Couldn't agree with you more about wall-to-wall carpets, Mary. They are an idiotic way of covering a floor. I was not responsible for putting that carpet in, and I may eventually remove it. We'll see. Yes, I'm sure there is some mildew in the carpet, although it's not visible.

I may throw out the futon. Still thinking about that. Now I know why they raise them up on those wooden frames. So the good part is: I've learned something useful here to bear in mind in the future.

I would love to get rid of that carpet, but it would be a huge job (considering all the stuff I'd have to move first to get at it...and then I'd have to put in some kind of wooden floor or something, cos what's under that carpet would not be exactly ideal... Yikes! Like I said, big job.

Mildew must be the most tenacious lifeform on planet Earth!

- LH