07/08/2015
DEALING WITH MILDEW ON CARPETS AND UPHOLSTERY
Mildew is a fungus growth that has the appearance of an irregular stain. Its colour usually ranges from grey to black, although it can also be yellow, orange or red. A musty odour can often be detected.
Mildew is usually found in warm, damp, dark areas (ultraviolet light will destroy it), however it can be found anywhere where there is an ingress of water that has not been treated properly, or has been present for some time without detection.
THE EFFECTS OF MILDEW ON CARPET
Any carpet which has jute, cotton, rayon, silk or wool in its construction or has accompanying underlay which contains organic material will, in the right environmental conditions, provide the ideal habitat for mildew to grow.
A mildew problem that has been left for some time can result in dry rot; this is because it has been digesting the organic matter in the backing of the carpet. A good example of this is when a flower pot (which has been resting on a carpet) is watered and the water is spilled over the carpet for an extended period. Once this happens it cannot be reversed. Little can be done when the dry rot has set in.
THE EFFECTS OF MILDEW ON UPHOLSTERY FABRICS
Mildew usually attacks cellulose fibres such as cotton and linen, which are derived from plants. It is also likely to grow on other natural fabrics and materials such as wool, silk, and leather. Synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, generally resist mildew, but if these fabrics are soiled and exposed to warm, damp conditions they too can be attacked by mildew. The stains on the fabric attract the fungus, and moisture and warmth aid its growth.
When mildew starts to grow on a fabric, it interlaces around the yarns, and eventually grows into individual fibres. The growth shows up as dark, irregularly shaped stains. The fabric takes on a musty odour, and the growth eventually deteriorates the fibres to the point of rotting. Depending on the length of time mildew has been allowed to grow and the fibre damage it has caused, complete restoration of mildewed fabrics may not be possible. Even if the stains can be completely removed, the fabric may be weakened to the extent that it will fall apart.
SO… HOW CAN YOU AVOID THE DAMAGING EFFECTS OF MILDEW ON YOUR SOFT FURNISHINGS?
Early detection and eradication of mildew is essential in avoiding the degradation of your carpets and upholstery fabrics.
Keeping your soft furnishings clean is of the utmost importance. A professional carpet and upholstery cleaning service will be able to help you with a mildew problem if tackled early on.