What Causes Mold Growth in Area Rugs and How to Remove It

Mold thrives in wet and oxygen-rich environments. The most common places you can find mold are in bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, piles of damp laundry, and sometimes wood flooring. To grow, mold spores need oxygen, moisture, and a food source.

Common Signs of Spore Growth

Mold can grow on area rugs in high foot traffic locations that experience high levels of moisture. This is because dirt, dust, and food particles, that mold can feed off of, get tracked in by people's feet and become trapped inside the rug. 

All the mold needs to grow is exposure to moisture and oxygen, which are always readily available in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, porches, basements, or any area that has experienced water damage. Once the spores start growing on area rugs, you might begin recognizing the signs of growth soon afterward.

Signs of Spore Growth in Area Rugs

Mold can sometimes grow underneath area rugs without any surface signs. This is because moisture, dirt, and grime can travel deep into the rug's fibers and become trapped. This can create the perfect living conditions for mold spores to grow rapidly. 

People might notice a mildewy, damp smell coming from the rug, which is usually one of the first signs of dangerous spore growth. By this time, the area rug might be unsalvageable, depending on the type, but there are some cleaning products and services that might be able to remove the spores.

Three common signs of mold are:

• Some areas on the rug darkened
• The rug is always wet or damp
• Spores grown on the rug

How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Rugs

Mold is a fungus that grows on organic matter and gets its energy from it. Mold secretes enzymes to break down the organic matter into absorbable substances. It reproduces by releasing small spores into the air. Mold needs a damp, dark, humid environment, as well as organic material, to grow. Rugs are a perfect organic material for mold to grow if the conditions are right.

Placing potted plants on or near your rugs gives mold spores a chance to settle and grow on your rugs. If your rug becomes damp, dry it immediately to prevent mold growth.

Can You Still Keep Area Rugs That Have Had Mold?

If you have a lot of mold growth on your area rug, it is probably best to throw it out. It is very difficult to remove mold once it has started growing. However, some cleaning products and services can remove mold from area rugs if the growth is not too bad. This depends on the type and material of the rug. 

Some solutions that may work for killing mold and removing it from rugs are bleach, sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, and mold removal cleansers. However, these solutions are not safe for all types of rugs. If you are unsure how to clean the rug, it is best to call a professional.

Conclusion

Mold growth in area rugs is caused by many factors, including humidity, lack of ventilation, and spills. To prevent mold growth, it is important to keep your rug clean and dry and ensure adequate ventilation in the room where the rug is located. If you find mold on your rug, you may be able to remove it with a vinegar solution or a commercial mold removal product.

CitruSolution provides area rug, carpet, and upholstery cleaning services. We are a local, family-owned business operated by Steve and Janis Williams. Our experienced professionals will clean your area rug and restore it to its original pristine condition and appearance. Our team uses an effective spray extraction method for thoroughly cleaning area rugs. The rugs are sprayed with our special cleaning solution, which is then extracted. If you’re looking for area rug cleaning services, call us at (770) 286-9048 today! Let us know how we can help.