As carpet cleaning experts, one of the most commonly asked questions that we get is how to fix water damaged carpeting. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if your home has suffered from a flood or a burst pipe causing water damage. It’s important to figure out what you are dealing with, what your plan of action is and when to call in the professionals for help. Instead of panicking, read through this article to learn more about how to deal with water-damaged carpeting.
Figure Out The Source
Before you can think about drying your carpet, you need to figure out the source of the water and if the water has stopped or can be stopped. Was it a one-time event, like a flood? Will there be continuous issues down the road? If you cannot stop the water at the source, you might want to consider calling in a plumber.
If you want to dry your carpet instead of throwing it out, the water that caused the water damage needs to be clean water. This usually comes from broken pipes, supply lines, rain or snow. It is usually unsafe to keep a carpet damaged by dirty water. For example, flood water can be toxic and contain life-threatening bacteria and mould spores.
Dry Your Carpet As Quickly As Possible
Water-damaged carpeting is the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow out of control. Mould can start growing in just 24 to 48 hours, and although it may be small at first, it only takes a few weeks for it to become hazardous.
To dry your carpet, you can use a wet/dry vacuum or a rental carpet cleaning machine. The use of dehumidifiers, fans and blow dryers can also aid you in drying your carpet and keeping the air circulated. Opening the windows in your home will also help, as long as it’s not raining or humid outside.
Clean Your Carpet
After you have successfully dried your carpet, you will want to clean it or have it cleaned, so that any germs or contaminants are left behind to linger. Bleach is not recommended in this case, as it can damage the back of the carpeting and the flooring. Whatever method you choose, it’s a good idea to apply an antimicrobial cleaning solution at the end of your cleaning process to prevent mould growth.
All of this information can be quite overwhelming for the inexperienced, and if that’s the case, it’s time to call in the professionals. Water damage can turn into a bigger nightmare and health concern if not handled properly. With over 25 years of experience, Royal Carpet Cleaning has provided the GTA with top-notch cleaning services. Call us today if you have problems with water damage in your home and rest assured it will be taken care of in a quick and professional manner! You can always contact us by telephone or through our website. We are happy to answer any questions or inquiries you have about our services.
