Learning how to dry wet carpet without a vacuum can save you in a pinch, especially if you don’t have the right vacuum to clean your carpet. Regular vacuums cannot handle moisture, and most people don’t have a wet vacuum on hand. Additionally, the top-rated vacuum cleaners that can perform this task can be expensive.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Any drying methods you use need to be seen through to completion, or you risk damaging or ruining your carpet.
- There are several different methods for pulling water from the carpet, and most of them can be done with commonly found household items.
- If you live in a place with high humidity levels, it is crucial to continuously use drying methods on your carpets, so that excess moisture doesn’t get caught in the carpet fiber.
How to Dry Wet Carpet Without a Vacuum
Knowing how to dry the wet carpet without a vacuum is especially important for those in high levels of humidity. Though it’s also good to know how to fix a vacuum cleaner, if you have a faulty one that can do the job.. Even those in dry climates can benefit from understanding how to remove excess moisture, however. Even those that live in the desert should expect to experience a pipe leak at some point.
Methods for Drying a Damp Carpet
The drying process for carpets doesn’t always have to include a vacuum. Your leading household vacuum cleaner probably can’t handle liquids of any type, or it might be old or broken (in which case you need to know how to dispose of a vacuum cleaner). There are a few methods you can use to both regulate levels of humidity and improve the drying process.
Use a Hair Dryer
Most folks have a hairdryer on hand. These can be great for drying carpet in a pinch, similar to what you’d use if you just used a wet-dry vacuum to clean your carpets. Make sure to use dry towels first to remove as much excess water as you can. Making sure to towel dry beforehand is crucial to your success. Once you’ve gotten that step done, hold your hairdryer around half a foot away from your carpet and wave it back and forth just like you would on your hair. Be careful not to hold it too close since that can weaken carpet fiber or the glue holding your carpet together.
Try Baking Soda
Sprinkling baking soda on your carpet has a dual purpose. On the one hand, you’ll be removing foul odors that may have built up. On the other hand, baking soda is also great for removing moisture by sucking it out of your carpet. After you’ve allowed the baking soda to soak up moisture, take it outside and use a carpet beater to remove the chunky powder.
Harness the Sun
If it’s sunny where you live, this air-drying process might be your best bet. Lay your damp carpet out in direct sunlight after expressing as much moisture as possible from it. The first step is always using absorbent towels to lower the moisture content as much as possible. Using sunlight can also help dry your floor after using the best mop on it.
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is less for drying excess water and more for keeping humidity levels under control. Having high air humidity can cause bad odors at best and encourage mold growth at worst. Having a dehumidifier next to your carpet will help regulate the climate and keep your carpet safe.
F.A.Q.
What Makes Moisture Bad for Carpeting?
Mold damage is a big deal and can completely ruin your carpet. Moisture encourages mold growths that can turn into a full-blown infestation. Once mold damage begins, it can be challenging to reverse the effects.
Does Mold Grow in Wet Carpets?
Yes, it does. It is crucial to address mold growth as soon as you notice it. Preferably, you will keep mold formation from happening in the first place. If you notice a musty odor in your carpet, then you know that you have a problem.
How to Dry Carpet After a Leak or Water Damage?
The most effective way to clean excess water is by hiring water damage professionals or using a wet-dry vacuum. Which method you go will depend on how bad the water damage is.
Should I Use Baking Soda To Get The Smell Out Of Wet Carpet?
Baking soda is one of the most effective ways to clean musty smells out of carpets. It’s safe to use and completely non-toxic, making it perfect for people with pets or children.
STAT: Steamers kill any germs while shampoo eliminates 95 to 99% of the germs on your carpet. (source)
REFERENCES:
