Having a wet carpet can lead to mold problems in no time. To learn how to dry your carpet effectively, read this post by Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services in Minneapolis.

What would you do after noticing a wet area on your carpet? Be it because heavy rain has pushed water through your patio door or your drainage system is faulty and leaking water, getting a wet carpet can lead to severe issues. For starters, you should know that mold and mildew thrive within enclosed humid spaces; hence, a damp carpet has the perfect conditions for these types of fungi to grow. In fact, it takes between 24 to 48 hours for mold and mildew to become a colony on a damp surface (according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency). Another factor to consider is that a moist carpet typically accumulates bacteria and harmful toxins. All in all, it would be best for you never to ignore a wet carpet as it can lead to health risks for your family. When noticing a wet carpet, you must act immediately; thus, this post by Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services shares with you a step-by-step guide on how to dry your carpet to avoid musty odors and health problems. So, if you are interested in learning about this matter, read on.

If your carpet is soaking and there's too much to handle, it might be best to rely on the best cleaning and restoration services in Minneapolis. Speak to the experts at Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 whenever you have a water damage emergency.

How to Dry Your Carpet After Water Damage

Remove Excess Water

The first step to save your carpet is removing the excess water as soon as possible. As mentioned above, mold and mildew thrive given the right moisture conditions, so you want to make sure you take care of the problem straight away. To clear the excess water, you'll need to use a wet vacuum or a steam cleaner. Make sure to remove as much water as possible; otherwise, the humidity can seep down from the carpet to the padding underneath and plywood or hardwood underlayment.

Check the Carpet's Padding

After getting rid of excess water, make sure to lift the carpet from a corner to expose the padding underneath. Inspecting this layer is crucial due to its foamy material, which retains humidity. So, if you notice the padding is slightly damp, you must lift the carpet on the affected area and use an industrial air blower to drag all the moisture out. Plus, make sure to use a dehumidifier and turn on your ceiling and table fans to make the most out of the airflow available in the room. Now, if you notice the padding it's soaking wet, the easier and safest option is to remove and replace it altogether.

Call the experts at Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 to handle water-damaged carpeting in a safe, professional, and timely manner. Since they offer 24/7 services, you can contact them whenever your home requires the best cleaning and restoration services in Minneapolis.

Make Sure the Subfloor is Dry

It's worth mentioning that if water reaches the subfloor, you should dry it as fast as you can to avoid it from getting weakened, rotten, mold-infested, or buckled. Hence, remove the pad to check on the subfloor; if it shows signs of being damp, dry it out thoroughly with towels and use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity around; plus, run as many fans for as long as possible, until you feel the subfloor dried out.

Put The Carpet Back in Place

After ensuring that the subfloor, the padding, and the carpet are completely dry, you can put them back in place; however, this might be challenging if the carpet shrank after drying. If the distance between the shrunk carpet and the walls is minor, you can stretch it yourself; however, you might need to use a knee-kicker if the carpet shrank significantly.

Use Baking Soda

Lastly, turn to baking soda to leave the carpet as deodorized and dry as possible. To that end, sprinkle a large amount of baking soda throughout the affected area once you ensure the carpet is dry. You can leave the product to sit for as much as 24 hours to let it absorb any left dampness and musty odors. Finally, remove the baking soda with your regular vacuum and make sure to clean or replace the vacuum bag to avoid the baking soda from clogging it.

If you need more information on how to dry your carpet successfully, speak to a knowledgeable technician at Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 and learn more about the best cleaning and restoration services in Minneapolis.