How to Get Water Out of Carpet and Prevent Damage

Dealing with water damage on your carpets can be frustrating, but it’s important to act quickly to remove the water and prevent further damage. With the right techniques and materials, you can get your carpet dry and restore it to pre-water conditions. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

Assessing the Water Damage

The first step is to assess the extent of the water damage. Here are some things to check:

Where is the water coming from? Identify the source of the water. Is it a spilled drink, a leaky pipe, flooding from outside, etc? Stopping the flow of water is the top priority.
How much area is wet? Determine the size of the affected area. Is it just one spot or a large area spread across the room? Larger areas will require more extensive water removal efforts.
Has the underpad been saturated? Check beneath the carpet to see if the pad underneath has soaked up water too. Wet underpadding can lead to mold if not dried properly.
Has the water seeped into the subfloor? Inspect the subfloor under the carpet padding. Water trapped in the subfloor can cause continuing moisture issues if not removed.
Is there visible mold or mildew? Carefully check for any signs of mold, mildew or bacteria growth which could indicate severe moisture damage.

By thoroughly evaluating the water damage, you’ll know how much carpet needs treatment and what specific steps to take during the removal and drying process. Act quickly before moisture seeps deeper into padding and subflooring.

Removing Excess Water

With a plan in place, it’s time to start removing the water from the carpet right away. Here are effective methods for extracting excess moisture:

Blotting and Absorbing

For small localized water spots, blotting is an easy DIY solution:

Use clean, absorbent white towels to blot the area and soak up moisture. Press down firmly.
Replace towels frequently as they become saturated. Fold to expose dry areas.
Use a wet/dry shop vacuum on suction setting to continue removing water. Avoid vacuum scrubbing motions which could damage carpet fibers.
Sprinkle baking soda on wet spots and let sit briefly, then vacuum up. The powder will help absorb odors and moisture.
Place layers of white paper towels over the spot, weighed down with a heavy object. Allow to absorb for 1-2 hours. Replace as needed.

Blotting works best for small, recent spills before extensive saturation. Take your time to extract as much water as possible before it seeps deeper.

Rental Cleaning Machines

For large or heavily saturated areas, using a specialized carpet cleaning machine is the most efficient DIY option:

Many home improvement and grocery stores rent out carpet cleaning machines. Models like Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machines are ideal for water extraction.
Be sure to select a carpet cleaner designed for water removal, not just surface cleaning. Choose a high powered model with strong suction.
Add your own clean water and mild detergent to the machine, following instructions. Detergent helps absorb more water and suspend soils.
Work slowly with continuous passes over the affected area, using the suction wand to pull up the dirty water. Avoid scrubbing.
Empty the machine waste tank frequently so it maintains strong suction power. Make additional passes until minimal water is extracted.

Rental carpet cleaning units can quickly remove gallons of water for faster drying. Run dehumidifiers and fans to assist drying after extraction.

Professional Water Restoration

For large scale flooding or heavily saturated carpet and padding, calling a professional water damage company is highly recommended:

They have industrial level extraction equipment far beyond consumer models. Truck mounted units can generate rapid drying.
Their powerful wet vacuums remove not only surface water but also trapped moisture below. Reduce underpadding and subfloor saturation.
They can inject heated air between the floor and carpet to facilitate drying of any trapped subfloor moisture.
If needed, they have access to enzyme treatments to remove odor sources and prevent mold growth beneath the pads.
Professionals assess moisture content within the flooring to determine if removal and replacement is necessary.

Though costly, water restoration pros can extract gallons of water and accelerate carpet drying to prevent further damage. Useful for extensive flooding.

Facilitating Fast Carpet Drying

Once most excess moisture has been removed, take these additional steps to help the carpet and padding dry quickly and completely:

Maintain plenty of airflow. Position fans directly blowing along the carpet surface. Open windows if weather permits.
Run dehumidifiers to help remove ambient moisture from the air and speed evaporation. Empty the collection tank frequently.
Flip up carpet edges and expose the underside padding to air circulation. Use fans to blow directly on exposed underside.
Replace any plastic or rubber underpadding with new dried padding as moisture trapped underneath can re-wet the carpet backing.
Sprinkle additional baking soda over damp areas, leave for 1-2 hours, then vacuum up to deodorize and wick away residual moisture.
Consider using desiccant dehumidification bags filled with silica gel beads. Place on the carpet areas to actively absorb lingering moisture.
Maintain temperature above 70°F degrees to accelerate drying but avoid direct heat which could shrink or damage the carpet fibers.

Thorough air circulation and dehumidification are key to fully drying all layers of the carpet and padding after water removal.

Preventing Post-Water Damage

Even after drying, lingering excess moisture could promote mold growth or carpet deterioration. Take these proactive steps:

Daily Monitoring

Check affected areas daily for 1-2 weeks, looking for signs of new moisture wicking upwards. Blot any new damp spots.
Feel with your fingers for any remaining dampness within the carpet backing or subfloor. Problem areas may need re-extraction.
Verify underpadding is fully dry before replacing carpet. Examine for mold or deterioration which necessitates new padding.

