In damp, dark places, mold and mildew grow fast, and once it gains a foothold in your house, it takes a lot of work to eliminate it. So, how do you know if it's growing just beneath the surface of your carpet and on your tiles?

In most cases, it is easy to tell if you have mold or mildew growing on your tile but a little harder to detect under your carpet.

To remove mold from tile, make sure you find and eliminate the source of the mold, such as a leak or excess moisture. The best way to combat mold on tile is to use a mixture of bleach and water, let it soak, then scrub and rinse it off. This process may need to be repeated a few times. To prevent overgrowth of mold or for more delicate tile work, it is recommended to have regular cleanings from a professional, like Gator Clean.

Here are a few tell-tale signs that it's time to address a possible mold problem:

Damp Carpet - If you are one of the many people affected by Hurricane Irma, it's likely moisture reached the inside your home. If dampness in your carpet was caused by this or any other reason and was allowed to remain for more than a day, your risk of having mold is high.

Increased Allergy Symptoms - Carpet mold triggers and aggravates allergies and breathing problems, including bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and COPD. If you notice increased symptoms of these conditions in members of your household, it's time to consider the possibility of mold growing underneath your carpet. Having a complete carpet inspection is vital to the health of your family.

Musty Smells - A musty odor in the vicinity of your carpet often indicates the presence of mold. While it might not be immediately apparent to you if you spend a lot of time in your home, take note of any visitors' comments on the musty smell of your home, as this is another sure sign of carpet mold.

White, Black, or Green Growth on your Carpet - If carpet mold has reached its advanced stage, you'll notice discolored patches of it on your carpet. This happens when the mold colony has multiplied and has reached a critical, dangerous point.

An easy way to stay ahead of carpet mold it to check regularly for its presence beneath your carpet and on any tile surfaces. A professional can safely lift a part of your carpet, without causing damage to inspect the floor beneath it thoroughly.

Mold and mildew is an issue that needs to be addressed to protect your carpet, tile, home, and your health. If you think your carpet or tile may have mold contact Gator Clean for a free quote.