Health Dangers Caused By Water Damaged Carpets

Is your carpet wet? If so, you may be putting your family’s health at risk. Even when the wet carpet dries, it may still be harmful to your family’s health unless it gets properly cleaned.

How Wet Carpets Can Make You Sick

It is known that damp environments are not great for living spaces. Damp spaces are havens for mold and mildew, rot, and insects looking for a water source. The health dangers caused by water damaged carpets are quite alarming.

Here we have listed a few health risks you expose yourself and your family to with a seemingly harmless wet or water damaged carpet:

Allergic Rhinitis

Mold commonly develops when wet carpets are not dried properly. Mold gives off spores in the air that cause mild to severe allergic reactions when inhaled. This allergic reaction causes the nasal passage and mucus membranes to swell, leading to breathing difficulties and sneezing fits. This health problem will keep going until you remove the allergens. 

Respiratory Problems

Studies have shown that mold spores can permanently damage your lungs and airways, and they can also trigger asthma, tuberculosis, and many other respiratory problems. You may experience shortness of breath, have trouble breathing, or your chest may be congested, and these health conditions may be life-threatening. 

Skin Allergies

Mold spores that come in direct contact with your skin can also cause an allergic reaction. These spores can cause itching, skin irritation, redness, and blotching. Even worse, they can develop into extremely painful bumps, swelling, and skin lesions. A bacterial or fungal infection may set in if untreated properly.  

Concentration Problems

A wet carpet left that way will give off a terrible smell. A foul-smelling room may cause concentration problems. Who can focus on anything when they regularly have to pinch their noses to get rid of the smell? Deodorizers and air fresheners can only mask it for a time – it will not get rid of the source. Besides this, mold and mildew can cause frequent migraines, insomnia, fatigue, and other neurological problems.

Common Causes For Water Damaged Carpets

The first step to eliminating health risks from water damaged carpet is to find out the water source and contain it. Stop the cause of flooding or water damage to preserve your carpet.

Then you can then start cleaning it out or, better yet, get the services of a professional carpet cleaner and/or a water damage restoration company (if the flooding or damage is extensive) to get it done more thoroughly. 

Here’s a list of common water sources that may be wetting and water damaging your carpet:

Rain and Snow

A common cause of water damage to your carpet is rain and snow. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• • Rainwater and snow often leak into the house via unsealed windows, open doors or leaking roofs. 
  • Check your walls for moisture,, as this is an indication of water leaks. 
  • Use sealants to waterproof ceilings and walls, and use waterproof paint on your roof to correct leaks. 
  • Make sure your windows and doors are insulated well. 
  • You can also use a dehumidifier to control moisture in the house.

Home Appliances

Home appliances that use or dispense water may also cause water damage to your carpets. Washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners can spill over water onto your carpets. If you notice any pooling around these appliances, it’s important to get them fixed immediately to prevent further issues. 

Drainage and Plumbing Pipes

Broken plumbing, leaking pipes, and clogged drains are all possible culprits if you notice wet carpets. Be sure to call a plumber as soon as possible to get these fixed. 

Improper Carpet Cleaning Service

Sometimes, carpet cleaning services that deploy steam or shampoo cleaning methods may inadvertently cause water damage to your carpets.

If your carpets are soaked and not dried properly within a minimum of two hours, mold and other harmful bacteria or pathogens can start to develop.

An alternative to prevent this from occurring when getting your carpets cleaned is hiring dry carpet cleaning services instead, as they prevent water damage from happening in the first place.

What To Do When Your Carpet Gets Soaked

To try and save your carpet and prevent further damage, here are the essential actions to take if your carpet gets soaked.  

Locate And Fix The Source Of The Water 

The first order of business is to find out where the water is coming from and make sure to stop it. Make sure to call the proper professionals depending on what’s broken. For example, if it’s your pipes, call a plumber. 

Dry Out Your Carpets Immediately

Try to get as much of the moisture out as soon as possible. Use a wet vacuum to vacuum out most of the water. Sprinkle baking soda and pat dry the surface areas. You may also direct fans towards the carpets to expedite drying time.

Sanitize Your Carpet

Keep bacteria from growing by sanitizing your carpet often. Wet carpets are breeding grounds for mold and a million other bacteria that make you sick. Use a steamer to sanitize your carpet and vacuum as often as you can. You can also deodorize it to get rid of the smell. 

Hire A Professional Carpet Cleaner

Hire a professional carpet cleaning service to ensure your wet carpet is cleaned thoroughly. Carpet cleaners can get the job done better because they have the tools and the equipment to get it done the right way. 

A Solution: Dry Carpet Cleaning

Here at SaniClean Dry Carpet Cleaning, we utilize a waterless dry carpet cleaning method. Our dry carpet cleaning process effectively cleans, sanitizes, and disinfects your carpet no zero drying time is needed. If you’re looking to avoid dealing with water damaged carpets when getting your carpets cleaned, we’re a fantastic solution for you. 

We deep clean your carpet without using harmful chemicals or damaging your carpets’ underlying padding and subfloor. SaniClean Dry Carpet Cleaning offers a better alternative than steaming or other traditional carpet cleaning services. We guarantee that your carpet will be clean, sanitized, and thoroughly dry when we are done. 

Get a free, no-obligation estimate today. Protect your family from the dangers of leaving your carpets wet.