Some people like having a carpet in their bathroom because it offers a cushion underfoot that makes them feel comfortable when walking in the bathroom. It also makes it less jarring when stepping out of a steamy shower to the bathroom floor. Some homeowners find this idea to be appealing because it offers additional luxury and indulgence. On the other hand, many people fear the practical consequences of adding a carpet to their bathroom as it may hold excess moisture that could lead to mold growth. This article discusses some of the factors you should consider to determine whether a carpet in the bathroom is a good idea.
- Long-Term Water Exposure
While some carpets may have a unique design that fits perfectly in your bathroom design, their soft fluffy nature is not designed to withstand a lot of moisture or water in the bathroom. Water may damage your carpet fibers and padding and extensive carpet erosion may shorten the lifespan of your bathroom flooring. If you want to install a carpet in your bathroom, then it is important to choose a product that was designed for that purpose.
- Personal Hygiene
A carpet is a fairly permanent fixture that makes it difficult to remove and replace all the time unlike bathmats and scatter rugs. Long-term exposure to water and moisture may lead to mold growth and other potentially harmful bacteria. A carpet can absorb any leaks or splashes from your bathtub, shower, or bathroom toilet which could harbor millions of bacteria. When combined with mold, carpets emit inevitably bad smells that make a fresh bathroom smell dank or dirty. Not only is this harmful to your respiratory health but it also makes your bathroom filthy and unsightly.
- Resistant Stains
Another reason why it is not a good idea to have carpets in a bathroom is that any spills or liquid products that splash on the floor can stain it. It also makes your bathroom look messy despite your efforts to make a statement with a nicely decorated carpet. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions when spot treating a carpet since every type of carpet strain will demand a different approach. For example, candle wax droppings can be removed using a clothes iron while nail polish stains may require rubbing with alcohol. All these efforts used to remove tough stains may continue to damage your carpet every time you encounter accidental spills while in the bathroom.
- Soggy Floor
A carpet is less than ideal for a room that experiences constant changes in heat, moisture, and humidity. Carpets tend to trap moisture between the carpet fibers and may take a long time to dry in bathrooms because of the humid environment. This reduces its practicality in the bathroom since you will be stepping into a damp carpet that was meant to provide cushion underfoot.
- Leakages or Flooding
A carpet can be a nightmare if you experience a leak or flood in your bathroom. In non-carpeted bathrooms, it is easier to identify wet patches on the floor as it indicates a flooded appliance or an issue with the plumbing. However, it is quite difficult to identify and repair leakages in a carpeted bathroom flooring until it is soaked entirely with contaminated water. This can cause more problems if nothing is done within 48 hours as it creates a perfect environment for mold growth.
Are Carpets Practical for the Bathroom?
While some do not think it is a good idea to have a carpet in a bathroom, other people prefer it because of the extra comfort and luxury it adds to the interior of the bathroom. Stepping out of the shower onto a warm carpeted floor can make a difference to your lifestyle. A carpet that was purposely designed for use in the bathroom can also prevent accidental falls from slippery floors. Although a well-maintained bathroom carpet can make a style statement, it is necessary to provide proper maintenance to mitigate its weaknesses. If it is a must you add a carpet in your bathroom, consider the ones with a shorter pile as they are less absorbent and dry faster than plusher carpeting.
Although a carpet offers more comfort and luxury in a bathroom, many people find it difficult to keep it clean and dry because of the constant moisture and frequent spills in the bathroom. The decision to install a carpet in a bathroom comes down to personal preference and what works best for your situation. If you find it necessary to install a carpet in your bathroom, then you should consider selecting a product that is designed to suit the humid conditions of the bathroom.