Unfortunately, many Australians have recently been affected by flooding. And flooding can often come in many forms.
From mother nature turning on the rain clouds to washing machines and facets giving way, there are numerous reasons why you may find yourself facing flooding in your home.
Apart from the inconvenience and distress flooding may cause, there are also other things homeowners need to consider when they’ve experienced home flooding issues. For example, the health risks associated with wet carpets.
As professional carpet cleaners, we’ve seen the effects of water damaged carpets. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
The health issues that arise from water damaged carpets
You’ll find that wet carpets are the perfect environment for breeding mould, fungi and bacteria. These organisms can cause serious health issues for those living in your home. Here’s what you may experience.
1. Allergic reactions
Mould and mildew love wet areas, and it doesn’t take long for them to fester and grow. When mould spores are inhaled, they can trigger an allergic reaction:
- Excessive coughing
- Sneezing
- Eye irritation
- Breathing difficulties
- Skin rashes
- Throat irritation
- Sinus congestion
You should treat your water-soaked carpet within 24 to 48 hours to reduce the risk of mould growth.
2. Respiratory issues
Waterlogged carpet can lead to several respiratory issues, including:
- Asthma
- Tuberculosis
- Emphysema
- Cystic Fibrosis
When mould spores are inhaled, your airways can become restricted, causing you to start wheezing or failing to get a good breath in. If you’ve already got asthma, you are at greater risk of experiencing worsening symptoms.
If you leave your water damaged carpet untreated, serious fungus can grow. When this is inhaled, it can cause permanent damage to your airways and lungs through a severe fungal infection.
3. Skin irritation
When mould and mildew spores in the wet carpet are disturbed, the spores will travel through the air, landing on your skin. You may experience:
- Eczema
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling
Leaving wet carpet untreated can also cause viral and bacterial skin infections when you come into contact with it.
4. Neurological issues
Mould and mildew spores can be pretty nasty when left untreated for long periods. People have reported neurological issues such as:
- Sudden mood changes
- Loss of memory
- Chronic fatigue
- Migraines
It’s best to treat water damaged carpets immediately or remove your family from the home while treating the damage. Limiting your exposure to mould and mildew spores is always the best option if you can manage to do so.
How to treat your water damaged carpets to prevent health issues
It’s recommended to start treating your water damaged carpets asap.
If you’ve experienced natural flooding, you’ll need to wait until all the water has subsided and you’re allowed to re-enter your home. However, if you’ve experienced flooding from things like a burst tap, act straight away.
Here are a few steps to take:
- If water is still flowing from the burst tap – turn off your water at the mains!
- Fix the broken tap or issue where possible so it won’t continue leaking
- Use a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of the air (helping to prevent mould and mildew growth)
- Use high-power drying fans directed at the water-logged carpets to quicken the drying process
You can hire dehumidifiers and high-power fans from many hardware outlets.
It’s also a good idea to call your insurance company and explain your situation. They may be able to send someone out to help you or supply you with the equipment needed to dry your carpets.
PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING COMPANIES CAN HELP YOU
As professional carpet cleaners, we’re here to help you restore your carpets to feeling and smelling fresh.
You may find previously water damaged carpets retain a damp smell. By using professional carpet cleaners, we can sanitise and deodorise your carpets and help you get rid of harmful mould and mildew that may be lingering.
You and your family’s health come first. So, make sure you treat water damaged carpets ASAP. Then, give us a call to give them a professional clean to get them back to a healthy state.
To enquire about our cleaning services or book a professional carpet cleaner, please get in touch.
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