How to Dry a Soaked Carpet

A soaked carpet and its padding need to be dried as quickly as possible to prevent mold and the deterioration of the carpet. If the carpet was soaked with contaminated water, such as from a burst sewage pipe, you need to replace it and the padding and sanitize your home, preferably with a professional's help. If the carpet was soaked with clean water, such as from a fresh-water pipe or rainwater, ideally, you should remove it and the padding, dry them outdoors and reinstall them. If that is not an option, however, and the soaking incident is recent, you can dry the carpet with a few household appliances and baking soda.

Things You'll Need

• Wet-dry vacuum
• Fans
• Dehumidifier
• Baking soda
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Use a wet-dry vacuum to pull as much moisture out of the carpet as possible. These vacuums are designed to be used on wet surfaces and have a lot of suction.

2. Open all the windows and doors and use fans to circulate the air. This is particularly effective in a hot, dry climate. If your climate is very humid, set up a dehumidifier in the room to help speed drying. Allow the carpet and padding to dry at least 24 hours.

3. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and let it sit overnight. Baking soda will draw excess moisture out. In the morning, vacuum the baking soda out of the carpet.

References

• University of Florida: Cleaning Flood Damaged Carpets and Rugs
• City of Independence: Cleaning Carpets and Floors
• EPA: Mold Course