Remove Water From Carpet Padding

Steam cleaning wet carpet removes any toxins and deodorizes it.

Remove water from carpet padding.

Replace it to prevent the main carpet from becoming saturated with mold. Red cross officials say many homeowners can get rid of the mold just fine after a flood but it will require a bit of elbow grease. Consider using a dehumidifier to remove even more moisture from the atmosphere. Ideally as soon as possible you should remove the carpet from the tack strip and discard padding.

You re going to want to try to dry the pad without removing the carpet especially if the pad seems to have only gotten a little damp and the subfloor seems dry. Allow the water to sit a few minutes and loosen the glue. Cut the pad into strips roll it up and haul it outside. Carpet padding is essentially a giant sponge and can absorb all manner of bacteria and harmful substances from floodwater.

If the weather is hot dry and sunny you can try drying it yourself by rolling it out on your driveway. The tools are simple. Once the water is out peel back the carpeting watch out for those rusted sharp nails on the tackless stripping and remove the wet pad. Pour mineral water on areas of padding glued to the floor.

Press down on the nozzle to draw water from the base of the carpet and the carpet pad emptying the liquid reservoir when it becomes full. Vacuum the carpet with a shop vacuum for large spills. The same cannot be said for wet padding especially in greywater floods. Fans bleach and cleaners.

Blow air between carpet and padding. You can also use warm water mixed with dish liquid paint thinner or vinegar. Turn the shop vacuum to the wet setting and run it over the carpet. Get the rolled up carpet out of the house.