Household carpet sees a lot – from last night’s spaghetti and wine to muddy footprints. And when the weather gets really bad, water damage can be added to the list. The pad underneath the carpet and the fibers of the carpet itself can absorb a lot of water which can lead to mold and mildew. Often times, restoring carpet after water damage is a job for professionals.
One of the things that determines whether a carpet can be restored depends on the type of water that did the damage. If the damage was done by a leaking pipe or other sanitary source, restoration is usually much easier. However, if damage was caused by black water, such as a flood or sewer backup, it may be contaminated and need replaced.
If you want to save and restore your carpet instead of replacing it, here are a few tips on removing water damage:
Dry the Carpet Immediately
To prevent the development of mold, dry the damaged section as soon as possible. Get the air circulating and use dehumidifiers to quicken the drying process. If the air is dry outside, open the windows. Set up fans around the outside of the room and let them run continuously until the carpet is completely dried.
Use Commercial Rug Cleaner
To get a much deeper clean than you can get with vacuuming alone, shampoo it, but use a commercial rug shampoo. Use a sponge and rub the shampoo on the damaged part of the carpet in a circular motion. If the carpet is deeply soiled, use a stiff bristle brush to rub in the shampoo. Next, use clear water to rinse the shampoo from the carpet several times. Wring out the sponge every time and change the water as often as possible. Tackle the damaged carpet in small sections repeating the process. To prevent streaking when the carpet dries, be sure to overlap the first area prior to moving to the next area of carpet. After it is all clean, it is time to dry the carpet. If the carpet is still installed, use the suggestions above. If it has been removed, place it on a warm, dry, flat surface and use a fan to speed up the process. Leave it there until it has completely dried.
Avoid Contact with Wet Carpet
To keep from damaging your carpet even more, avoid walking on it during the drying process. Water can sometimes cause delamination. Delamination is when water causes the glue backing to separate from carpet fibers. Be sure to remove all furniture that is sitting on top of the carpet as well. Wooden furniture is especially bad for wet carpet because the stain from the furniture can stain the wet carpet.
Use Chemical Cleaners to Remove Contamination
Keep in mind that although chemical cleaners kill bacteria and organisms that can result after water damage, some of them are potentially dangerous. It is preferable to have a professional handle these cleaners that will get rid of mold, spores, mildew, and other dangerous fungi.
Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner
Professional carpet cleaners will get rid of dirt, mites, dander, and even mold spores hiding deep in the fibers of your carpet. If your carpet has been exposed to flooding, this is especially necessary. At Fresh Focus, we are experienced and equipped with the tools necessary to restore your carpet. Contact us today at (844) 487-3626 or visit us online to learn more.
