What to Do When Your Carpet Gets Wet

One common household issue we all have encountered at some point in time in our life: wet carpet. Whether it’s from a spill, a leak or a flood, wet carpet can be a real headache. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you dry it out and prevent mold growth. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Act Fast!

Time is of the essence when your carpet gets wet. The longer water sits, the more likely it is to cause damage and mold growth. If it has been saturated for more than 24 hours, you’ll want to call a remediation team in to help. Within that timeline mold will start to grow.

Step 2: Remove Excess Water

First things first, you need to remove as much water as possible using a wet vacuum. If you don’t have one, you can rent one from a local hardware store. Suck up as much water as you can from the carpet

Step 3: Use Dehumidifiers

Do not set up fans to blow on wet carpet. The fans will help circulate any potential mold spores. A dehumidifier will help by pulling moisture out of the air and the wet carpet.

Step 4: Remove the Padding

Padding can hold a lot of moisture and take too long to dry. Remember mold can start to grow in 24 hours! If it is soaked, it should be removed.

Step 5: Clean and Disinfect

Once the carpet is completely dry, use a carpet cleaning solution or a mixture of water & white vinegar to treat it. This will help kill any mold spores that might be lurking.

Step 6: Monitor for Mold

Keep an eye on the carpet over the next few days. If you notice any musty smells or discoloration, you probably have a mold problem. Also, inspect your tack strip. If not properly dried, mold will start to grow on the strip. It’s best to call a professional mold remediator to inspect the situation, if you notice growth.

Step 7: Inspect Your Drywall and Baseboards

Did your baseboards or drywall get wet? If so, it’s time to call in a licensed remediator. Once building materials have come in contact with moisture, mold will begin to grown. This is one instance where drying everything out will not work. Once wet, water damaged materials have to be removed.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with wet carpet can be a hassle, but with these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a dry, mold-free home. Remember, the key is to act quickly and thoroughly. If you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. Stay dry and mold-free, our friends!

Are you noticing a musty smell after a flood? Are you worried about mold growing in your carpet? Does your house smell like mold or mildew? You could potentially have mold in your home. Please reach out to us, instead of attempting to clean it yourself. We offer safe, organic, and affordable options for our customers, and we can help you prevent from spreading the mold to the rest of your home. We can be reached at (904) 397-4030 for North Florida, (813) 606-6668 for Central Florida, and (239) 961-9995 for South Florida.