How Soon Should You Clean Your Carpet After a Flood?

Dry and clean carpet as soon as possible after a flood.

As Soon as Possible

You should clean and dry your carpet as soon as possible after a flood, according to Flood Safety. The longer your carpet stays moist, the more likely it will start to grow mildew and emit a foul odor.

No Later Than a Few Weeks

How long you have to clean and dry your carpet depends on if the flood water contains sewage, according to San Diego State University. Carpet cannot stay flooded for more than a few weeks. Any longer and it is too much of a health hazard to try to restore.

Bottom Line

Homes that experience a flood should have their carpets cleaned as soon as possible or it may become too difficult and dangerous to remove mildew and odors. You can usually dry out carpet using a wet vacuum and then placing it in the sun, turning it over occasionally.

References

• Flood Safety: Cleaning Up After a Flood
• San Diego State University: Flood Recovery Answers