If you have wall-to-wall carpeting or area rugs in your home, and you are seeing moisture problems, be wary of mould growth. In the right conditions, carpet can be a breeding ground for mould that lives feeding on bacteria, dust and spores. High-risk areas include basement carpeting, carpet in damp areas, and wet carpet that has been sitting for an extended period of time. Wet carpet and underpadding should be removed immediately, as mould can begin growing on the fabric within 48 – 72 hours. Even if your carpet seems dry, the underpadding may stay wet for a long period of time. Neglecting to remove or replace the affected area promptly can cause much bigger problems and may lead to higher repair costs for you later.

Mould, mildew, and dry rot are various types and stages of fungi. It is possible to kill and remove mould and mildew from your carpet if you tackle it in a timely manner. However, there is no turning back from dry rot, as it will deteriorate the foundation fibres of a rug, compromising its structural integrity and eventually causing it to fall apart. One of the biggest problems with dry rot is that it is usually discovered too late to remedy.

How to Identify Dry Rot?

Look for discoloration on your carpet, which can usually be spotted around mouldy areas. The beginning stages of damage are usually found underneath the rug, so be sure to examine the underside of the rug. Try bending the rug and listen for a cracking sound. If you hear it crack, it’s highly likely that dry rot has already set in. If the carpet is stiff to the touch and sounds like wood when you knock on it, it is time to discard the damaged carpet.

What Causes Dry Rot?

• Moisture: This is the leading cause of dry rot. Maybe you have recently experienced a flood in your carpeted basement. Perhaps you have overwatered your plant and the water has seeped into your carpet without you noticing. Whatever the case may be, rugs that have been compromised with water can sustain irreversible damage.
• Pets: If your pup is not potty-trained, try to avoid carpet in the home. The salts in pet urine can be more destructive to cotton foundation fibers than water, which means your rug can deteriorate very quickly. Accidents and an untrained pet can damage your rug or carpet irreparably.
• Age: Over time, your carpet will age and may show minor colour variation; lose colour when exposed to direct sunlight; and wrinkle due to excessive humidity or inadequate underlay. Try to prolong the life of your rug by keeping it out of the sun and having it professionally steam cleaned at least once a year with Babayan’s repair treatments and carpet cleaning in Mississauga, Toronto and anywhere in the GTA.

Get a Free Estimate Today for Toronto Rug Cleaning Services

Do you have wet carpet due to a leaky roof or appliance? Babayan’s professional carpet cleaning service in Toronto is readily available to help you with any unfortunate situation that has resulted in potential water damage to your carpet. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology, our team of specialized technicians will remove moisture from the affected area and apply controlled drying procedures to minimize the carpet damage and save you money on costly repairs. We service both residential and commercial properties in the Greater Toronto Area, including Mississauga, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and North York.