Whether it’s a plumbing issue or a leaky roof, wet carpet is no fun. For most of us, the big question is: clean or replace? The answer depends on the extent of the damage and the source of the water. Either way, it’s best to get the pros involved.
Where Is The Water Coming From?
If your carpet gets soaked, where the water comes from makes a difference. Is your dishwasher on the fritz, or is it a septic or toilet issue? Did a pipe burst, or did rainwater flood the basement? Do you have a roof leak that needs to be fixed before you dry the area? It’s best to replace both carpet and pad if you’re dealing with a septic backup or muddy rainwater. For health reasons, have them removed by a trained professional with proper equipment. In cases of “clean” water damage, the area affected and the amount of time the carpet stays wet come into play.
Dry It Out
If your carpet can be preserved and cleaned, the first step is to get it dry to prevent mold. Make sure to ventilate the room, using fans and a dehumidifier. Use a professional team to extract the water and clean the carpet and make sure the subfloor is completely dry underneath. You’ll also want to professionally clean and sanitize your carpet after it’s dry.
When Should I Replace My Carpet After Water Damage?
For both environmental and financial reasons, it makes sense to replace your carpet if you’re dealing with:
- Dirty water, including sewage or mud.
- Old or worn carpet that may not be worth the cost of a deep clean.
- Extensive mold.
Can I Clean My Carpet Padding?
If your carpet padding gets soaked, it’s best to replace it, even if you’re able to keep your carpet. It’s hard to dry padding materials properly, and they’re relatively inexpensive.
How Can I Prevent Mold On My Carpet?
Mold is a fungus that needs moisture to grow. Carpets can trap moisture–especially in damp parts of the house. Combine wetness with dirt on your carpet, and you’ve got a recipe for a moldy mess. The first step in preventing mold is to dry your carpet promptly if it gets wet. FEMA also recommends carpets with synthetic fibers for moisture-prone areas. They’re less likely to hold water and have a synthetic backing that helps your carpet “breathe.”
What Should I Do If I Find Mold On My Carpet?
Mold spores can create a health hazard, causing respiratory symptoms and aggravating asthma. Mold also has a distinctive icky smell that can be hard to get rid of. Mold is much harder to remove on carpet than hard flooring. If you have a small spot, you may be able to clean it yourself with baking soda and vinegar. But if you have mold on a larger area, you’ll need professional help. A professional carpet cleaning company has specialized equipment and cleaning products and can tackle mold in some cases. But if mold damage is extensive, it’s best to replace the carpet and padding and start fresh.
Clean Or Replace? Call The Pros
If you have a water-damaged carpet, calling the pros is your best bet. You need an honest assessment of whether to clean or replace, considering cost, appearance, and health concerns. Loudoun Valley Floors offers professional cleaning through its sister company, Loudoun Carpet Care, with trained and certified teams and powerful truck-mounted equipment. Loudoun Carpet Care provides steam or hot water extraction cleaning, with spot and stain removal and sanitizing and disinfection as needed. If you need to replace the soaked carpet, Loudoun Valley Floors can recommend the best choice for your location and budget, including options like Karastan SmartStrand in mold-resistant nylon. A wet carpet is usually stressful and never fun. But with a professional team on your side, you can bounce back better than ever with a fresh, clean room.