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University of Wisconsin-Extension
When
faced with flood-damaged carpeting and rugs, your options
will depend on the source of flooding. If floodwater consisted
of clean basement seepage or lawn runoff into a sub-basement,
drying and cleaning is an easy decision. But if sewage-contaminated
floodwater has covered your carpeting, you probably will need
to discard it for health safety reasons. You can assume the
water and the carpet contain infectious organisms. Throw rugs
can usually be saved.
- Wall-to-wall
carpeting, most large area rugs and any rug with foam backing
should be discarded if flooded with contaminated water.
Except for valuable rugs, the time and expense of professional
cleaning generally is not worth the effort or the health
risk.
- If
you are determined to salvage carpeting soaked with contaminated
water, consult a professional cleaning company that services
carpets at its own cleaning and drying facilities. A steam
cleaning (hot-water extraction) method is preferable.
- A
wall-to-wall carpet soaked by clean rainwater can be salvaged.
Have it professionally cleaned or clean it using the directions
below.
- Throw
rugs usually can be cleaned adequately in a washing machine.
Cleaning
basement carpeting indoors is not a good idea in summer because
you are adding even more moisture to an already wet area.
If the carpeting is installed with tack strips you may be
able to remove it, have it cleaned and reinstalled. Padding
is nearly impossible to clean so it should be replaced.
If you
can't remove the carpeting, dry it as quickly as possible
to minimize growth of mildew. If possible, use a wet/dry vacuum
system. A dehumidifier can help remove moisture from the air.
Keep windows closed when using a dehumidifier.
- When
the carpet is thoroughly dry, vacuum the area.
- Shampoo
and repeat the drying process. Keep in mind that most modern
carpeting is made of nylon and should not be treated with
bleach.
- Vacuum
again.
- You
can reduce a musty smell with the following process:
a)
Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, working it in with
a broom or sponge mop.
b)
Leave the baking soda treatment on overnight.
c)
Vacuum the baking soda out. Vacuum twice, moving back
and forth in a different direction the second time.
Additional resources:
Your county family living agent, your local emergency government office, the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Related publications:
"Repairing Your Flooded Home," American Red Cross/Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1992.
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NASD Review: 04/2002
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