eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Clean Carpet After a Rain Flood

Member
By Kathleen Lynn
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)
Flooded Cornfield
Flooded Cornfield
http://www.morguefile.com/earl53

Having lived through a flood and been exposed to the mess it can leave behind, these are the steps you can take to try and restore your carpet after.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • wet dry vac
  • window fan
  • carpet shampoo machine
  1. Step 1

    The first thing you need to do is open any windows in the home or office the carpet is located in. The fresh air hitting it is going to help dry it out.

  2. Step 2

    Next you want to put box fans in the windows and turn these on high, if the carpet is in a hallway or closed in area, set the box fan at the end of the hallway or area and let it directly hit the carpet. Turn on any ceiling fans you can as well.

  3. Step 3

    You need a good wet and dry vacuum. Run this over the carpet and dump the water. Repeat this step until the carpet is no longer soggy from the water build up.

  4. Step 4

    Continue to let the fans work their magic on the carpets for a few more hours until the carpet is damp.

  5. Step 5

    You want to hit the carpet with a carpet shampoo machine before it completely dries. This will help take care of smells and any lingering damages the carpet has taken.

  6. Step 6

    If you notice spots on the carpet where it has stained, you can use the shampoo you are putting in the shampoo machine. Put a little elbow grease into this as you put the cleaner on the stain, you will have to scrub with a toothbrush or scrubber.

  7. Step 7

    The fans can continue running after the shampoo. This helps air the carpet and dry it faster.

  8. Step 8

    Once carpet is dry, if you still notice any lingering smells, get some carpet fresheners that can be left in the carpet. There are several variety's of spray fresheners that can sit on the carpet after you spray them. Using a powder that has to be vacuumed may also work well with smells.

Tips & Warnings
  • Start working on drying the carpet as soon as possible to avoid mildew and mold sitting in.

Comments  

Flag This Comment

on 3/8/2009 Some very good tips! I had to do this before and I can tell you, definitely not fun! Good advice, though. 5 stars and recommendation

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden