Excess moisture is never good news when it comes to your carpets. All that increased humidity creates ideal conditions for bacteria and mould to grow. This can exacerbate any allergies and make cleaning your precious rugs a nightmare.
Here’s what really happens to your carpets after rainy weather, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
Increased Humidity Leads to Mould and Mildew Growth
Most carpets absorb the excess moisture, which is very bad news for you because it creates the ideal environment for fungi to grow. You might notice a funky smell or weird stains that don’t go away, so keep an eye out for those.
If you want to keep mould at bay, try using a dehumidifier to remove that extra moisture. Also, let some fresh air in by opening windows or switching on a fan to air things out. Make sure you check your carpets regularly as well and tackle any issues you spot right away.
If you have a mould problem on your hands, it’s best to deal with it right away. You don’t want to breathe in the fungal spores. Ideally, you need to wash your carpets properly or just call in professionals to handle it for you.
How to Prevent Carpet Contamination
Keeping carpets clean after the rain means being smart about how you approach it. Firstly, put mats at all the doors. They’re great for catching mud, dirt, and wet stuff before it gets inside on the carpet.
It’s also a good idea to ask everyone to take off their shoes when they come in. The no-shoes-indoors policy helps keep the outside grime from messing up your carpets and spreading the dirt and mud inside.
You might also want to think about getting some air purifiers. They help keep the air fresh by removing dust and allergens that could land on your carpets.
And don’t forget to shake out or wash those mats often to ensure they continue serving their purpose well.
Why Regular Carpet Maintenance Is So Important
Taking care of your carpets might not sound like the most thrilling task, but it’s quite necessary. It has a direct impact on your health, after all, and you wouldn’t want to gamble with that, do you?
This means you need to put this chore on your list and give the carpets the attention they deserve. When you give them a bit of regular TLC, you’ll see they not only look amazing but also help keep the air in your home fresh.
A solid cleaning routine is at the centre of that as it effectively stops all sorts of muck and allergens from building up, and wreaking havoc on your health.
DIY Cleaning Tips
Here are two effective cleaning strategies to help you out:
- Weekly Vacuuming. A weekly vacuum session is ideally what needs to happen, maybe twice if you’ve got a big and busy household. It tackles dirt and those pesky allergens before they get too comfy in the carpet fibres. You might want to use a low-suction setting on delicate rugs to keep them looking their best.
- Immediate Spot Cleaning. We’ve all been there — that moment the cuppa spills just as you sit down to relax. No need to panic, though. Just grab an eco-friendly cleaner and sort it straight away. This can save your carpet from a permanent stain.
Professional Services
Twice a year is the recommended time to call in the experts for a professional carpet washing service.
The pro cleaners come armed with the know-how and kit to tackle the stubborn dirt you can’t reach. That will deep clean your precious floor coverings and dramatically reduce allergens. In turn, when the carpets are revitalised, your space will be much more cosy and inviting.
By mixing a bit of DIY with some professional help, you can combat the effects of humid weather so your carpets always stay in top-notch condition and your health is protected.
Quick Carpet Drying Methods
Making your carpet dry quickly is a must if you want to dodge the nasty business of dealing with mould and mildew. After all, fungi can start growing in just 24 to 48 hours, which means you have no time to waste.
First, you might want to try grabbing a trusty fan. A typical household fan will do, just point it at the soggy spot to get the air moving. While you’re at it, throw a dry towel over the wet area–it’ll help soak up the moisture while the fan does its thing.
You can also add baking soda or rice to quickly collect the excess moisture. They’re both quite absorbent. Also, don’t forget to open a few windows for at least 15 minutes. The fresh air will do wonders for circulation and prevent mould from growing.
Using a dehumidifier is another neat option. Set it to about 50% relative humidity and watch as it cuts drying time in half. Just remember to move any furniture off the wet patches and also check those sneaky spots under doorways, as water loves to hide there, too.
Do these things, and you’ll avert mould and mildew growth, and your carpets will be safe.
Conclusion
Rainy weather is a bit of a challenge to deal with, but with the right mindset, it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. Use these tips, and you’ll never have to worry about your carpets or your health getting compromised because of them.
With a little care and patience, your home will stay cosy and healthy, even when it’s pouring outside.
Good luck and happy cleaning!
