After a flood or any water damage, the first order of business is to dry out the wet areas as soon as possible. This includes both your home and your carpets.
Leaving carpets wet for too long can lead to mould growth and other serious problems, so it’s important to take care of water-damaged carpets as quickly as you can.
If your home has been flooded, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent any further damage. Unfortunately, many people make costly mistakes when it comes to restoring water damaged carpets.
But what should you do, and what should you avoid?
Here are some dos and don’ts of carpet restoration after water damage.
DO
Remove all the furniture from the room and place it in a dry, well-ventilated area
The first step is to ensure that your furniture is moved to a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help to prevent any further damage and will make it easier for you to work on the carpets.
If possible, take the carpets outside and hang them over a clothesline or railing. The fresh air will help to speed up the drying process.
Open all the windows and doors to allow for air circulation
Opening the windows and doors may also help to speed up the drying process by increasing air circulation.
Use fans to circulate the air
Another way to speed up the drying process is to use fans to circulate the air. This will help to evenly dry the carpets and prevent any further water damage.
Remove the wet carpet and take it outside
The reason for this is that the wet carpet will be much heavier than a dry one, making it difficult to work with. Furthermore, the carpet will be more likely to shrink if it’s left in the wet area.
If you can’t take the carpet outside, try to place it on a dry surface that’s not susceptible to water damage.
Use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are excellent equipment to have on hand after a flood. They help to remove moisture from the air, which will speed up the drying process.
Use a wet/dry vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum can be used to remove any remaining water from the carpets. Be sure to use the wet setting, as using the dry setting may damage the carpet.
Don’t
Don’t use a hairdryer to dry your carpets
One of the worst things you can do is to use a hairdryer to try and dry your carpets. Not only will this take forever, but it’s also a fire hazard.
The high heat from the hairdryer can melt the carpet fibres, making them more susceptible to damage.
Don’t use a steam cleaner
Another no-no is to use a steam cleaner on your water-damaged carpets. The steam can actually set the stains and cause further damage.
Don’t use bleach
Using bleach may seem like a good idea, but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do. Bleach will not only damage the carpet but will also create a toxic environment.
If you must use bleach, be sure to dilute it with water and test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Dry cleaning is usually the best option for water damaged carpets, as it’s less likely to cause further damage. If you’re unsure of how to properly clean your carpets, it’s best to hire a professional.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can help to ensure that your carpets are properly restored after water damage.