Homeowners prefer fluffy, comfy to the touch, and smooth carpets for their homes. When you step on the mat, you get a comfy feel, and your legs remain warm all the time whenever in the house. However, if these rugs get soaked in water, drying them can pose a considerable challenge.
Many people depend on using the latest drying appliances to clean and dry the mats. These are effective and efficient and reduce the time the mat takes to shake off the water completely.
What if a homeowner does not have a vacuum cleaner? What can one do to ensure the mats remain dry, prevent mold formation, and keep your home fresh?
Table of Contents
Dry methods and wet methods of washing your mat
Carpets require frequent washing as they carry and store particles, debris, and other carpet fibers’ dirt. The mats are a major source of many allergens that individuals suffer while in their homes. Allergic triggers such as pet hair, fine dust, and other debris often hide in a carpet and blow up as you pass by, triggering a reaction.
Do you use steam for the washing or a shampoo?
Each of these methods has proper functionality and an advantage. Shampoos have the best smell and can soak stains fast, eliminating them. However, they may take a while longer to dry after a thorough shampoo washing period.
On the other hand, steam cleaning is the best when it comes to the shortest drying time. Also, cleaning takes an amazingly short time for perfection. The only catch is that it dries the water-soaked carpet but does not remove stains efficiently.
Also, efficiency depends on the carpet and its base fabrics or material. Some of the textiles individuals use when manufacturing can be heavy water absorbers. Sometimes, even a steamer cannot help dry your mat and deal with potential home stains and debris like pet hair. Also, removing greasy stains, muddy pigments, or odors can pose a challenge without adding shampoo or other washing soap.
Is humidity a factor to consider when drying a carpet?
High humidity in your home translates to higher moisture or dampness levels in your home. No matter how much you try to dry the carpet, the dampness makes your drying efforts inefficient. The carpet retains the dampness, causing the growth of fungi, bad odors, especially if the carpet remains on the floor and much more.
For instance, in the coastal regions, humidity levels often go all the way to 70% in the morning. That is a very high level requiring frequent carpet drying and washing. Without doing so, you encourage bacterial growth. Not cleaning can result in pest and insect infestation, such as dust mites.
So, how and where do I dry it in such an environment?
Drying depends on your living situation. If you have your compound, removing it and laying it out in the sun can help air and dry it. Once it dries, you can take it back in and resume your stay. Repeat the process every two weeks while cleaning your home flooring before returning the carpet to prevent insect infestation.
Even though direct sunshine is advisable, do not leave your rug out in the sun for too long. The sunrays are bleaching agents and can cause the carpet color to fade. Transfer to a shade once you determine that it is dry enough. Also, the sun acts as a disinfectant killing any unwanted germs present on the rug. If impossible to lift due to its length, proceed to dry the rug in its current position.
Using a Vacuum
A vacuum is one of the approved carpet drying appliances you can use while at home. Not only is it efficient, but it is also a natural method that saves on time. The device suctions in the water via its nozzle, transferring it to the tank attached for dirty water.
Once it is full, you remove and pour the water. Repeat the process until all water is dried up. Proceed to use the vacuum section and clean the carpet.
Drying the padding
A wet carpet padding is a dangerous situation or occurrence. The part is in direct contact with your home flooring and can cause the floor to buckle, damage the fabric used to make the rug, or cause odors (mildew). If the period of wetness goes above three days, be assured of mold growth and odor. Follow the same procedures for the carpet top on the padding.
Drying the carpet
The first question is to ask whether the floor is wet or dry before replacing the carpet. Once you complete the drying process, please move to a corner and gently lift the carpet to inspect the floor underneath it. If wet, proceed to use a drying appliance to protect the floor from water damage.
Use a dryer or a fan and place it just next to the wet padding. Allow the devices to air by blowing a mix of hot and cold air to all the wet sections. The process fastens evaporation. The same applies to open a window or two.
However, even when using a dehumidifier or an air conditioner, it is crucial not to let the temperatures go too high. If the dampness and high temperatures combine under the mat, bacterial growth is imminent.
Summary
Leakage or spillage of water in your home is a normal occurrence. Do not panic once you find your rugs soaked in water. Take action and suction the water as best as you can. Take the carpet outside for frying if living in a large compound. If not, use a vacuum to suction the water and place it on an elevated line. Could you leave it to dry?
Add a dehumidifier and disinfect your carpet and home. Dry the floors and carpet padding to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Assess the environment in which you live in to determine your carpet washing and drying needs. Pick a cleaning method that will have your carpet dry in the shortest time possible!
Anthony Taylor here, I created Clifandcleaning.com to give people a better product insight before they make that all-important purchase.
I always take the rug outside and hang it on the fence along the side of the house. Sunlight dries a wet carpet perfectly and nourishes it with a fresh scent!
Some vacuums have insufficient power, they are enough only for cleaning dust from the carpet. Cat hair, for example, is difficult to remove.