Water damage is no joke. While there are some ways you can avoid flooding, sometimes it’s just inevitable. And while flooding is a hassle to clean up regardless of the situation, the aftermath can be even worse if carpeting is involved. When water seeps into your carpet, time is of the essence. Here’s what to do to prevent the possible growth of mold.
Dry off the carpet
Immediately removing moisture is crucial to minimize damage. Start by lifting the carpet to remove or extract the padding, then blow air directly underneath to dry the underside and subfloor.
Try to evaporate as much moisture as you can
Wet vacs are your best option, but if you don’t have access to one, large fans or dehumidifiers will work, too. If the weather allows for it, try opening the window. If it’s too humid outside, don’t open them. Instead, turn on your A/C. Another super evaporator? Baking soda! Liberally apply baking soda to the affected area and vacuum up after a few minutes.
Sanitize and deodorize
Due to its high temperature, steam cleaning can deodorize the damaged area, potentially preventing mold growth. You can do this yourself, or call a professional (like us!) to do it for you. Once the flooding is under control and you’ve evaporated as much water as possible, clean and sanitize other surfaces in the room, including baseboards to prevent the spread of mold.
Check other furniture
If there’s any furniture in the room, be sure to check if any piece has been affected by the moisture. If it has, move it outside and try to dry it off as soon as possible to avoid having to throw anything away.
Call the experts!
While these tips may help to decrease your chances of mold growth, it’s always best to have an expert come and double-check. We’re here for you 24/7 so if you’ve had flooding on a carpeted surface, give us a call and we’ll come to check it out.
