Carpets can make a home feel warm and cozy, but they also create the perfect hiding spot for one of your home’s biggest health hazards: mold. If you’ve had a leak, flood, or just live in a humid part of the Bay Area, mold under your carpet might be growing without you even realizing it. Here's what you need to know.
Can Mold Really Grow Under Carpet?
Yes—mold can grow and thrive under carpets, especially when the conditions are just right. Carpet padding and the flooring underneath can hold moisture for days or even weeks, giving mold spores ample time to take root and spread. Since mold growth often starts below the surface, by the time you see visible signs like discoloration or smell a musty odor, the problem may already be widespread.
Common Causes of Carpet Mold
Mold under carpet is usually caused by one or more of the following:
- Water damage from leaks, spills, or floods
- High humidity, especially in bathrooms or basements
- Condensation from poor ventilation or cold flooring
- Inadequate drying after carpet cleaning
- Persistent moisture trapped between the carpet and subfloor
In the San Francisco Bay Area, our foggy, damp climate only increases the risk—especially in older homes or those without proper airflow.
Carpet Mold After Water Damage
Even small water events, like a minor plumbing leak or a pet accident, can lead to mold if not properly dried. After flooding or a serious leak, carpet padding and subfloors can remain wet long after the surface feels dry.
If the water wasn’t removed within 24–48 hours, there’s a good chance mold has started to grow. And because mold spreads fast and thrives in hidden areas, your carpet may look fine while dangerous spores multiply underneath.
Is Carpet Mold Dangerous?
Yes, carpet mold can pose serious health risks. Mold spores in carpet can become airborne and be inhaled, leading to symptoms such as:
- Coughing, sneezing, or sinus congestion
- Itchy eyes or skin irritation
- Headaches and fatigue
- Worsening asthma or respiratory issues
- Long-term exposure risks for children and the elderly
If someone in your household has ongoing allergy-like symptoms, it could be from mold under the carpet—even if you can’t see it.
How Humidity in Bay Area Homes Affects Carpet Mold
The Bay Area's coastal climate brings moisture-rich air into homes year-round. Without proper dehumidification or ventilation, this humidity can settle into porous surfaces like carpet fibers and padding. Over time, this creates a breeding ground for mold—even if there hasn’t been a visible water leak.
Absolutely. Mold under carpet can spread to the subfloor, baseboards, drywall, and furniture. It can also release spores into the air, contaminating your indoor air quality and spreading to other parts of the house.
Once mold reaches this stage, DIY cleaning won’t solve the problem—you need professional mold inspection and testing to determine the full extent of contamination.
How to Prevent Carpet Mold
Here are a few ways to reduce your risk:
- Dry wet areas immediately after spills or leaks
- Use a dehumidifier in humid or poorly ventilated rooms
- Keep bathrooms and kitchens well-ventilated
- Don’t install carpet in high-moisture areas like basements
- Schedule regular mold inspections, especially after water damage
If you suspect mold under your carpet, don’t wait. The longer you wait, the more damage it can do to your home—and your health.
At Bay Area Mold Pros, we specialize in unbiased, certified mold inspections and testing. Our fixed-price service ($595) includes visual inspection, moisture mapping, air/surface sampling, and lab results to give you a clear picture of what’s really happening under the surface.
Call (650) 762-6228 to request an inspection
Or visit bayareamoldpros.com to schedule online
Protect your home. Breathe easier. Trust Bay Area Mold Pros.
