Wet, Wet, Wet: How to Get Water Out of Carpet Fast

Whether it's a small spill or a full-on flood, water can soak your carpet in an instant. You might be thinking “it's only water”, but an excessively wet carpet can lead to mould and discolouration. The floor underneath your carpet can also be warped and damaged by water. To prevent this, you need to act fast!

Ventilation

Remove any furniture from the damp area, as this will prevent it from drying and potentially lead to further damage. If the weather is warm, opening your windows and doors will help to evaporate the water quicker. You should also use a fan to help circulate air, but make sure that no electrical cords touch any water. If it's a cold day, turn your heating on, as water evaporates slower in a cold environment.

Wet rugs should be removed as soon as possible and taken to a dry, ventilated area. If your carpet can be lifted, it's helpful to pull it up and take it outside to air. However, this is not always possible, and if it's raining outside, will only make your problem worse.

Towels

You should use towels to soak up as much excess water as possible. Apply a small amount of pressure to increase their effectiveness. A good way to apply this pressure is by walking over the towels. Keep in mind that a wet towel can't dry, so make sure that you change towels regularly.

Wet vacuum

A wet vacuum is designed to remove water from the floor. Don't use a regular vacuum, as this could damage it. If you don't have a wet vacuum, you may be able to hire one, but it may be difficult to get hold of one at short notice.

Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is great for lowering the humidity of a room. This helps the water to evaporate quicker and prevents it from lingering in the room and causing mould. As with any electrical appliance, make sure that the dehumidifier and all of its cables are kept away from the water.

Limit traffic

Not only will walking around on damp carpet lead to wet socks, but it can bring in dirt. A wet carpet is much more vulnerable to damage, so make sure to walk on it as little as possible. Use light steps and don't wear dirty shoes.

Keep carpets clean and dry with professional carpet cleaners

If the flooded area in your property is not completely dried, then there is a possibility of mould growth. Having difficulty removing water? It’s recommended that a professional cleaning company is called.

A professional carpet cleaner can help to remove residual moisture and prevent damage going forward. By using a National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) cleaner, you are choosing an accredited, insured cleaner with experience and specialist training.

Finding a cleaner in your area is easy – all you need is your postcode. Search our directory of carpet cleaners to get started.