstances can mold grow under your carpet? And how can you prevent this from happening?
What Causes Mold Growth in Carpets
Mold can grow in your carpet, but thankfully, it is not as common as you might think.
Mold spores find their way into your carpet after a significant amount of water has seeped into your carpet. Causes would include:
Major leaks
Floods
Appliance malfunctions
Excess moisture/humidity
And sometimes, traditional carpet cleaning methods
By traditional, of course, we mean your typical carpet cleaning company that goes in with water and detergents and soaks your carpet in an attempt to clean it.
Have you noticed that after a traditional carpet cleaning it takes a day or more for your carpet to fully dry? That is happy hour for mold! Mold spores use that as their time to shine- if your carpet is soaked for more than 24 hours, you may have a problem. While it isn't a guarantee, your risk of mold and mildew growth increases the longer you have to wait for your carpet to dry.
But how else can you get your carpet clean without risking mold growth?
Can You Prevent Carpet Mold Caused by Excess Moisture?
The answer is simple: you can avoid carpet mold by not thoroughly soaking your carpet!
A thorough and effective cleaning process is crucial to reduce the likelihood of moisture-related issues. The key is working with a carpet cleaning company that doesn't flood your carpets with soaps, detergents, and unnecessary amounts of water.
Zerorez offers a deep clean without all the extras, so you can experience a cleaner home with faster dry times. The sooner your carpets dry, the less likely you are to have to deal with mold and mildew growth!
Maintaining Carpets to Prevent Mold
While we always recommend professional carpet cleaning with Zerorez to get your home looking and feeling clean, there are other things you can do between cleanings to help minimize the risk of mold and mildew growth in your carpet:
Regular vacuuming can help remove dirt, dust, and debris from carpets, reducing the risk of mold growth.
Cleaning up spills and stains immediately can prevent permanent damage and mold growth.
Removing shoes before walking on carpets can minimize dirt and debris.
Using doormats or rugs at doorways can catch dirt and debris.
Avoiding harsh chemicals when cleaning carpets can help prevent damage to fibers and reduce the risk of mold growth.
Regular professional cleaning can help maintain carpets and prevent mold growth.
Detecting Carpet Mold
Mold growth in carpets can be difficult to detect, as it often starts on the backing or padding of the carpet.
A damp, musty smell can indicate the presence of mold, and small patches of discoloration can appear as mold spores proliferate and spread.
Mold can be black, orange, white, or green, depending on the cause. You may also notice water stains appear on your carpet. These are not the same as mold growth, but it's important to treat both as fast as possible to avoid permanent damage. Keeping your eyes peeled will help you get ahead of the spreading, hopefully saving your carpet!
The Importance of Proper Drying After Cleaning
Proper drying after cleaning is crucial to prevent mold growth in carpets. Excess moisture in carpets is one of the main proponents of mold growth, so it's essential to remove as much moisture as possible from the carpet.
Using fans to speed up the drying process can help prevent mold growth. Zerorez's professional carpet cleaners use specialized equipment to remove excess moisture from carpets, reducing the risk of mold growth. Regular maintenance and cleaning checks can help identify and address mold growth early.
Carpet Cleaning by Zerorez
Traditional steam carpet cleaning uses heated water mixed with soaps, detergents, and toxic chemicals that are injected into the carpet under pressure. Unlike traditional cleaning, the Zerorez cleaning process cleans without flooding your carpets with detergents and water, which means faster dry times!
Hot water extraction is an effective deep cleaning method that minimizes moisture retention, thereby reducing the risk of mold growth.
To get your carpets clean and avoid overly wet surfaces that could cause mold, choose the professional carpet cleaning company that cleans things the right way! Zerorez will help you avoid water damage to your carpets and leave your home looking and feeling better than how we found it!
