For those with children and pets, small spills can happen often. In unfortunate instances, you may also experience flooding, a plumbing malfunction or an issue with a DIY carpet cleaning machine that could create a soaking wet carpet. Wet carpet should be dealt with quickly to keep your carpet intact and to avoid problems with mold and mildew.
Small Spills
For small spills, immediately get to work drying it up. Use clean towels in a blotting motion to soak up the liquid. Switch towels regularly by getting another batch of fresh, dry towels to prevent spreading the spill around. Place towels down over the wet area and press down firmly to dry up any remaining moisture. Try walking over the towel or using something heavy to ensure close contact so any remaining moisture can be absorbed.
If the spill involves a colored substance that might stain, use carpet cleaner to reduce staining. Carpet cleaning solutions should be tested first to ensure it is compatible with your carpet’s fibers. Assuming your carpet cleaner is safe to use, follow the directions for use. Most carpet cleaning solutions can also make carpet damp. After cleaning, use the directions above to ensure you dry up the remaining moisture.
Medium Spills
If your carpet has gotten particularly damp over a larger area you will need to take some extra steps to make the carpet and the padding underneath to get dry. You might use a hairdryer to help moisture evaporate quickly. You might also need to use a dehumidifier to extract extra moisture from the air, so that the carpet can more easily dry. Ceiling fans and household fans can also help the moisture to evaporate.
Large Spills
If your carpet has become entirely soaked with liquid, such as in a flood or a plumbing malfunction, there are several steps to take to dry it out. First, move all furniture and belongings away, so the carpet is entirely clear. Then, use a wet-vacuum to quickly remove moisture from the carpet. Carefully follow the instructions for your wet-vacuum and make sure to empty the tank often to avoid any overflow.
Removing water from your carpet is just part of the job. In this situation, the padding under your carpet will also need to be dried. You need to pull back a corner of your carpet and get air blowing between the carpet and the padding. You should also check the subfloor to ensure there is no damage. Use dehumidifiers and fans to get air flowing, promote evaporation, and extract moisture from the area.
Wet carpet, especially large spills or floods, can be troublesome and at that point, you may want to contact a professional service to assist you. These specialists can safely pull back the carpet, without damaging it. They will also know the right tools and set-up to use, to ensure everything gets dried out. This is a great investment to protect your home from mold or mildew and to keep it looking its best.
Don’t let wet carpet put a ‘damper’ on your interiors. Ensure that no matter how wet your carpet gets, it is properly dried and restored to ensure longevity and cleanliness.