Perhaps one of the most challenging things you’ll have to do after wet carpet drying to your home is salvaged your carpet. True, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy you need to take to minimize damage, you still need to dry the area as soon as possible.
The most imminent damage to a wet carpet is mold. It will start to grow within the first 48 hours when the air becomes humid. That is exactly why you should dry the carpet without delay. If your carpet covers a fairly large area, it’s worth acknowledging how you can deal with mold on a wet carpet drying. Here are some tips in this regard:
Soak up excess water with towels; if you don’t have better equipment, you can use plain towels to soak up the excess water from the carpet. Place them on sections of the carpet that are still damp and press down with your hands. Once they start to get saturated with water, drain them and put them back in.
Use a vacuum cleaner – some models can be used to remove excess moisture from the carpet. Remember to move the accessory several times on the wet surface. Keep an eye on the container and empty it when it is full.
Open Windows – To improve air circulation and create a light breeze in the room, keep all windows open. Do this only if the air outside is not humid, as you don’t want the fabric to absorb even more moisture.
Use fans or a dehumidifier; if possible, run a fan or two near the door and in a dry area of the carpet. A dehumidifier also helps a lot to dry the area. Be careful to empty the container often enough as it will fill up faster than usual.
Use Baking Soda – Baking soda has great absorption qualities that you can take advantage of. Sprinkle a generous amount on the carpet that is still damp and let it sit for a while. Vacuum it afterward, once it has had enough time to absorb the moisture from the carpet.
Remember, if you can’t fight mold growth, you may need to get rid of the carpet. Mold spores pose a health risk and therefore require drastic measures to treat them.
To minimize the risk to your wet carpet drying:
Buy insurance: Some companies cover risks like floods and will compensate you in case of carpet damage.
Limit traffic on a wet carpet – The carpet backing is held together through a layer of latex, which is weakened by traffic. It will regain its strength, but only after it has dried properly.
Keep the right products at home – being prepared for such a situation is perhaps the best way to ensure that your carpet recovers. Dealing with such extreme cases of carpet cleaning can be difficult on your own.
DIY Ways to wet carpet drying
When our homes are plagued by floods, leaks, and other disasters that lead to unwanted ingress of water, we find ourselves burdened with the problem of having a wet carpet. Having a wet carpet is a huge inconvenience. After all, the presence of water on the carpet can be very destructive.
Since the material that carpets are normally made from is absorbent, moisture stays there for a long time. This can stimulate the growth and reproduction of molds and fungi. To avoid further deterioration of the carpet, it is important to dry the carpet immediately after it comes into contact with water.
1. Assess the damage
Before making a rash decision, take a step back and assess the extent of water damage to your carpet. If the carpet is slightly wet, you can allow it to dry normally for a few hours. But if the carpet is completely saturated, you should use a vacuum cleaner to dry it. Knowing the problem will make it easier to choose the most effective remedy.
2. Vacuum saturated areas
If you find that the carpet is very wet, remove the vacuum cleaner from the closet. Dry all affected areas of the carpet. Focus on those who have been badly affected by floods or leaks. Take breaks if necessary, but don’t put the vacuum away until the carpet is completely dry.
3. Use other drying equipment
If using the vacuum is not enough to dry the carpet or if it takes an unusually long time, you can also use electric fans and dehumidifiers. These two types of equipment work by sucking in moisture and allowing it to evaporate. However, you can skip this step if you don’t have your computer at home. You do not need to rent or buy them.
4. Put the carpet out in the sun
After doing this, you can now remove the carpet from its tacks so that you can take it out to air dry. You can leave the rug in your driveway or patio to allow the sun and wind to speed up the drying process. Let the mat lie flat so it doesn’t have wrinkles or waves once it dries. Choose a location that has a large space and where nothing will block the wind and sunlight.
5. Clean and disinfect
Once the carpet is dry, you can proceed to a thorough inspection of all its parts. Look for any remaining stains and dirt. If you want to make sure the carpet is completely germ-free, apply a deodorizing or sanitizing solution. This is especially important if the carpet has been submerged in floodwaters that carry many germs and bacteria. Carpet needs to be disinfected to prevent the spread of disease among residents of the home.
6. Always be safe
A wet carpet cleaning can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Practice safety and hygiene when cleaning yourself. Wear hand gloves and face masks if necessary.
Here are six easy ways to clean a wet carpet. You don’t need to shell out a large amount of money when hiring professional cleaners. All it takes is regular appliances and an extra effort on your part to save your wet carpet.
