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It takes between four and six hours for carpet to dry after a cleaning. The carpet type, how it was cleaned, and even the season can impact drying time. |
After noticing water in the basement or other damage to floors after a disaster, the carpet will need to be cleaned. And because carpet cleaning is typically one of the last restoration steps, property owners and occupants might be left wondering: How long does it take for carpet to dry after cleaning?
If a property has recently flooded and needs dedicated post-disaster recovery services, count on Rainbow Restoration® to handle the project from start to finish. Rainbow Restoration’s carpet and upholstery cleaning services can restore the property to its best possible condition.
Table of contents:
- Factors That Affect Carpet Cleaning Dry Time
- 4 Tips for How To Dry Carpet Fast
- Trust Rainbow Restoration for Carpet Cleaning
- FAQ About Carpet Drying
Factors That Affect Carpet Cleaning Dry Time
Water damage to flooring can be incredibly expensive and time-consuming to fix. It’s easy to assume that once a carpet has been cleaned, it’s OK to replace furniture and get people back into the building.
But that could end up causing problems. It takes time to properly dry a carpet, and not waiting can lead to furniture staining and mold growth. While most carpets will be dry enough to walk on and return furniture to their original places after six hours, there are several factors that can slow down or speed up drying time.
Type of carpet
The type of carpet can change the amount of time it takes to dry. A carpet with a high pile (fiber length) dries more slowly than a low-pile carpet. The material a carpet is made from can also impact drying time.
- Material: Olefin is a synthetic fiber designed to wick away moisture, meaning it dries quicker than other materials. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester will dry faster than organic fibers like wool.
- Size and thickness: The higher the pile, the longer the dry time. Opting for low-pile carpets in high-traffic areas or parts of the home with high moisture can be helpful to speed up drying.
Type of cleaning method
Not all carpet cleaning methods are created equal. The carpet cleaners available to buy or rent don’t have the suction power of professional units and tend to leave moisture in the carpet.
- Hot water extraction: Hot water extraction involves sending pressurized hot water through the carpet fibers and then extracting them using a vacuum system. It has one of the longest dry times — anywhere from four to six hours.
- Rotary brush and shampoo: A carpet shampooer uses a rotary brush to broadcast detergent across the carpet. The detergent will emulsify the soil. This process is typically followed with an extraction rinse.
- Low moisture cleaning: Dry carpet cleaning isn’t fully dry but is a very low moisture method using special chemicals to clean carpet fibers and speed up drying. This method usually takes about two to four hours to dry.
3. Humidity levels
The humidity in the house and outdoors can affect the time it takes for a carpet to dry. High humidity makes drying take longer, while low humidity can help speed up drying.
4. Soil level
The amount of dirt, debris, and other particulates in a carpet will vary depending on the kind of damage that occurred. Regular wear and tear can lead to an accumulation of dirt and compacted fibers, while damage from a flood or fire will be more severe and require more work.
- Fire: Following a fire, there will likely be soot and smoke damage. If the fire is extinguished using water, the risk of bacteria increases. These different sources of soiling may require multiple cleanings and can take longer to dry.
- Flood: After a flood, there may be bacteria, waste, dirt, and microorganisms in the carpet. The extent of the damage will impact the extent of cleaning required, which ultimately impacts drying time
5. Service professional experience
Hiring an experienced service professional can significantly improve drying time. Years of experience and expertise mean Rainbow Restoration’s upholstery and carpet cleaning professionals can get the job right. Because professionals know how to use commercial-grade equipment as well as proven mitigation techniques, carpets cleaned by professionals usually dry faster than those cleaned by amateurs.
If a rental property floods, entrust restoration and cleaning to those with the equipment and tools to do the job right.
4 Tips for How To Dry Carpet Fast
Proper drying not only means that a carpet looks better, but it can also help reduce the growth of bacteria. Here’s how to dry carpet quickly after it has been cleaned:
1. Ventilate the space
Airflow increases drying by speeding up evaporation and reducing humidity. There are several ways to ventilate a room when drying a carpet; combining them can cut drying time down by several hours.
- Open windows and doors (when outdoor humidity is low)
- Run fans
- Turn on the AC (or turn on the heat in cooler months)
2. Use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the carpet and the air and help prevent bacteria. Running a dehumidifier in tandem with fans can dry out a carpet faster than letting it dry on its own.
3. Try a wet vacuum
Using a dedicated wet vacuum after cleaning can help remove moisture from deep within carpet fibers and pads. Residential and commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning service professionals have the right equipment to remove excess water from carpets to help speed up the process.
4. Wait to return furniture
While it’s no surprise that occupants would want to move back into a building as soon as possible, returning furniture too soon can actually extend the amount of time needed to dry out a carpet. Placing furniture on a wet carpet can also damage carpet fibers and stain the carpet, so be patient while the carpet dries.
Trust Rainbow Restoration for Carpet Cleaning
Armed with the answer to how long it takes for a carpet to dry, let a residential and commercial restoration and specialty cleaning company take care of a property after a damaging event. Rainbow Restoration has the experience to help with every step of restoration, from the initial cleanup to the finishing touches. No matter what type of water damage occurs, call a local Rainbow Restoration today for help.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Rainbow Restoration is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Rainbow Restoration location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
FAQ About Carpet Drying
As an industry leader we believe setting the highest standards in water, fire, and mold damage restoration requires a continuous focus and dedication to education and improvement. This commitment to exceptional service also includes using our experience and expertise to answer your restoration questions.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about residential carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Can I sleep in my room after carpet cleaning?
Yes, it’s safe to sleep in a room after carpet cleaning. It’s best to wait four to six hours for the carpet to fully dry but there aren’t any associated dangers.
How long do you have to stay off carpet after cleaning?
Wait four to six hours before walking on freshly cleaned carpets. It’s best to limit use until completely dry to reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto the fibers.
Can you vacuum wet carpet?
Do not vacuum a wet carpet. It may push moisture deeper into the carpet and pad, damage the vacuum, and increase the risk of electrocution. Let the professionals use a wet vacuum or other drying techniques.
Can you walk on wet carpet after cleaning?
Avoid walking on wet carpet. If it’s absolutely necessary to walk on the carpet soon after cleaning, wear shoe covers to reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto the carpet. Rainbow Restoration service professionals will always wear shoe covers inside a property when cleaning a carpet.
How long after carpet cleaning can I put furniture back?
Wait until the carpet is completely dry before putting furniture back. Depending on the carpet type, this can be six to 10 hours. Avoid dents and compressing carpet fibers premature furniture placement can cause. Plus, the moisture from freshly cleaned carpets can cause stains or dyes to transfer to the carpet.
