How Long Does It Take For Mould To Grow In Wet Carpet?

Mould is a type of fungus that can live and spread as soon as moisture and food are present. Just a few inches of water can create the perfect condition for mould growth. As it rapidly develops it can damage your property – and is particularly destructive to carpets.

Excess water in your home from a flood, a burst pipe, or even a roof that’s leaking can cause a range of problems including a breeding ground for mould. How long does it take for mould to grow in the wet carpet? Read on…

Mould Facts

Mould is a small organism that’s essential outdoors as it naturally breaks down trees, plants and leaves that are dead. Indoors it can be found in bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and basements – and airborne particles are quickly attracted to wet carpets.

Some types of mould produce toxins which can cause a variety of health concerns. Symptoms of mould-related issues include a sore throat, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Allergens produced by the mould can also cause asthma attacks.

Common signs of mould include a damp or musty smell, and visible signs cover swelling of walls and furniture, and coloured spots on carpets and upholstery.

Mould typically takes 24 to 48 hours to grow depending on the surface, the amount of moisture, and the temperature. Spores begin to colonise in three to 12 days and become visible after about 18 days. Mould spores actually root into porous surfaces and feed off organic substance – damaging the structural integrity of the fabric.

Cleaning a Mouldy Carpet

Follow these basic steps for tips to help with cleaning a lightly mouldy carpet:

• Remove any excess moisture with a wet vacuum cleaner and open windows for added ventilation
• When dry any remaining debris can be removed by normal vacuuming
• Apply a water-vinegar mix to the affected area by spraying a light misty layer
• Neutralise the odour by adding baking soda which won’t damage the carpet of harm pets and let the solution sit overnight
• Re-vacuum in the morning

Getting Rid of Carpet Mould

To successfully remove mould from the wet carpet you need to identify where the mould is and how deeply it goes. This ensures the mould will be eliminated at the roots.

A carpet mould cleaner designed specifically for carpets will clean, disinfect, and deodorise to kill mould and mildew, but you may be limited to the size of the area you can treat depending on spray capacity size. The type of mould will determine the choice of chemicals you use – and bear in mind you may need to wear protective gloves and goggles to carry out any cleaning mould off carpet procedures safely.

Drying Flood-Affected Carpets Correctly

Carpets can become mouldy very quickly and start to smell in a short time so proper drying is vital. Depending on the extent of the damage removal of floorboards may be necessary after the wet carpet and underlay have been discarded. Wet vacuum cleaners can be used to get rid of any standing water, and dehumidifiers can maintain humidity and help the area to thoroughly dry out.

If your property is flooded it would be advisable to hire a water damage restoration company who have the right equipment to comprehensively carry out drying procedures. Any contaminated water will be safely removed and mould removal experts have the appropriate tools to detect mould hidden in awkward areas. If any mould remnants are left it will re-form.

Mould Inspections

A mould specialist will be able to determine the extent of possible mould spread and plan what needs to be done prior to any restoration work. Samples will be taken and a detailed moisture testing survey carried out. A mould inspection report will then be provided for you.

Future Mould Prevention

High humidity is one of the main causes of mould growth in carpets. Increasing ventilation by opening windows and running a fan or dehumidifier can help eliminate moisture. Vacuuming your carpets regularly can suck up mould spores before they take hold – and keeping rooms light can also be of benefit as mould grows in the dark.

Professional carpet cleaning is another way to keep mould at bay. Qualified and experienced carpet cleaning experts will use powerful hot water extraction machines to ensure a uniquely high quality of cleansing. Highly effective technologies and carpet cleaning methods will remove all spores and odours, leaving your carpets as new.