How to Dry Wet Carpeting

At one time or another nearly everone will have flooring that gets water damage in their home or apartment. If you have a land lord you are lucky, for he or she will likely hire someone to dry or replace your carpets for you. They will use machines and professional methods to try to reduce the wetness first, then if the carpeting and or padding cannot be dried and is at risk of molding the professional will remove and replace both the carpet and padding.

If you are the home owner and are the one responsible for making the repairs to the home then your insurance company may help you to hire a professional who will come prepared with the right tools and moisture reducing machines and equipment. If not, you will need to rent them yourself.

First, a water extractor should be used to remove as much water as possible from the carpeting. A water extractor is a fancy name for a steam cleaner, basically. Any carpet cleaning machine will extract water from your carpet. Take advantage of the wet carpeting and shampoo it while you are extracting!

A dehumidifier should be set up in the room where the carpeting is wet. This will remove moisture from the air. Plug the machine in and run the hose to a drain, or out a window or door. Remember to purge the machine every couple of days to remove the water that collects inside of it.

Air movers are super large and super powerful fans. Professionals use them to dry carpeting by pulling up the carpet, then placing the air mover between the carpeting and carpet padding. Place an air mover under each corner of the wet carpet, in large rooms, and leave running for 3 days to completely dry the carpet, and the padding as well.

If these steps do not work to dry your carping then it must be removed, padding and all, and replaced. Thanks for reading and take care.