Drying wet carpets quickly is essential to prevent mould, lingering odours, and permanent damage. One lesser-known yet highly effective technique is creating a wind-tunnel effect using two fans. Instead of pointing a single fan directly at the carpet, place one fan blowing across the surface and another pulling air out from the opposite side.
Another trick most homeowners overlook is using a dehumidifier. If you don’t have one, no worries, as many companies now offer dehumidifiers for hire. Place the unit in a smaller, closed area rather than leaving it running in an open room. Closing the doors and windows forces the machine to pull moisture more aggressively from the carpeted space, helping it dry much faster. You can also gently lift the edges of your carpet to allow air to circulate beneath it. Moisture often hides in the underlay. Therefore, inserting a small fan or using a hairdryer on a cool setting under the lifted section can prevent mould and ensure the underlay dries thoroughly.
Effective Methods for Drying Wet Carpets
Many people know that baking soda removes odours, but not everyone realises it also absorbs surface moisture. If you’re drying wet carpets quickly, start by extracting as much water as possible, then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the damp areas. Leave it for two to four hours, and then vacuum thoroughly.
Another surprisingly effective method involves using towels paired with weight compression. Place thick, dry towels over the wet area and weigh them down with books or a heavy box, which forces more moisture up into the towel fibres than blotting alone. Replace the towels regularly until they stop absorbing water.
Extra Tips to Help Your Carpet Dry Faster
Meanwhile, your air conditioner can also help by acting as a dehumidifier. Running the AC, especially on ‘dry mode,’ pulls moisture from the air. As a result, it draws moisture out of the carpet more quickly and prevents that damp smell from settling in.
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, you can dramatically improve drying by using the “push and pull” method. Most homeowners only pull the vacuum towards themselves, but pushing it slowly forward and then pulling it back extracts far more water from the fibres. Another lesser-known technique is using salt as a moisture absorber. Sprinkle a generous amount over damp areas, leave it for an hour or two. Then, vacuum it up to help remove the remaining dampness. These simple methods can make a surprisingly big difference in saving your carpet after spills, leaks, or unexpected flooding.
Expert Carpet Restoration
For more severe cases, it’s important to look beyond quick drying and consider long-term carpet restoration. If the carpet remains damp despite your efforts, or if moisture has reached the underlay, it’s best to call the carpet repair experts. Indeed, nothing beats the work of professional, reliable and IICRC-certified technicians who are fully equipped to restore your entire flooring.