As the majority of us are well aware by now, mold growth in a home can be a serious issue. One area where mold can be a problem before you even realize it is in carpeting. Here are a few ways to identify mold in carpeting and tips on how to deal with it:

Before mold growth is even visible, it may have started growing in a carpet. Mold is often only noticeable in a carpet in more extreme cases. This should emphasize the need to purposefully check for mold. The underside of the carpet and the carpet padding should be inspected, as this is an area at high risk for mold. You also want to keep in mind the type of environments that aid mold growth. For example, if your home has carpeting in the bathroom, basement, or any other area with high levels of moisture and humidity, they will be at greater risk of carpet mold.

Carpet mold can be identified by its musty smell and visible signs such as discoloration or dark spots. However, not all discoloration or stains on your carpet are mold. They could be caused by other factors such as spills or dirt.

How to deal with it. Small patches of recently developed mold can usually be taken care of with a cleaning. However, if the mold is spread over a larger area, has been in a flood, or spent longer than 24 hours wet, it is generally best to replace the carpet entirely. This is because mold can cause serious health issues such as respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. It is always best to err on the side of caution than to put the health and well-being of you and your household at risk.