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Carpets act like the good guys of your home. They look harmless and save your floor from scratches, impacts, spills, etc. But over time, they can become the allergy-spreading antagonist that stays in front of you but always goes unnoticed. With time, the soiled and grimy carpet starts harbouring mould and dust mites. And how do you know if your carpets are hiding these culprits? Let’s discuss.
Carpets are like sponges, trapping moisture, dirt, and organic material. This is a perfect breeding ground for mould and dust mites. Mould thrives in damp, warm environments, while dust mites love humid, cosy spots filled with dead skin cells. Your best bet is to hire a carpet cleaning service in Auckland to eliminate them.
Mould doesn’t always announce itself with big, obvious patches. Here’s how to tell if it’s lurking in your carpet.
A damp, earthy smell is a red flag indicating mould possibilities. If your carpet smells like a wet basement, mould is likely the cause. The odour might be faint at first, so sniff around areas near windows, bathrooms, or basements as they’re prone to moisture.
Mould can appear as black, green, or white patches. Check under furniture or in corners where air doesn’t circulate well. You might see fuzzy or powdery spots as well as discolouration. Even a slight change in your carpet’s colour could signal mould growth.
Are you sneezing or coughing more at home? Mould can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, or skin irritation. If symptoms improve when you leave the house, your carpet might be the culprit.
Spills, leaks, or floods increase the risk of mould. If your carpet has been wet for more than 24 hours, mould could already be growing. Even if it feels dry now, check for hidden moisture under the carpet or padding.
Dust mites are microscopic, almost invisible, but their effects are real. Here’s how to know if they’re on your carpet.
Dust mites are a common allergen. Itchy eyes, a runny nose, or asthma attacks can indicate their presence. If symptoms worsen at night or in specific rooms, your carpet could be infested.
Dust mites need humidity above fifty percent to survive. Use a hygrometer to check your home’s humidity. If it’s consistently high, your carpets are likely hosting dust mites.
Heavy dust buildup is a red flag you mustn’t ignore. Vacuum your carpet and check the canister after cleaning. If it’s full of fine, powdery dust, mites are likely feasting on it. Shake out rugs or tap furniture over a white sheet. Did you see tiny specks moving around? That’s a clue that dust mites are there.
If you have found mould or dust mites in your carpet and are looking for ways to fight back, read on to learn the right hacks.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap tiny particles. Vacuum at least twice a week, focusing on high-traffic areas. Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture, as it remains damp and ideal for mould and mites.
Keep indoor humidity below 50% using a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements. Run the air conditioning in summer and open windows on dry days to ventilate.
Blot spills with a dry cloth to avoid soaking the carpet. If there are still wet spots, use a fan to dry them quickly. For large spills, consider a wet/dry vacuum.
Steam cleaning kills dust mites and removes mould spores. Hire a professional or rent a machine to ensure the carpet dries completely within 24 hours to prevent mould regrowth.
Sprays and powders can reduce dust mite populations. Look for products labelled as anti-allergen and follow the instructions carefully to avoid chemical residue.
Your carpets should be a source of comfort, not health risks. Mould and dust mites are common but manageable. Stay vigilant, check for musty smells, discolouration, or allergy symptoms. Keep humidity low and clean regularly. If you suspect a problem, act fast before these tiny issues become a significant problem.