Odor Removal

Sprinkle additional baking soda, borax, or enzymatic odor removers across the damp areas. Allow to work for 24 hours, then vacuum away.
Use an odor eliminating spray product on the dried carpet. Follow product directions based on square footage size.
Consider renting an ozone machine to neutralize stubborn carpet odors using specially generated ozone gas. Run per machine guidelines after the carpet is fully dried.

Mold Prevention

Mix tea tree oil and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist over affected areas daily to prevent mold growth. Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide.
After drying, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service to perform a deep antimicrobial treatment using sanitizing agents to kill bacteria and mold.
For severe flooding cases, it may be advisable to remove affected carpet and underpadding, clean and dry the subfloor, then install new replacement padding and carpet.

Don’t assume the carpet is safe once dried – monitor carefully over following weeks to ensure no new moisture issues or microbial growth appears.

DIY or Professional Carpet Water Removal?

When water damage strikes your carpeting, should you tackle the removal and drying on your own or call in the pros? Here are some guidelines on when to DIY and when you may need professional assistance:

When DIY Carpet Water Removal is Appropriate

The water affected area is small, less than 25 square feet.
The water exposure just occurred within the past 6 hours.
Dampness is limited to carpet surface fibers only, the backing and underpadding are not saturated.
The water damage source has been fully stopped and contained (e.g. leak repaired).
You have sufficient time, energy and space to handle the drying process.

If the water spot is very minor and recent, with access to cleaning machines, DIY carpet water removal may be feasible if done promptly.

Signs You May Need Professional Water Restoration

Water has been soaking carpets for over 24 hours already.
Large areas are affected – entire rooms or hallways.
Carpet backing feels squishy – underpadding is fully saturated.
Signs the subfloor beneath is also damp.
You smell mildew odor – early stage mold may be present.
The water damage is from sewage or contaminated flood waters.
Water has seeped under walls into adjacent rooms or downstairs ceilings.

Extensive water saturation, especially with slow drying, increases odds of long term moisture issues, mold growth and carpet deterioration. The pros have the tools to fully extract all trapped water and accelerate drying.

When to Completely Replace Carpets after Water Damage

Carpet or padding has remained wet for over 48 hours.
Squishy, spongy feel persists even after drying – excessive padding damage.
Visible mold growth on the carpet backing or padding.
Pervasive musty odors still linger after professional cleaning attempts.
Evidence the subfloor beneath is warped or damaged by water.

If flooding was severe and proper water extraction did not occur quickly, the carpet and padding may require complete replacement to prevent ongoing moisture issues.

Make sure to document the damage via photos/video since homeowners or flood insurance may cover replacement costs. Having a restoration company inspect helps document damage.

How to Get Water Out of Carpet and Prevent Damage

Key Tips Summary:

Act quickly to soak up water after a spill or flood event. Use towels, wet vacs and fans to remove surface water.
For heavy saturation, use a carpet cleaning machine to extract more liquid and aid drying. Move slowly and remove all dirty water.
Call professional water restoration for major flooding. Their industrial extractors remove trapped moisture from padding and subflooring.
After extraction, use dehumidifiers, air movers, baking soda and desiccants to fully dry all carpet and padding layers.
Monitor daily for 1-2 weeks afterwards for hidden moisture issues or mold growth. Treat with natural fungicides. Consider professional antimicrobial treatment.
Replace heavily damaged carpets and padding to prevent ongoing moisture problems. Document damage via photos for insurance claims.

With rapid response and the right methods, even seriously soaked carpets can often be restored to pre-water condition. But delayed action increases the odds of irreversible damage. So as soon as carpets get wet, leap into action to extract the water and get drying underway. Careful followup will help ward off any long term moisture-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Water Out of Carpets

Water damaged carpets are a common headache for homeowners. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about removing water and restoring carpets after cleaning.

How long does it take for carpet to dry after water damage?

With immediate DIY water removal methods, light drying can occur within 6-12 hours. But for heavily saturated carpets, complete drying to pre-flood conditions can take 2-4 days with proper drying equipment.
Lingering moisture trapped under carpet backing or padding may wick back up over weeks if not thoroughly extracted. Professional drying services accelerate this significantly.
High humidity, thick padding, puddling water and poor air circulation all extend the drying timeframe. The goal is complete drying of all layers.

What is the best homemade solution to dry carpet after cleaning?

Adding baking soda or absorbent white vinegar directly to the wet spot, letting sit 1-2 hours, then vacuuming up excess moisture. The powder absorbs odors too.
Placing multiple layers of white paper towels over the spot and weighing them down. Replace towels as they get saturated.
Running multiple box fans directly over the carpet to improve airflow and evaporation after cleaning machines are used.
Sprinkling cornstarch, wood shavings or crumpled newspaper on the spot to absorb moisture then vacuuming up after 1-2 hours. Salt works too.

How do you vacuum water out of carpet?

