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There’s nothing more elegant than a tidy- looking carpet lying on your floors enhancing your room’s haute couture. However, cleaning water damaged carpets can be a difficult and tiresome job if not addressed properly. In this blog, we plan to discuss some of the most common mistakes you must avoid when treating water damage on carpets.
9 Mistakes to Avoid When Treating Water Damaged Carpets
Water damaged carpet cleaning is indeed a challenge to any person. Causes of water damage can include factors such as leaks, spills, or flooding. Prolonged water exposure to your carpet will cause its color to fade, deteriorate the fabric quality, invite mold, foul smells and ultimately ruin the aesthetic of your space.
Many of us are unaware of the proper cleaning methods and make some common errors when cleaning water-damaged carpets. Below we have jotted down a comprehensive guide on what to avoid when cleaning water damaged carpets.
Never Delay the Cleanup Process
As soon as any spill occurs, don’t wait any further and hurry with the drying and cleaning process. Water can quickly get into the carpet fibers, padding, and even subfloor, leading to gruesome damage. Therefore, if you wait further instead of taking action, greater damage can occur, which can lead to the risk of mold growth.
Ignoring the Source of the Water Damage
No matter how much you concentrate on cleaning or drying, carpets will be subjected to repeated problems and prolonged damage if there is a leaky source. So, identify the source of leakage—be it a leaky pipe, a roof leak, or flooding—and immediately fix the underlying issue to prevent any further damage.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Carpet fabric and quality can vary, just like the various types of damage that can occur on your carpet. So, choose cleaning products specifically designed for carpets and safe for the type of carpet you have to prevent fading, discoloration, or damage. Additionally, only use products suitable for cleaning water damaged carpets. Ensure checking the labels or consulting a professional before using any cleaning products.
Overlooking the Carpet Padding
The padding underneath the carpet is highly absorbent and can hold onto moisture for a long time. Many people forget to check and dry the padding, which can lead to mold growth and persistent odors. In severe cases, the padding may need to be replaced entirely.
Over-Saturating the Carpet
While washing the carpet with water, oversaturating it may seem like a good idea, but it can only cause more harm than good. Excess water is harmful as it can settle down within the fibers and damage the carpet and subfloor. Hence, it will take longer to dry, completely inviting molds, fungus, and unpleasant odors.
Not Properly Drying the Carpet
Most people make mistakes in assuming that the carpets have dried adequately, although they still may remain damp or require more drying. So, remember to dry it adequately. Rigorous drying of the carpet is effective in preventing mold and mildew. You may consider using fans, dehumidifiers, or any professional-grade equipment if you live in high humidity or poorly ventilated conditions, where simple natural air drying is insufficient.
Neglecting to Sanitize the Carpet
Another mistake when treating water damage on carpet is ignoring sanitization. Water damage, especially from flooding or sewages, can welcome harmful bacteria and contaminants to your carpet from outside. So, simply drying may not be enough. Consider using the appropriate disinfectant to ensure your home or office remains safe and hygienic.
Failing to Address Mold Growth
Mold growth will affect your carpet’s longevity to a great extent. It will also result in unpleasant odors in your space. Any water damaged carpet is prone to mold growth as fast as within 24 to 48 hours. So, even if any growth on the surface of the carpet is not visible, it may still be present under the carpet or inside the padding. Do check for symptoms, such as a musty smell or visible spots, and take immediate action.
Attempting to DIY Extensive Water Damage
Water damaged carpets, especially when the damage is ample, require professional treatments and care. At home DIY treatments will not show any results and will only make the healing process longer. Consult a reputed and professional rug cleaning service like us at Area Rug Master, where we carry the expertise, equipment, and experience to properly restore water-damaged carpets and prevent any further issues.
Cleaning water damaged carpets can be daunting and lengthy. By avoiding these nine common mistakes, you can make the process of cleaning more effective and less stressful. Remember to act quickly, use the right cleaning solutions, and ensure thorough drying, which are the keys to restoring your water damaged carpets and preventing further damage.
And if you ever require any professional rug cleaning service or have any queries about water damaged carpet cleaning, feel free to connect with us at Area Rug Masters. We have promised to help you effectively treat any emergency, revamp, and add a whole new luxurious feel to your carpet. With a little effort, your carpet will look as good as new, and you can get back to enjoying your cozy time on your fresh carpets without worry!
