Water damaged carpet can be difficult to deal with. It can happen as the result of a flood or fire in your home, or after a plumbing mishap. Carpet fibers and the padding underneath can absorb a lot of water. This can quickly cause mildew, mold, fungi, spores or other material to develop that can be potentially dangerous.
The type of water that damaged your carpet will be the determining factor as to whether or not it can be restored. If it was caused by a leaky pipe, it’s sanitary and damage can be restored because this water is less likely to be contaminated with bacteria or other contaminates that can be harmful. When you have water damage from a toilet, it’s considered unsanitary and the carpet should really be replaced to avoid the potential for health hazards. When carpet have been damaged by a flood or sewage backup, it’s called black water and will almost always need replacement due to contamination.
1. Water extraction. The water extraction step removes most of the water from your carpet. By performing a thorough water extraction, Ameribest Carpet Cleaning effectively reduces the drying time and helps to prevent mold and secondary water damage. We use powerful pumps and truck mounted vacuum units to extract the water.
2. Dry the carpet. This needs to happen as soon as possible and is the best way to avoid mold growth. Make sure you get the air circulating to aide in the cleanup. Use industrial strength fans and dehumidifiers to get the carpet dry as quickly as possible. Place the fans around the circumference of the room to get as much air flow as you can. The fans should run non-stop until the carpet is dry and then for another 24 to 48 hours afterwards. The padding will most likely need to be replaced because it is so difficult to clean and salvage.
3. Deep carpet cleaning. You can use a commercial rug shampoo to clean the carpet. You will need to use a stiff bristle brush for carpet that is deeply soiled and rinse often with clear water. Change the water as it gets dirty and only use as much water as you need, otherwise the carpet backing can because damaged. You will need to repeat this until the entire carpet has been cleaned. Make sure you overlap to prevent streaking as the carpet dries. Stay off the carpet as it dries. Avoid walking on it and remove furniture to avoid dyes or stains from getting on the carpet.
4. Use chemical cleansers, Concentrated chemicals can be used to kill bacteria and organisms that cause secondary water damage in your home. These cleansers can deodorize and disinfect carpet. You will need to be careful as these chemicals can be dangerous to use.
5. Call professional carpet cleaners and restoration experts. Calling in the experts is the best idea. They have the best tools, knowledge and experience to get your carpet restored safely. The cost is well worth it when you consider the time and effort it will take to do it yourself. Professionals can also let you know if it’s possible to restore the carpet. You don’t want to waste money trying to clean carpet on your own that should be thrown out. If carpet has been wet for longer than 24 hours, it probably needs to be replaced.
Time is of the essence when it comes to restoring wet carpet, contact the professionals at Ameribest Carpet Cleaning to get the job done quickly. Give us a call today!