Carpet is at high risk of mold growth. For mold to grow, it needs oxygen, moisture, a surface to grow on, and a food source. Spores are commonly found in the air. If they land on damp or wet spots indoors, they feed on dust, and mold growth will occur very soon.
In the right conditions, area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting provide a perfect breeding ground for mold. Carpet located below ground level in basements, as well as carpet that’s been wet for a period of time, and moist or damp carpeting, are at especially high risk of mold growth.
Just because mold is not immediately visible or apparent on carpeting doesn’t mean that growth is not in progress. Actually, mold is likely to only be visible on the surface of carpeting in severe infestations – as would commonly occur when the carpet has remained wet for some time after flooding.
Carpeting that has been subjected to flood damage or standing water usually needs to be disposed of because conditions are ripe for mold growth. Even if visible growth has not yet started, it’s highly probable that it will happen unless the carpeting is removed, cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours. Even then, removing it and cleaning it is not guaranteed to prevent mold growth.
At Spangler Restoration in Charlotte, NC, we are a fully licensed general contractor specializing in insurance restoration. We also offer 24/7 emergency house restoration services on mold, storm, smoke, fire and flood damage, as well as vandalism or any other disaster that may strike your home.
