Questions from Homeowners: What Do I Do When Carpet Gets Wet?
“Hello VCF team! What’s the best way to handle carpet spills? I know you’re the experts on this, so I thought I’d ask!” -Christina F.
Carpet can be a great way to add warmth and comfort to your home. But what do you do when the inevitable happens and your carpet gets wet? Whether it’s from a spill, a pet accident, or some other source of moisture, getting your carpet wet can be cause for concern. But don’t panic!
In this article by the Virgin Carpets and Flooring team, we’ll take a look at some tips on what to do when your carpet gets wet and how best to avoid it in the future—so you can keep your prized piece of flooring free of damage!
The Danger of Unaddressed Carpet Spills
Whether you’re dealing with a small spill or a more significant issue, you have to act quickly on carpet spills in order to avoid permanent damage. Carpet fibers can absorb water and start to swell and mildew if left unattended for too long.
This not only affects the look and feel of your carpet, but can also become a breeding ground for dangerous mold spores which could cause health problems in your home.
How to Avoid Carpet Spills in the First Place
The best way to deal with carpet spills is to avoid them altogether. You can reduce the risk of a disaster in your home by placing area rugs in high-traffic areas of your home to protect the underlying carpet from damage. You can also place protective mats at doorways to help keep dirt and moisture from entering your home.
How to Act Fast When Carpet Gets Wet
When your carpet gets wet, time is of the essence. The longer it stays wet, the greater the risk for mold and mildew growth down the line. That’s why it’s important to act fast by doing the following:
- Immediately blot up any standing water with a towel or cloth (making sure not to rub too hard as this can damage fibers)
- Place a fan on low speed facing towards the area & leave running for 12–24 hours if possible
- If necessary, use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to reduce moisture levels even further
- Vacuum up any dirt/dust which may have been tracked in from outside with a vacuum cleaner designed specifically for use on carpets (this will help prevent particles from sticking to damp patches)
Finding Quality Carpeting Solutions at Virgin Carpets & Flooring
Our new 2023 Shaw Floors color wall!
Of course, even if you manage to remediate an issue quickly after it arises—having quality carpet in place beforehand is essential. Thankfully Virgin Carpets & Flooring offers an extensive selection of carpet options that are water resistant or completely waterproof. For instance, our Shaw Floor Pet Perfect collection offers a waterproof blue backing that will protect your subfloor!
Our expert team will guide you through every step of selection process & provide quality installation services so you don’t have worry about anything.