When a flood strikes your home, your carpeting may become damaged from the waters and from the mold growth that can come with damp conditions. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to salvage your carpeting and avoid having to replace your flooring. Here are some essential steps to take to clean and salvage your carpet after a flood.

Remove Excess Water

Even after the floodwaters have receded, there may still be a significant amount of water in your carpeting. Before you can take any steps to clean and repair your carpeting, you'll need to remove this excess water. A heavy-duty wet/dry shop vac can help you to remove water pooling at the base of the carpet fibers. These vacuums can be rented from your local home improvement store, but if your home is prone to flooding, you may want to purchase one to have ready whenever a storm hits your home. Once you have removed as much water as possible, you can use industrial blower fans to help finish the drying process.

Spot-Treat For Stains

If you notice stains or discoloration on the carpet once it is dry, use a spot-cleaning treatment to help remove the appearance of the stains. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the surface of the carpeting. If you notice large spots or discolorations, you can use a portable carpet cleaner designed to remove stains. These devices are typically handheld, making it easy to apply them to the exact area where the stains are located. After spot-cleaning, use a steam carpet cleaner to help sanitize the carpet fibers and remove dirt and debris left behind from the flood.

Have The Carpet Inspected

After the carpet has been dried and thoroughly cleaned, it's a good idea to have a water damage repair contractor inspect it for possible signs of mold growth. Mold can thrive in moist, dark conditions, and it may have begun to grow quickly after the floodwaters have receded. Your contractor can determine if there is mold and how to treat it. In some cases, you may also have mold growth on your walls and in other areas of the home, so be sure to have the entire affected area checked for mold.

A water damage repair contractor can handle much of the work for you, from deep-cleaning the carpets to removing damaged drywall, carpet, and padding from your home. If you don't feel confident you can restore your carpets after a flood, contact a water damage restoration contractor to help.