How To Dry A Flooded Carpet

• What are the effects of flooding on carpet?
• The impact of the type of water on the restoration process
• How to clean a carpet flooded by clean water
• How to clean a carpet flooded by greywater or blackwater
• Why you should bring in flood restoration professionals
• Book your flood damage cleaning

When carpets get wet during a flood, they can become awash with dirt and dangerous pathogens, and become a breeding ground for mould. Quick drying and thorough cleaning is essential to remove the floodwater and make the carpet safe to be exposed to. You must leave this process to professional cleaners.

We have teams of flood restoration specialists stationed across the UK who are ready to restore your property and possessions to their previous condition. They can remove any excess water, dry out the affected area, and sanitise the space to make it safe to reinhabit. 

Keep reading to learn more about carpet cleaning after a flood.

What are the effects of flooding on carpet?

The main issue when carpets get wet is that they do not dry out quickly and can provide mould with an ideal environment for growth. Carpets also often contain dust, dirt, and dead bugs which can give mould organic material to feed off so it can thrive and spread quickly. 

Mould growth not only damages the carpet fibres and can cause the carpet to deteriorate, but it can pose significant health risks, too, including respiratory issues and allergies. The key to preventing mould is swift action. The fungus can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, so drying the carpet and cleaning it before that window will reduce the chances of it growing. 

If carpets do get contaminated with mould, they will probably need to be disposed of as it is very hard to remove the mould from this fibrous surface. 

Aside from mould growth, the main concern with flooded carpets is that they can become contaminated with harmful microorganisms present in the water. Blackwater (or sewage), for example, can contain E.coli and campylobacteriosis. Exposure to blackwater will put you at risk of a number of health issues including infections, illnesses, and respiratory problems. 

The impact of the type of water on the restoration process

The kind of water involved in a flooding event directly affects how the property and possessions are restored. 

• If the flood consists of clean water, the water will simply need to be extracted and the carpet dried out 
• If greywater has flooded your home (wastewater from non-toilet plumbing, such as sinks, showers, and baths) disinfection will be required following water extraction
• The presence of blackwater requires thorough disinfection and affected possessions may need to be disposed of

How to clean a carpet flooded by clean water

Although you can dry out and clean a carpet yourself after flooding, it is recommended you bring in flood restoration professionals. They will already have the specialist equipment and products required for a thorough, quick, and safe clean, and will know the best ways to dry a carpet after a flood. You can learn more about the drying process following a flood in this blog. 

First, wet vacuums or pumps are required to extract standing water efficiently. It is important that this process begins as soon as possible to prevent mould growth and further damage.

Next, ventilation must be enhanced within the affected area to help dry the carpet. This includes using industrial fans to circulate air and employing dehumidifiers to extract humidity from it.

The carpet padding will also need to be assessed as it is much harder to dry thoroughly and quickly enough. It may need to be replaced, even if it was just flooded with clean water.

After drying, professionals will carry out thorough cleaning to remove any contaminants. They can even use antimicrobial agents which will ensure additional protection against potential bacterial fungal growth.

How to clean a carpet flooded by greywater or blackwater

You must not attempt to clean up greywater or blackwater yourself due to the harmful pathogens it can contain. Only professional cleaners wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) and trained to tackle the pathogens in it should carry out the flood restoration. 

After removing excess water and ensuring the room is adequately ventilated for drying, the carpet will then need to be assessed to see if it can be salvaged. If it is feasible, thorough cleaning will be required. This includes vacuuming the dry surface carefully with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner to remove solid particles and applying disinfectants specifically designed for biohazards. 

If the carpet is not cleaned thoroughly enough, biohazards could be left behind and put people's health at risk in the future. It is recommended you bring in professionals to deal with any kind of flooding but especially for floodwater that contains biohazards like sewage. 

Why you should bring in flood restoration professionals

Professionals possess the expertise and experience required for effective flood damage cleaning. They understand how different types of water affect your carpet and have strategies tailored for each scenario.

Their expertise enables them to spot underlying dangers like mould growth or unseen damage to the building's integrity. Their training allows them to tackle these issues before they escalate, saving homeowners from potential health hazards and additional expenses down the line.

They will also have the specialist equipment required to quickly and effectively deal with a flood. Professionals come equipped with industrial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, and water extractors that are far more powerful than anything available for home use. 

Cleaning up after a flood involves handling potentially hazardous materials including contaminated water which may contain harmful bacteria or chemicals. Flood restoration experts are trained in safe handling practices to protect themselves and prevent cross-contamination within your property.

Book your flood damage cleaning

No matter where you are in the UK, we can be on site within several hours in an emergency. 

Get in touch today by calling 0208 066 0360 or emailing enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to learn more about our flood restoration services.