Use a vacuum with strong suction designed for wet pickup. Many new models have settings specifically for water removal.
Move slowly over the affected area, avoiding scrubbing motions. Make repeated passes to extract as much free water as possible.
Empty the vacuum collection tank frequently so suction power stays strong. Maneuver the suction wand across all soggy areas.
Blot with towels first to remove excess water. Vacuum up the maximum amount before it seeps deeper into backing and padding.

Does vinegar help dry carpet?

Yes, white vinegar can speed carpet drying because it:

Helps dissolve soapy residues left behind by carpet cleaning solutions so water isn’t trapped in soap film.
Has mild antimicrobial properties to suppress mold and bacteria growth in damp carpets as it dries.
Absorbs ambient moisture from the air when left in open bowls around the carpeted room.

Slowly pour vinegar directly on the affected spot or put in bowls around the room. Allow 1-2 hours contact time before removing.

How do you save a flooded carpet?

Act quickly! Remove standing water immediately with a wet vacuum and towels.
Open windows and use fans to circulate air above the carpet. Direct airflow speeds evaporation.
Lift up carpet edges to expose the underside padding to air movement.
Pour baking soda or cornstarch on the damp carpets and let sit 1-2 hours before vacuuming up.
Consider renting drying machines like blowers, dehumidifiers and air movers if significant saturation.

Fast action is key to carpet water damage recovery. Extracting moisture quickly and accelerating drying helps prevent further deterioration and mold growth.

Drying Wet Carpets with Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective DIY solution for drying water damaged carpets and controlling odors. Here’s how to leverage the moisture and odor absorbing power of baking soda on wet carpets:

What Makes Baking Soda Effective?

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is able to absorb and neutralize liquid and odors thanks to these key properties:

Absorption Ability – The powder’s gritty texture can wick away moisture from carpets through close contact. The soda particles soak up surrounding dampness.
Odor Neutralization – Baking soda chemically reacts with acidic odor molecules in the carpet, neutralizing unpleasant smells left behind after water damage.
Antimicrobial Action – The alkaline nature of baking soda creates an unfavorable environment for mold, mildew and bacteria to grow as the carpet dries.
Environmentally Friendly – Made of only sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is non-toxic and safe to use around kids and pets compared to harsh chemicals.

How To Apply Baking Soda:

Follow these steps to leverage baking soda for carpet drying:

Blot Excess Moisture – Use towels to soak up pooled water after a leak or spill. Remove surface liquid first before applying baking soda.
Sprinkle Baking Soda – Evenly sprinkle a layer of baking soda across damp carpet areas. Apply about 1/4 cup over a 1’x1′ section. Ensure good coverage.
Let Sit 1-2 Hours – Allow baking soda time to fully absorb moisture and neutralize odors from the carpet fibers and backing.
Vacuum Up – Use your vacuum on floor setting to remove the damp baking soda. Dispose of the debris afterwards.
Repeat as Needed – Check if carpet feels dry after vacuuming. If still damp, repeat steps 2-4 until moisture is removed.
Maintain Air Circulation – Keep using circulated air with a fan to further dry carpet. Baking soda accelerates absorption.

For best results, use baking soda in conjunction with fans, dehumidifiers and sunlight to fully dry all layers of the padding and backing.

Baking Soda Tips:

Choose plain baking soda without scented additives for maximum moisture absorption.
Combine with white vinegar for enhanced odor removal. Sprinkle soda first, let sit 1 hour, then spray vinegar.
For convenient application, put baking soda in a flour sifter or sieve and shake powder evenly over the wet spot.

Baking soda offers an inexpensive, non-toxic way to effectively pull water out of soaked carpets and carpeting. It keeps working to neutralize odors too as the area dries fully.

Wet Carpet Drying with Desiccant Packs

Desiccant moisture absorbing packs can be used to actively draw out remaining dampness from carpets after water damage and accelerate complete drying. Here’s an overview of desiccant drying:

What are Desiccants?

Desiccants are specially engineered substances designed to actively absorb surrounding humidity and moisture from the air:

Common desiccant types are silica gel, calcium chloride, and various molecular sieves.
The high porosity and saturation capacity allows each granule to soak up liquid from contacted surfaces.
Desiccants work through hygroscopic action, where water molecules bond to the packed granules.
Air circulation carries humidity to the desiccant beads for ongoing moisture removal.

Using Desiccant Packs on Wet Carpets

Desiccant packs leverage contained desiccant beads to dry out adjacent materials. To apply for carpets:

Extract Excess Water – Use towels, wet vacs, cleaners and fans to remove as much free water as possible after a leak or flood.
Place Packs on Carpet – Position desiccant packs directly on damp carpet areas. Space out packs across the whole affected section.
Allow 12-24 Hours Contact – Let packs actively draw moisture from the carpet fibers, backing and padding layers overnight.
Check Carpet Dryness – Inspect if packs have fully dried the carpet after the contact period. Feel for any remaining dampness.
Repeat if Needed – If still moist, replace with fresh desiccant packs for another 12-24 hour cycle until completely dry.

Desiccants work well in conjunction with other DIY drying methods to fully