Mississauga’s summer rains can be a double-edged sword—while they bring lush greenery, they also create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth, particularly in carpets. For commercial buildings, understanding how to manage these issues is essential to maintain a clean and healthy office space.
When rainwater seeps into your carpet it absorbs and retains the moisture allowing the spores of mold and mildew to rapidly spread within the carpet fibers. If untreated over time this can lead to changes in odors, and discoloration of the carpet and can even cause structural damage, in addition to creating health risks. It is important to treat any moisture or rainwater damage on carpets immediately to avoid the cost of replacement.
If your commercial business has been affected by the rainstorms in Mississauga, you’ve come to the right place. Spotless Janitorial Services specializes in carpet cleaning services in Mississauga and has created a list to help you combat mold and mildew growth in your office space.
Mold and Mildew Growth in Carpets
If you have experienced rainwater or flooding in your building, there is a high chance your carpet will be in perfect condition for mold and mildew growth. Water that seeps into carpets is the main cause of this fungal growth but, it is important to note that this is not the only cause. Mold and mildew in carpets can also be caused by excess moisture and humidity in your office space making frequent cleaning and good ventilation equally important preventative measures.
If you notice any of the following signs, it is essential to hire a carpet cleaning service in Mississauga to deal with your mold and mildew problem.
Common signs include:
- A unique odor such as a musty smell
- Noticing discoloration and straining in the carpet
- Increase in health symptoms among building occupants such as respiratory issues or increased allergies
- Although rare, you may also see obvious mold growth occurring
Preventative Measures
The good news is that mold and mildew can be prevented by ensuring you do the following:
Regularly invest in carpet cleaning services
Routine deep cleaning of carpets is a crucial preventive measure for mold and mildew growth in commercial offices especially during rainy seasons. Unfortunately, regular vacuuming is not enough to remove the moisture and mold spores that can be accumulated over time. The best way to keep your commercial carpets clean and mold-free is with professional office cleaning. Hot water extraction or steam cleaning is the most effective at reaching the carpet’s base layers and eliminating hidden contaminants. Some commercial carpet cleaning services may also offer additional treatments like disinfecting, which kills germs and bacteria.
Reduce humidity
Keeping your indoor humidity level between 30%-50% is one of the most effective ways to prevent mold and mildew growth, especially in areas like Mississauga where rainstorms can increase indoor moisture levels. Two ways to manage humidity in your commercial space are by using a dehumidifier and by ensuring your HVAC system is maintained and properly equipped with humidity control features. Another feature to make use of in your office space is exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that are prone to moisture.
Clean spills as soon as they occur
Spills that sit for too long can have the same effect as rainwater by creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Sugary drink spills are more prone than water spills to create mold in carpets. If a liquid is spilled, start by blotting the affected area with a towel to absorb the moisture, followed by spraying the area with a solution, such as vinegar diluted in water, to help break down the residue. Continue to blot the area until the towel comes out dry. Even if it is only a water spill, it is crucial to dry the area as it can seep into the carpet padding and subfloor remaining trapped for days and creating ideal conditions for mold growth.
The Importance of Ongoing Maintenance
The most effective way to prevent mold and mildew is to frequently hire commercial cleaning services. Preventing mold and mildew in commercial carpets requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. It is important to regularly deep clean, reduce indoor humidity, increase ventilation, and address spills or water leaks as quickly as possible.
Ongoing carpet cleaning is essential. The frequency of commercial cleaning services in Mississauga varies based on the level of use in your space. For areas with light foot traffic, an annual professional cleaning may suffice. However, if your space experiences heavy foot traffic, more frequent cleanings are recommended.it is important to contact carpet cleaning services as soon as possible if you have noticed an increase in the indoor humidity levels or have been affected by the Mississauga rainstorm, to avoid costly damages.
Staying vigilant about carpet care will help protect your commercial space from the costly and potentially hazardous effects of mold and mildew.