Remove Water From Carpet Padding

Allow the water to sit a few minutes and loosen the glue.

Remove water from carpet padding.

Carpet padding is essentially a giant sponge and can absorb all manner of bacteria and harmful substances from floodwater. You can also use warm water mixed with dish liquid paint thinner or vinegar. Red cross officials say many homeowners can get rid of the mold just fine after a flood but it will require a bit of elbow grease. You re going to want to try to dry the pad without removing the carpet especially if the pad seems to have only gotten a little damp and the subfloor seems dry.

Pour mineral water on areas of padding glued to the floor. Turn the shop vacuum to the wet setting and run it over the carpet. Fans bleach and cleaners. Press down on the nozzle to draw water from the base of the carpet and the carpet pad emptying the liquid reservoir when it becomes full.

A dehumidifier in a closed room will pull out water fast and can be rented from rental companies. Once the water is out peel back the carpeting watch out for those rusted sharp nails on the tackless stripping and remove the wet pad. If the weather is hot dry and sunny you can try drying it yourself by rolling it out on your driveway. Steam cleaning wet carpet removes any toxins and deodorizes it.

Vacuum the carpet with a shop vacuum for large spills. The same cannot be said for wet padding especially in greywater floods. Cut the pad into strips roll it up and haul it outside. Ideally as soon as possible you should remove the carpet from the tack strip and discard padding.

Consider using a dehumidifier to remove even more moisture from the atmosphere. Blow air between carpet and padding. The sooner you start cleaning up after water damage the sooner you can stop mold from growing under your carpet. The tools are simple.