One of the most unexpected things you may find after water damage is mushrooms. Mushrooms are a variety of fungus, similar to mold, that grows in warm, wet conditions. Although carpet mushrooms are the most common, they can also grow in the bathroom. Whether you have carpet mushrooms or mushrooms growing in the bathroom, we look at what causes them as well as how to get rid of them.
What Causes Mushrooms in Your Home?
Just like mold, mushrooms spread through spores in the air. Although unlikely, mushroom spores can enter your home through windows and doors or even get carried in on your clothes. If those spores land on any wet surface, there is a chance they will grow. Aside from water, mushrooms like moderate temperatures and above-normal humidity. That’s why they are most likely to grow are wet carpeting and in your bathroom.
What Causes Carpet Mushrooms
Carpet mushrooms are usually caused when water isn’t cleaned up properly. The longer carpet stays wet after a flood or spill, the greater the chance mushrooms will grow. Although they can grow in any room, carpet mushrooms are usually found in basements. This is because of lower light and higher humidity levels.
What Causes Mushrooms in the Bathroom
Most mushrooms in the bathroom are usually the result of high humidity and poor ventilation. However, leaky faucets or drains can cause them as well. Although they can grow almost anywhere, they are more likely found in cabinets under sinks or in the corners of bathtubs and showers.
Are Mushrooms in Your Home Dangerous?
With a few exceptions, mushrooms in your home are not dangerous. Although there are a few poisonous kinds, the risk of getting sick is low as long as you take a few basic precautions. However, if you have mushrooms, you have a greater chance of mold. For that reason, it’s important to remove the mushrooms and fix the water issue that caused them.
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How to Get Rid of Carpet Mushrooms and Mushrooms in Your Bathroom
If you have mushrooms growing in your carpet or bathroom, follow these steps to get rid of them. It’s important to remember that mushrooms are caused by a source of water. They will return if you do not fix the problem and dry the area completely.
- Wear Protective Equipment – Even though mushrooms are mostly safe, you should still wear boots, pants, long sleeves, gloves, a ventilator, and goggles for your protection.
- Remove the Mushrooms – Whether in your carpeting or bathroom, remove the mushrooms and throw them away immediately.
- Fix the Water Problem – To prevent them from returning, you need to address the water source. If you had some kind of water damage, you will need to remove the water. For leaks in faucets or pipes, shut off the water and make repairs. If the problem is poor ventilation, install an exhaust fan or improve air circulation.
- Dry Out Your Home – After fixing the water issue, you then need to dry your home. Use high-volume fans to help circulate the air and structural drying dehumidifiers to dry out the area.
- Clean and Disinfect – In the bathroom, start with an all-purpose cleaner then spray the area with a bleach solution to disinfect. For carpeting, either rent a steam cleaner or hire a carpet cleaner.
Do you have carpet mushrooms or water damage? Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free estimate on water damage restoration.
