Flooded carpet isn't just a hassle in the moment. They cause all sorts of problems if they are not dried properly. The biggest issue being mould. If moisture gets trapped in the carpet fibres and underlay, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can start growing in 24 hours. Not only does this make your carpet smell damp and musty but it can also trigger allergies and breathing issues. 

The first step is to remove as much water as possible =. If you have a wet/dry vacuum - like a Rug Doctor - use it to suck up the excess moisture otherwise, you can use towels to soak it up, which may take longer. 

Introducing as much free-flowing air as possible into the equation is the key to drying your carpets effectively. Open all the windows and doors you can and double down with the fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying  process =. If the flooding is fairly extensive, you might want to consider renting some industrial fans to take care of this part or getting contractors in do it for you. 

Wet furniture legs can damage your carpet even further and might even cause staining. Move everything to a dry areas and check for any water damage to the furniture itself. 

After you've dried the carpet, that will take care of most of the problem but you'll need to disinfect and deodorise the area to prevent the formation of mildew. Baking soda can work well here but there are also cleaning agents made for this kind of thing that you can find at your local hardware store. 

Your carper is actually a multi-layered system. First, you have the floor, then underlay on top and then the carpet. Depending what kind of floor your have or the extent of the flooding, the water ay have soaked into the floor and could then damage your insulation. 

Sometimes, no matter how much effort you put into drying and cleaning, a carpet can't be saved. If it's soaked for more than 48 hours, there's a high chance of mould setting in and once that happens, it's tough to get rid of. Even if the surface looks fine, fluid can go deeper than what you see causing bad smells and health risks. 

After 50 years in the business, the team at Ian Hunt Flooring is on hand to help you find the perfect flooring for your home. We're proud to be Auckland's local flooring and carpet suppliers.