Imagine you’ve just returned home from work and found your carpet sopping wet. As you begin to realize the damage that could be done, panic sets in. You need not be afraid! You can save the carpet you love by using the spotlesscarpet.html techniques.
Priority one: Act fast. When dealing with water damage, time is crucial. Water damage increases the longer it sits. Consider it a ticking clock; every second is important.
Grab a towel and start blotting. Don’t rub–blot! Rubbing can force water into the fibers further, which makes things worse. Imagine trying harder to squeeze a sponge in order to dry it. This is counterproductive.
Bring out the big guns next: Fans and dehumidifiers. You’ll need these gadgets to help you out. Fans can be placed around the wet areas to circulate the air and speed drying. A dehumidifier is like an air vacuum cleaner that can take moisture out of the atmosphere.
Do you have any baking soda? Sprinkle baking soda generously onto the damp areas. Baking soda absorbs moisture and eliminates odors. It is best to leave it overnight, and then vacuum up the next morning.
These steps will help you if your problem is a small puddle. If you have a real flood, what can you do? Then things can get complicated.
If you have experienced severe flooding, it may be necessary to remove carpet sections to let them dry out completely on both sides. Peeling the carpet can feel like peeling a large orange. But it’s necessary to get into all those hidden nooks.
Carpet padding is a common term. This spongy material beneath your carpet is what provides cushioning. If left untreated, the spongy layer beneath your carpet can attract water and mold. When padding becomes soaked, it’s easier to replace it than try to salvage it.
Let’s now talk about mold, a sneaky little devil which loves damp environments. Mold can grow as soon as 24 to 48 hours after exposure to water. Mold can be detected by musty odors and discolored patches.
Even here, a little elbow-grease goes a very long way! Scrub affected areas by using a vinegar-water mixture (one part white vinegar to two parts of water). Vinegar has the power to disinfect your carpet. It is powerful enough to kill spores of mold, but gentle enough that it won’t damage its fibers.
You may need professional assistance to remove stubborn stains or persistent moisture issues. But don’t worry. The pros have special equipment for deep cleaning carpets following water damage.
Remember when Aunt Sally ruined Grandma’s antique carpet at Thanksgiving dinner with red wine? This kind of expertise is needed more than ever.
You may be able to save money by contacting your insurance company.
Let’s also talk about some prevention tips, because nobody wants the same thing to happen again.
Regularly check pipes and appliances that can leak (particularly washing machines & dishwashers). Install leak detection devices near problem areas. These are worth their weight when they warn you before the situation spirals out of control.
Waterproof mats can be placed under appliances that are heavy duty. These mats act as a barrier to stop spills from leaking into the carpets below.
It’s simple: smart tools + quick action = happy carpets!
You’ll be prepared for the next time your life throws you a curveball involving water.
Spotless Carpet Cleaning North Shore
1-5 Lynbara Ave, St Ives NSW 2075
(02) 8607 8811