Steps to Restore your Carpet after Water Damage in DC!

All it takes is a leaking pipe, flood water, overflowing drain or fire in Washington DC to cause a lot of damage in your home. This damage can leave you in bad shape. But there is a silver lining in the horizon! You may be able to restore your soaking wet carpet to its pre-water damage state, depending on the type of water that has caused the damage.

If your carpet has sustained water damage, here are some tips on how you can restore without compromising your loved ones’ health or safety.

Fix the Source of Water

Before you begin restoring your carpet, it is necessary to plug the leak. If you cannot fix the leak yourself, call in a professional to do it. This is also the perfect time to determine the source of water. If the water is unsanitary, such as sewage water, you should not be looking to restore the carpet. Instead find a way to dispose it immediately. If the source of water is clean, you can go ahead and begin the restoration process.

Remove Stagnant Water

Use a wet vacuum cleaner to remove any standing water. Remove all the furniture from the room and place in a well-ventilated and dry area. This will give you proper access to the carpet, especially if it is wall-to-wall carpeting.

Disinfect the Carpet

Before you begin restoring the carpet, it is necessary to disinfect it using the right chemicals. Use a solution of bleach and clean water. Remember to wear protective goggles, mask and gloves when handling this solution. Also, open up the windows, as the fumes emitting from the solution are toxic.

Dry the Carpet

Place industrial fans around the room to dry the carpet. Run the fans non-stop for about 36 hours. Then use a dehumidifier in the room to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth, which usually begins developing 24 to 48 hours after water damage. Make sure the room is well-ventilated to facilitate air flow.

If this is not something you can manage to do or you don’t have the required equipment, consider calling a carpet cleaning professional in Washington DC like Triangle Legacy.

Prevent Foot Traffic

While the carpet is drying, do not let family members go in and out of the room or walk on the carpet. This will spread the dampness and also prevent the carpet from drying quickly.

Inspect the Carpet

After 12 hours of running the fans and dehumidifier continuously, inspect the carpet. It should be dry. If not, you will notice mold formation on the carpet. If this happens, you will need a professional for mold damage restoration.

While DIY carpet restoration may sound like a good way to save money after getting hit by water damage, it is in your interest to hire a professional water damage restoration company. Such a company has qualified, trained and experienced technicians and the right tools and cleaning products to restore your carpets after water damage in DC.