Underlays

How do you care for wet carpets?

Our basement got waterlogged and the carpets got wet. How do we get the carpet dry and avoid mold ?

Public Comments

1. dehumidifier
2. you will probably need to replace the pad it absorbs the water, and i have rarely seen anyone keep it. but anyway first take the carpet off the tackstrip around the walls and remove the pad. then get a few floor fans (like the ones used to blow up kids inflatables) you can rent them. get them to blow under the carpet to dry it out. it is also good to get a dehumidifier and place in the room. (also can rent).when every thing is dried out, purchace new pad and and restretch carpet. it might be good idea to get an installer to put carpet back since sometimes the carpet will shrink a little and will need a good stretch.
3. You will need to lift the carpets to completely dry it. Drying all the areas should prevent the growth of mold.
4. Remove as much water as you can with a shop vacuum set for water pick up or a carpet shampooer without the shampoo. Set up fans or blowers to create an air current from a warm, dry source and exhaust to the outside. This may take several days to completely dry the carpet and pad. Or you could call a carpet cleaning contractor who specializes in water damage.
5. I would call a carpet cleaning company that specializes in water damage and flood clean up. They will have chemicals to treat the carpet with to prevent mildew, without ruining the carpet. It may take several days to dry carpets in a basement. That is more than enough time for mildew to start.
6. Call a carpet cleaning company ask them fo a water extraction see if they use a claw its the best method