Mould Test Kits for Carpeting and Padding

If carpeting and/or padding was wet for more than 24 hours, mould growth has probably already begun in the carpeting and/or padding. One way to test your padding and carpeting for mould growth is to attach one of our mould test kits to the side of a cleaned, rubbing alcohol-disinfected box fan so that the air flow through the fan comes from across the surface of padding itself [the carpet having been pulled back] or the carpeting, and then impacts air [and thus possibly mould spores] directly onto the open sticky surface of the mould test kit that has been taped to the fan surface. Run this fan test for 10 minutes, remove and seal the mould test kit, and then observe the mould test kit for 7 days for how much mould growth has happened, or send the kit a Certified Mold Laboratory for mould analysis and identification.

Carpet, Carpeting, Rugs, Padding & Mould Problems

[August 6, 2003]

Q. I have an air conditioner that leaks water, which we catch in a bucket.  Today I walked by the area, which is wet from a day or so ago when we let the bucket overflow.  There was a few dots of bright yellow substance on top of the carpet.  I asked my child if he had been eating something with mustard on it, because it looked just like mustard, but he said no, so I had let my cats in and thought they were the ones at fault.  I put them out and in like 2 hours it was back again and also in another spot.   The "bright yellow substance" smells peculiar and it so nasty... makes me want to throw up and I have a stomach of steel.  I have been researching moulds, but I have yet to find anything on a yellow mould.

A. There are almost a million different species of mould, with almost all colors of the rainbow being the color of some mould or another. Yellow mould is common. To know what mould it is, you would need to collect a sample of the mould for mould identification by our mould laboratory [Mold Mart]. To do so, simply cut out a small physical sample of the moldy carpet and/or moldy padding to send to our lab for mould analysis. Put the sample[s] into a zip lock bag to which you have attached a label with your name, property address, date of testing, precise indoor location of testing, and your contact information.   The most important step you can take to determine whether or not you have a mould problem in your home is to mould test the air of every room, plus the attic air, basement/crawl space air, and the air flow out of all heating/cooling duct registers for the possible presence of elevated levels of airborne mould spores, which, if present, would indicate a mould problem, especially if the mould colony counts exceed the outdoor control test you do. Alternatively, you can a hire a Certified Mould Inspector to thoroughly do an entire home mold inspection and mold testing for you. To do so, please visit: Certified Mold Inspectors.

[Feb. 6, 2003]

Q. We had water break in the house this morning and the carpets are soaked. The insurance company is sending someone out to pull up carpets and dry them. Is there anything that needs to be done to protect and make sure we don't have any mould problems in the future. Especially if they won't pay for new carpet and pad because they might say it will be ok because it was dried properly or what ever.

A. If the carpeting, padding, floor beneath, and walls were completely dried WITHIN 24 hours of being wet, you are probably OK. It would still be wise and cautious on your part to have the home inspected and tested for mould infestation by a Certified Mould Inspector. Best testing time would be about a week to 2 weeks after the flood. Be sure to have floor and wall cavities in the flooded area visually inspected with the Inspector's fiber optics inspection device and mould tested inside the cavities with a air sampling cassettes, or with a mould culture impactor. You should also test the air in the various house rooms, basement, attic, and crawl space mould tested by the Inspector for the possibility of elevated levels of mould spores. More than half of all homes have serious, hidden mould infestation problems. You might be surprised to discover that your home has a big mould problem UNRELATED to the immediate flood that caused you to worry about possible mould growth. If you have budgetary concerns about the reasonable cost of professional mould inspection and testing, you can do your own mould testing---please visit Mold Mart.

To find a Certified Mould Inspector or Remediator in your area, or to be trained & certified as a mould inspection, testing, remediation, and prevention expert, please visit: Mould Professional.

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Also visit these pages---
[New Home Mould][ Fire, Flood, and Water Damage Restoration Mould Mould] [Mould Photo]
[Mould Protocol] [Wood Siding Mould] [Mould Inside Wall] [Manufactured Home Mould] [Rental Home Apartment FAQ] [Mould Test Kits for Carpeting and Padding] [Condominium Mould Problems] [Employer & Workplace Mould Problems] [ Hurricanes and Mould Problems] [Church Mould Problems] [Air Conditioning Mould Test]