Suspecting there’s fungus growing on your precious carpet isn’t the nicest feeling in the world, quite the contrary in fact.
After all, mould is not only gross, but it can wreak havoc on your health and exacerbate existing allergies, so if you do spot it, it pays off to tackle the problem right away.
Here are 4 clear signs your carpet has fungus, and also some effective strategies on not only how to remove it but also prevent it from coming back.
Sign #1 – A Musty Odour Emanating from the Carpet
That odd smell you detect, especially after you’ve been outside before you’ve entered the room, is a pretty clear indication that you’re dealing with mould. It’s a musty, earthy kind of odour, and it’s pretty noticeable, even if you can’t see anything yet.
Acting on it early, instead of brushing it off, is your best bet to avoid any health complications down the line, and also stop it from spreading and costing you much more money and effort to remove after.
Sign #2 – Increased Allergy Symptoms
This one is pretty obvious, but have you linked it to mould yet?
If you’re sneezing, itching, or having trouble breathing when you’re around your carpet, it might be mould causing it, not just dust. These annoying symptoms can be the clue that you’re dealing with a fungus issue, making you sick and your home not so comfy.
If that’s the case, then it’s worth thinking about getting it checked out. A professional mould service can figure out if mould is the problem and help you clear it up fast, which’ll make the air in your house and, in turn, your allergies, way better.
Sign #3 – Damp or Discoloured Carpet Areas
As you well know, moisture is a mould’s best friend, and carpets are all too welcoming hosts. A damp patch here, a little discolouration there, that’s all it takes for the fungi spores to set up camp on your carpet.
Whether it’s a dribble from a central heating radiator or a bit of water from a dripping pipe, these soggy spots can quickly become infested with mould if left unchecked.
However, before you start panicking about your carpets, here’s a quick fix: tackle those wet patches immediately. Give them a good blot with a towel, and maybe set a small fan to work.
It’s also worth having a dehumidifier on standby, especially in those older terraced houses where dampness can be a regular visitor. A quick weekly check, especially after rain, can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
Sign #4 – Visible Mould Growth on Carpet Edges or Underneath
That’s a pretty obvious sign that trouble is brewing. What’s more concerning is that these pesky spots are easy to miss when we’re on our cleaning tasks, giving mould the perfect chance to flourish unnoticed for some time.
To deal with this, you might want to consider lifting the carpet now and then, especially around the edges or under furniture. A quick peek with a flashlight can reveal what’s hiding beneath.
Mould has a sneaky way of showing up in as little as 48 hours if there’s a bit of dampness, so it pays to be vigilant, as catching it early is key. This is how you stop the mould from taking over, and how you keep your carpet fresh and avoid bigger headaches down the road.
Effective Mould Removal Techniques
White vinegar and baking soda are your trusty allies here.
Vinegar is great because it’s naturally acidic, which helps break down the mould. To combat the fungus, first grab a spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and water, and fill it. Then spray on the mouldy patch and let it work its magic for about an hour.
You might want to test a small hidden area first, just in case. After enough time passes, use a clean cloth to dry it off.
Baking soda is great for absorbing excess moisture and removing odours. Sprinkle a generous amount over the mouldy area and leave it to sit overnight. In the morning, just vacuum it up.
You’ll want to make sure the carpet is completely dry afterwards, by maybe opening a window or using a fan. This prevents those pesky spores from making a comeback.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Mould Growth
Fungus just loves wet spots, so keeping your carpets dry is your best defence.
As we mentioned above, mould can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions. So, next time there’s a spill, make sure to blot it up straight away and dry it thoroughly.
Regularly vacuuming is another great way to keep things in check. You might want to use a bag-less model, and don’t forget to empty it outside to avoid any musty smells lingering inside. A quick once-over each week should do the trick.
If your home gets a bit too humid, using a dehumidifier can work wonders to keep things in check. Try setting it to around 50% humidity. A cheap hygrometer to keep an eye on things could also do you some good.
If mould keeps returning, it might be time to give a qualified mould removal service a call and let the pros handle it.
Conclusion
So, now you know not only if you’re dealing with fungi, but also how to remove mould from your carpet. If you’re dealing with such an issue, speed always pays off as it protects your health, above all.
Give these tips and tricks a go and see how much fresher your place feels after there’s no more mould growing on your carpets. And, if the issue persists, contact mould removal services right away so the problem is fixed once and for all.
Good luck and stay healthy!