You’ve probably felt the same way when you walked in your living room. That’s water damage. Carpets can act like sponges and soak up any unwanted water. Dealing with a wet carpet can be difficult, regardless of whether the cause is a burst pipe or Mother Nature, helpful resources!
Priority is given to time. The longer the water sits in a container, the more it damages. Mold will quickly set up camp if there is any moisture. Grab some towels, and start blotting your carpet like it’s your life that depends on you. Consider it CPR for your rug.
This is the perfect time to use your wet/dry vacuum. These vacuums can quickly suck gallons of liquid. No fancy gear? No fancy equipment? Whatever you have, buckets, mop heads, or absorbent materials will do. Even if it feels like you are trying to rescue the Titanic using only a teaspoon, every bit counts.
Your new best friends are fans and dehumidifiers. Fans can be placed around the room in order to help circulate the air and accelerate evaporation. A dehumidifier can remove the moisture in the air to help your carpet completely dry. This is like creating a miniature Sahara in your home.
Do you have some baking powder lying around? Sprinkle the magic dust over damp areas after you have removed all of the water. Baking soda is not only effective at absorbing moisture, but it also neutralizes any unpleasant odors.
In the event that the water is deeper than the surface, for example, if it has seeped into the padding or carpet backing, you may need to lift the carpet in order to let the moisture underneath dry. It can be tricky to lift the carpet in this part because you don’t want to damage its fibers or backing.
Furniture is important too! Any furniture should be moved away from wet surfaces immediately. When wet, wood furniture will leave behind unsightly marks on carpets that are much harder to remove.
When it comes to stains, this is a great time to inspect any areas that will need attention once the carpet has dried. The vinegar and water mixture works well on most stains, and will not harm carpets.
It might be worth hiring professionals who are experts in water damage repair if all of this DIY activity has left you feeling overwhelmed, or if the damage is extensive. The professionals have industrial strength equipment and the expertise to handle even severe situations.
Prevention is always better than cure. Regularly inspect your plumbing fixtures and roof condition. These little checks can save a lot of trouble in the long run.
Accidents do happen! You can use this opportunity to redecorate or do some home improvements (hello! new rug!) It’s not always easy to deal with life’s unexpected curveballs. What matters is how you handle them.
You now have a crash-course on how to restore your soggy flooring after a sudden deluge. It isn’t rocket science but requires some elbow grease and quick-thinking.
Carpet Care Specialists Mosman
50 Yeo St, Neutral Bay, NSW, 2089
(02) 8311 3724