In this blog entry, the professional New Jersey carpet cleaning team here at Carpetline will detail some useful tips for handling water damage on carpets.
What should I do if my carpets are water damaged?
- Analyze the Damage – Determine the source of the water damage and how extensive it is. Is the water clean, like water from a burst pipe, or is it dirty like flood water or sewage contaminated water? Contaminated water needs to be professionally handled.
- Removing Excess Water – Remove as much water as possible with a wet-dry vacuum, extracting water from the carpet. In small areas, mops and towels can help to soak up water. Be as thorough as possible to avoid water causing mildew or mold.
- Lifting and Drying the Carpet – If the carpet is soaked through with water, carefully lift it and check it’s under padding. Padding can act like a sponge, holding lots of water and increasing the risk of mold. If the padding is wet, replace it. Use open windows, fans on high settings, and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Make sure that the carpet and the floor underneath it are fully dry before putting the carpet back down.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing– When the carpet is almost fully dry, clean it with an approved carpet cleaner to remove bacteria, dirt, and mold spores. Use a mixture of water and mild detergent, or a commercial carpet cleaner appropriate for water damaged carpets. Make sure to rinse all soap or cleaner out, and then extract / dry it to prevent residue from building up.
- Carpet Deodorization- Water damage often causes carpets to have a musty smell. Fight this by sprinkling baking soda on the carpet when it’s dry, and then letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
- Mold Prevention– Mold can easily develop between 1-2 days after water exposure. Avoid this by making sure the carpet is dried as soon as possible. Use fans and dehumidifiers as much as possible until the carpet and the surrounding area is dry. Consider applying an approved mold inhibitor spray for carpets.
Area Inspection– Inspect the carpet for a while after for any signs of lingering moisture, mildew, or mold, and make sure that any issues are addressed in a highly prompt manner.