Molds are health hazards that can easily spread if left unchecked. Keep your eyes open for the following clues to catch them early on.
Worsening allergies
Carpet mold can cause several health problems such as allergies, breathing troubles, asthma, and bronchitis. If you notice a higher incidence of such conditions in the members of your household, you must consider the possibility of carpet mold in your home. If the walls and floors in your home and basement look clean, be prepared for a thorough inspection of the carpet.
Musty odor
Smell the carpet for pungent musty or sour odors. Don’t place your nose closer than 2 inches from the carpet, do not inhale deeply or smell at one area for more than a moment or so. Mold and mildew stains are composed of spores which cause health issues when too much are inhaled. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate
Discoloration
In most cases, when the mold growth reaches an advanced stage, you can see discolored patches on your carpet. Most of the time, these patches are white, black, or various shades of green. The color is caused by the mold colony multiplying on your carpet. Source: DoItYourself
Look underneath
Sometimes mold grows underneath a carpet before it starts growing on the top. If you’re inspecting an area rug, turn it over and check the bottom for mold. If you suspect there’s mold growing in your wall-to-wall carpeting, you may need to hire a professional to lift up the carpet and inspect it for you. Source: WikiHow
Water Damage
If padding beneath the carpet has become wet for any reason, or has become moist from condensation, the padding as well as the carpet on top are at risk for mold growth. The padding may need to be replaced, as will the carpet, in some cases. Source: NACHI
