Carpet Water Damage: What you See Vs. The Reality

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and expertise to properly remove deep water damage from your home or business's carpeting.

When large amounts of water seep into your carpet, the damage-causing potential is higher than it seems to be to the naked eye. You might’ve been able to dry your carpet after its been affected, but what about the water that’s seeped into the drywall, the subfloor, your baseboard and your floor padding? Untreated carpet water damage can lead to serious mold and mildew buildup. We here at SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod have seen plenty of instances of carpet water damage causing floorboard warping, mold, musty odors and structural damage. Here are some tips to keep your carpets safe from further damage after a spill or leak.

What to Do with a Water Damaged Carpet:

• Wipe dry all damp furniture
• Remove and air-dry wet cushions and upholstery
• Place aluminum foil between wood furniture and the flooring
• Turn the A/C on
• Remove any rugs from carpeting
• Move all art to a safe, dry area
• Remove loose items from floor

What NOT to Do:

• Do not use your household vacuum to suck up the water
• Don’t use electric appliances in the same room
• Don’t leave books, art or other colored items on the floor

If Your Carpet is Moldy:

• Stay away from the area
• Turn off HVAC and halt air movement
• Do not touch the mold
• Do not spray with bleach

A common mistake people make when attempting to restore a moldy carpet is grabbing a jug of bleach, scrubbing the mold and drying it with a fan. All three of these actions will only make the mold issue worse. First of all, bleach is only good for use on non-porous surfaces. On a porous surface, like a carpet, the bleach will only add more moisture for the mold to feed on. Also, drying the mold with a fan will only spread mold spores throughout the room, potentially causing health effects. If you see mold growing in your carpet, the best course of action is to leave it alone and seek professional restoration. If your Cape Cod home or business is in need of water restoration, SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod is on alert 24/7 for your needs. Give us a call at 508-778-7378 to set up a free estimate or to get emergency assistance within 24 hours.