Water-damaged carpeting needs immediate attention and care to prevent further deterioration.
Flooding can happen at any time, especially when we least expect it. It damages properties and everything in it and poses threats to our health. Flooding doesn’t spare anything that it comes into contact with, such as the upholstery, appliances, furniture, and carpets inside the house. That said, it’s vital to know how to get water out of carpet when damaged by a flood.Immediately Mitigating the damage is vital in saving our precious carpets and rugs until professional help arrives.
Learn more about water-damaged carpet cleaning and more with Kelly’s Dry Cleaners.
Dangers of Water Damage on Carpets
Damaged carpets can present several dangers to the health of everyone in your household. They’re the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and mold. Taking action right away saves both your overall health and your priceless rugs.
Here are the dangers of flood-soaked carpets:
1. Mold and Mildew Growth
When you keep a damp or moist carpet in your home, you’re in for dangerous mold and mildew growth. It comes with a musty smell and an unpleasant sight. Mold and mildew may spread throughout your home, putting your other belongings at risk for mold infestation.
2. Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions
The mold in carpet from water damage may trigger allergic reactions and skin irritations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prolonged exposure will lead to coughing, wheezing, and sneezing when inhaled. One might also experience throat irritation, sinus congestion, and skin rashes.
3. Respiratory Problems
An unattended wet carpet can also cause respiratory problems, especially dangerous for people with comorbidity. Prolonged mold exposure can lead to adverse health effects. Some of the respiratory problems include:
- Tuberculosis
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Shortness of breath
Seeing how much it can affect our health only proves that there’s no time to waste when it comes to water damage.
Safety Tips When Cleaning Water Damage on Carpet
Cleaning carpets, especially those damaged by floodwater, requires the right approach. DIY cleaning means you’re putting your lung health at risk.
Here are some safety tips to follow before doing carpet cleaning after water damage:
1. Limit the exposure of loved ones with comorbidity.
Older adults, children, and immunocompromised family members shouldn’t be anywhere near floodwater and flood-soaked items. As for you and other people in charge of the cleanup, practice the necessary safety measures.
2. Use protective gear when cleaning.
Wear the proper protective gear when cleaning to avoid the detrimental health effects of floodwater. Have goggles, N-95 masks, and gloves ready. Don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and warm water whenever your hands get dirty or exposed to hazardous elements.
3. Manage the source of the water.
Locate the source of the water. Contain it to prevent irreversible rug water damage and contamination of your other belongings. Wear a mask, goggles, and gloves whenever you’re cleaning floodwaters.
If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, create a temporary fix until a plumber can repair it. For floodwaters, scoop them out using a bucket and put them in a large basin. If the water outside your home has dissipated, you may drain it to a nearby drain gutter.
4. Turn off gas and electricity during cleanup.
Turn off the gas and electricity while cleaning your wet carpets and rugs. Do this to avoid any gas or electric hazards or accidents that can worsen the situation.
Water Damage Carpet Cleaning Tips
Prompt action plays a significant role in the restoration of your belongings. If you can’t clean and dry flood-soaked items within 48 hours, you have to let them go. It’s vital to have your whole place and everything in it completely dry to avoid mold and mildew growth. Carpets, rugs, and upholstery take time to dry; doing damage control early on prevents more severe problems.
Here are some things you should know for a successful carpet water damage repair:
For All Carpets
1. If there’s still standing water, use a wet vacuum to extract as much water as possible.
2. Remove the filter before vacuuming.
3. If the recommended timeframe has passed, call restoration experts.
For Glued Down Carpets
1. Use a wet vacuum to remove excess water.
2. Move the nozzle slowly in every inch of the carpet to eliminate moisture effectively.
3. Open windows to speed up drying and reduce humidity. You may also use dehumidifiers.
For Loose Carpet with Pad
1. Extract the excess floodwater using a wet vacuum.
2. Pads will absorb the dirty water, making it more challenging to dry. Dispose of the carpet pads and buy new ones instead.
3. Use blowers and fans to circulate the air for quick drying. You may also use dehumidifiers and open the windows.
For Loose Carpet with No Pad
1. Do the same vacuuming technique as you would with a glued-down carpet damaged by water.
2. Use oscillating fans and a blower to circulate the air under and over the carpet.
3. Reduce humidity in the air by opening windows and using dehumidifiers.
For Professionally-Installed Carpets
1. Use gloves to protect your skin from the sharp edges of the tack strips and the steel nails. You don’t want to have puncture wounds from flood-soaked materials.
2. Next, carefully pull out the water-damaged carpet. Use pliers to pull its corners. Removing the tack strips will help remove the carpet easier.
3. There’s nothing you can do about the padding underneath. Throw it away instead of spending your time and effort salvaging it.
4. Lay the carpet on a flat surface after disposing of the padding.
5. Use a wet vacuum to dry the carpet.
6. Use fans, blowers, and dehumidifiers for a faster drying time.
Why Call Experts in Water Damage Restoration
Should carpet be replaced after water damage? The answer lies in the timeline of events. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, discard carpets or any other furnishings that cannot be cleaned within 48 hours because mold and mildew can quickly grow within that period.
Your best chance of getting your carpet back is through the help of professionals. They have the tools, skills, and experience to handle such a time-sensitive task. Experts also have tailored-cleaning methods to ensure your carpets are free from bacteria, fungi, and mold.
Kelly’s Dry Cleaners Knows How to Fix a Wet Carpet
Choose Kelly’s Dry Cleaners when looking for seasoned dry cleaners in Durango, CO.
Aside from knowing how to fix water-damaged carpet, we also provide tried-and-tested dry cleaning services. You and your favorite clothing pieces are in good hands with us on the job. Drop off your dirty laundry at our shop today!
