Is your home a breeding ground for microbes such as mold and bacteria without you evening knowing it? These little microscopic creatures are obviously not visible to the naked eye but could be all around you as we speak.
It is no secret that mold and bacteria love moisture. This is allows them to grow and spread like wild fire. Did you know that there’s a difference between the two? Some people use these term interchangeably but they are actually two different species.
Bacteria are tiny single cell organisms that are neither plant or animal. They are a class of species all by themselves in fact. Did you know that a milliliter of fresh water can contain up to 1 million bacterial cells!! This is just in one milliliter alone! This stat alone puts things in perspective. Our world is absolutely teeming with bacteria that can help or hurt us.
Mold on the other hand is a term that refers to fungi. Mold loves damp living conditions such as flooded carpets, condensation from leaky pipes and poorly ventilated rooms with high humidity.
Both species can be bad for your health if the proper steps are not taken to eliminate the problem.
In a recent study conducted by the University of Cincinnati, environmental health researchers found evidence linking two specific strains of bacteria, Stenotrophomonas and Mycobacterium, contribute to infection and respiratory illnesses such as asthma. For more information click here.
This information is important to know because knowing the conditions that mold and bacteria thrive in will help you better protect your home from dangerous microbes from calling your carpet and hard surfaces home.
Microbes can only survive with a minimum humidity of 66%. Anything lower than this and the microbes cannot sustain itself. This means that if you can keep the humidity in your home under 65% harmful mold and bacteria won’t multiply in your home.
What Tools Can You Use To Measure The Humidity Of My Home?
In order to prevent mold and bacteria growth from taking root in your home you must have the right tool to find them.
A Thermo-Hygrometer is the tool that you are going to want to buy to find these little guys. You can actually buy one off the shelf from Amazon for $32!
This device will tell you how much humidity is present in your carpet, in the air, on your walls and on your hard surfaces. If the thermo-hygrometer reads higher than 66% you definitely have a problem on your hands. This means you could have active mold colony that is growing and expanding.
What Should I Do?
If you get a reading higher than 66% there are some steps that you can take.
Remove humidity as quickly as possible. Here are some possible solutions that you can try:
- Turn on exhaust fan, especially in a bathroom or kitchen
- Open a window, this will let fresh air in and the humid air to escape
- Turn on your A/C unit, this will remove the moisture from the air
- Turn on heater for a short period of time
- Purchase a dehumidifier
- Click here for more info.
Following these steps will remove the moist air from your home and prevent mold and bacteria from setting up shop in your carpet, tiles, grout, etc…
Why Is Preventing Humidity So Important
We believe that keeping your home as dry as possible will keep your indoor air quality where it should be. If you have active mold colonies in your home they are bound to end up in your carpet sooner or later.
Carpet can act as a magnet for everything in the house, from pet dander, dust and yes mold spores. Mold spores are known to cause respiratory illness in children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Phoenix Carpet Repair and Cleaning is all about promoting good home health. Your home shouldn’t make you sick!!
How Can Phoenix Carpet Repair and Cleaning Help Me?
Phoenix Carpet Repair and Cleaning is your full service carpet care company. No job is too small for us. Our professional carpet cleaning technicians are the best in the business and can ensure that all contaminants in your carpet will be eliminated.
Our carpet cleaning technology is highly effective at restoring your carpet back to the way it should be. Give us a call today at 602-488-4186 to speak to our customer service representative and book your appointment!
If you are on the go, you can book your appointment with us online!! Phoenix Carpet Repair and Cleaning is a customer 1st company! We always put our customers first!!
Our service area includes: Goodyear, Avondale, Phoenix, Peoria and Litchfield Park! We look forward to serving you!!!!
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