Have you ever walked into your home and felt as if you were walking into a swamp when entering? Water damage. Carpets are like sponges that soak up all the unwanted water. A soaked carpet can be a real pain, whether it is from a broken pipe or Mother Nature. Get more info?
Time is crucial. The longer water is left to sit, the greater damage it will do. Mold is attracted to moisture, and it will establish itself faster than you can even say “mildew.” Grab some towels and begin blotting as if your life depended on it. Imagine it as CPR on your carpet.
If you have a wet/dry vaccum, now is the time to show it off. These suckers can easily suck up several gallons in a short time. No fancy equipment required? No fancy equipment? You can use buckets, mops or anything that is absorbent. You might feel like you’re trying to save the Titanic by using a spoon, but it all helps.
Fans and dehumidifiers will be your new besties. Place fans in different parts of the room to circulate air and speed up evaporation. Dehumidifiers will remove moisture from the air and help your carpet dry completely. You’re creating a mini Sahara right in your living room.
Have some baking soda around? Once you have removed as much moisture as possible, sprinkle the magic dust on damp areas. Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes any odors.
You may need to lift some sections of carpet to allow the padding to dry. You’ll need to be careful not to damage the carpet backing or fibers.
Don’t forget the furniture! Remove any furniture pieces from the wet area immediately. Wet wood furniture can leave unsightly stains on carpets. These marks are more difficult to remove than ink stains on white pants.
As for stains, it’s time to look out for any that may need extra attention after everything has dried. Mixing vinegar with water can remove many types of stains without damaging most carpets.
You may want to call in a professional who specializes in water damage restoration if you feel overwhelmed with all the DIY work you have done or if your home has suffered extensive damage. Their industrial-strength tools and experience can handle even the most severe of situations.
Preventive measures are always better than a cure! Regularly check the condition of your roof and plumbing fixtures. These small checks could save you a lot of headaches in the future.
Accidents happen. Consider this as an opportunity to do some impromptu renovations or redecorating (hello, new rug!) Life can throw us curveballs, but it is how we respond to them that matters.
Here’s a crash course on how to revive your floor covering that has become soggy after a sudden downpour. This is not rocket science, but it does require some elbow-grease and quick thinking.
Please share any horror stories or tips you may have below. We’re all on the same team!
Carpet Care Specialists Mosman
50 Yeo St, Neutral Bay, NSW, 2089
(02) 8311 3724