Leaking pipes, spring flooding, power outages…these are just a few of the occurrences that can actually take quite a toll on you home.  Water damage combined with the excessive humidity and heat that can go hand in hand with these types of disasters can actually make the ideal environment for mildew and mold to grow.  Carpets and area rugs – even ones made from natural materials such as sisal, jute, seagrass and wool – can be incredibly susceptible to mildew and mold because they are made from materials that are absorbent.  If you happen to live in a home that has recently experienced any amount of extreme heat or water damage, you might want to take the following steps to stop the growth of mildew and mold.

• Start the process of cleaning up right now! It doesn’t matter if the leak is a minor one or if there is extensive damage from water, cleaning up as soon as possible is critical.  Once mildew and/or mold begins to form, it can spread very quickly and when it does, it can become quite difficult to get rid of it.
• Let the fresh air and sunlight in. Mildew and mold both do well in areas that are damp as well as dark.  Fresh air and sunlight are the ideal tools to use to combat against the potential growth of mildew and/or mold.  Open your window dressings and windows to make sure that the inside of your home gets both a nice breeze and the proper lighting.  If it is at all possible, hang your rugs outside right in direct sunlight until they become totally dry.
• Get and use a dehumidifier. Mildew and mold both need moisture in order to facilitate growth and spreading.  When you use a dehumidifier, you will be removing any sort of excess moisture from the atmosphere in your home and this will make the humidity level in your home return to a level that is safe.  This level is between 30% and 50%.
• Keep the temperature in the rooms with water damage low. Heat as well as moisture makes a fertile area for mildew and mold to take root and grow.  If you make sure that your thermostat is set to below 80°, you will be able to maintain the coolness in your home and this will make things difficult when it comes to the growth of mildew and mold.

Extreme heat combined with water damage can cause there to be quite a few problems in any home.  By taking the aforementioned steps, an infestation of mildew and mold does not need to be something that you will need to concern yourself with.

To see what is currently available in terms of natural area rugs, head on over to Natural Area Rugs.

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Clare Louise