How Does Weather And Humidity Affect Your Carpets?

Carpets may be an aesthetically-pleasing and comfortable choice of flooring, but you have to spend quite a bit on maintenance if you want to keep them in top condition. A lot of factors need to be considered when caring for a carpet. For example, have you ever wondered, “How does weather affect carpets?” or “How does humidity affect carpets?” In this article, you’ll find answers to those questions, as well as additional tips for what you can do to protect your carpets from humidity. 

What Is Humidity?

Humidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in the air. The more water vapor is present, the higher the level of humidity. While you can’t see humidity, you can definitely feel it. If there’s ever been a day where you stepped foot outside your house and the air itself felt sticky and oppressive, that’s humidity at work.

Within the U.S., the top five states with the highest relative humidity are Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Hawaii. North Carolina falls somewhere in the middle, ranking 23rd in terms of relative humidity. 

How Does Humidity Affect Carpets?

You may not realize it, but when the weather gets hotter and the humidity gets higher, your carpets are at risk of damage. This damage isn’t instant — it’s a gradual change that you might only notice when your carpets are beyond saving. Here are some of the ways that weather and humidity can negatively affect your carpets.

Humidity Can Increase Mold Growth

Mold growth is the biggest issue for a carpet in a humid environment. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also damage your carpet over time when dry rot develops. Worst of all, it’s a health hazard to everyone in your home. Some may be sensitive to mold and experience side effects like coughing, wheezing, a stuffy nose, and itchy red eyes or skin. If someone in your home has asthma or an allergy to mold, the side effects they experience may be even more intense. The most severe reactions can even include shortness of breath and fever.

Humidity Can Bring Additional Germs, Bacteria, and Other Pests

Carpets are notorious for being a breeding ground for pests. When humidity is higher, there can be an increase in the number of germs and bacteria hitching a ride on the moisture droplets in the air. There’s also the fact that insects like carpet beetles are drawn to moist, humid environments.

Humidity Can Lead to More Trapped Dirt

Have you ever tried scrubbing out dirt from your carpets only to wonder why it felt like no matter how much you cleaned, it stayed dirty? This can also be a side-effect of humidity. Moisture in the air can carry more dirt into your home, which will eventually settle into your carpet. 

Humidity Can Damage Your Carpet’s Form and Structure

High temperatures and high humidity is a combination that will absolutely wreak havoc on your carpets. Over time, its material can shrink during hot, dry weather and expand during periods of high humidity, which will lead to ripples in your carpet. When your carpet can no longer remain flat on your floor’s surface, its aesthetic appeal and functionality are significantly decreased.

What You Can Do To Protect Your Carpets From Humidity

Now that you’re aware of the ways that humidity can damage your carpets, your next priority should be to figure out the right way to protect your carpets in the long run. Here are a few tips you can follow.

Monitor Humidity Levels Regularly

Ideally, the humidity levels in your house should be around 40 to 50%. At the very least, you should aim to keep humidity levels below 60% to inhibit mold growth. The easiest way to do this is by purchasing a digital hygrometer, which you can use to measure humidity. Try to check humidity daily, as surrounding temperatures can change from day to day.

Pay Special Attention to Areas Where Humidity Could Be Higher

Your basement is usually the most humid area in your home. Depending on your floor plan and air circulation (e.g. open windows, exhaust vents for the bathroom and kitchen), other areas may also experience higher levels of humidity. Using a hygrometer, you can figure out which areas have high humidity and ensure that the carpets in those areas receive extra care. 

Use An Air Humidifier When Necessary

Sometimes your problem might be that there’s too little humidity instead of too much. An environment that’s too dry brings its own share of viruses, bacteria, and respiratory illnesses, so consider using an air humidifier when you see humidity levels dipping below 40%. When using an air humidifier, ensure that you use fans or air conditioning to keep the air flowing. 

Get Your Carpets Cleaned Regularly

The best way to protect your carpets from the effects of humidity is to get them cleaned by experts, ideally once a year. Carpet cleaning professionals come equipped with the tools and experience to deep clean your carpet, ensuring that no mold, bacteria, or dirt remains trapped. Calling in experts is especially important if you have organic carpets, as materials like wool are prone to mold growth. 

Call Us Today For The Carpet Cleaning Services You Deserve

Don’t let humidity wreak havoc on your carpets — contact us at Carpet DryClean today! We guarantee that we can clean and disinfect your carpets without further risk of mold growth with our dry carpet cleaning services. Get a free quote for our waterless, alcohol-based carpet cleaning solution by calling us at (919) 878-0748.