Restoring Flood-Damaged Carpets: What You Need to Know

As floor care and cleaning technicians with years of experience in the professional remediation cleaning industry, we know firsthand the devastation a flood can bring. Whether caused by inclement weather, a burst pipe, or a backed-up sewer, the emotional and financial strain caused by water damage is something that no one should have to experience, on their own.

That’s why our team, here at Stephco Cleaning remain dedicated to providing our Massachusetts residential and commercial clients with compassionate, friendly, and helpful service, when our clients need it most.

This blog post will share valuable information about restoring flood-damaged carpets. Whether you’ve recently experienced a flood or want to learn more, knowing the necessary steps for carpet restoration is essential.

Assessing The Damage

The first step in restoring flood-damaged carpet is assessing the extent of the damage to determine whether the carpet is salvageable or needs replacement. Factors to consider include:

Water Type – Clean water, such as water from a burst pipe, is easier to deal with than contaminated water, such as sewage backup. More thorough cleaning and sanitation are required if flooded with contaminated or dirty water.

Duration Of Water Exposure – The longer the carpet remains exposed to water and moisture, the harder it will be to salvage or restore.

Carpet Material – Some carpet materials are more prone to water damage than others. Synthetic carpets, for example, are more resilient than natural fibers like wool or silk.

Remember, it’s always best to consult with a professional remediation cleaning company when in doubt.

Extraction And Drying

After assessing the damage and determining whether the carpet and or padding is salvageable, removing excess water is the next step. Our team at Stephco Cleaning utilizes state-of-the-art equipment for this, including powerful water extraction machines and industrial-grade air movers, dehumidification systems and HEPA filtered air scrubbers.

While drying and extraction times can vary, our dedicated technicians work tirelessly to minimize disruption and restore your carpet as quickly and efficiently as possible, ensuring you can return to a safe and comfortable living or working environment.

Cleaning And Sanitizing

In most floods where the water intrusion can be traced to a clean water source, the carpet can be cleaned via hot water extraction, once the carpet & padding has been deemed dry, by our certified technicians. Once the carpet has been thoroughly cleaned, we would apply an Antimicrobial treatment, which will sanitize the carpet.  This process removes dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants or debris caused by flooding. Our team uses eco-friendly yet robust cleaning solutions to ensure your carpet is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

Deodorizing And Odor Removal

Floodwater often leaves an unpleasant odor that can be tough to eliminate. Our professional remediation company utilizes various advanced technologies and methods to effectively sanitize and deodorize carpets affected by flood or water damage. Some of these technologies include:

Air Scrubbers – Commercial-grade air scrubbers use HEPA filters to remove airborne particles, bacteria, and mold spores from the air, helping to reduce odors and improve overall air quality.

Fogging Machines – Fogging machines or ULV (ultra-low volume) foggers disperse a fine mist of deodorizing and sanitizing solutions into the air and onto surfaces. This method allows for even distribution, thorough coverage, and effective odor neutralization.

Enzymatic Cleaners – Enzymatic cleaners contain specific enzymes that target and break down odor-causing organic materials, such as proteins and fats. These cleaners are particularly effective for removing stubborn odors caused by sewage or other biological contaminants.

Antimicrobial Treatments – Antimicrobial treatments are basically sanitizing and disinfectanting agents that are applied to surfaces to effectively kill any potential bacteria, virus, fungus, etc.  Antimicrobial treatments are on our fleet of trucks at all times and are even used by our crews to disinfect our own equipment, in between jobs.

Hot Water Extraction – This carpet cleaning methodology, sometimes called steam cleaning, uses hot water and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to penetrate carpet fibers, remove dirt and contaminants, and neutralize odors.

By combining these advanced technologies and methods, a professional remediation company can effectively sanitize and deodorize your flood-damaged carpets, restoring them to a clean and odor-free state.

Mold And Mildew Prevention

You might be surprised to learn that, in some cases, mold and mildew can start growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. So if you have water damage, the sooner you begin the remediation process, the better the chances of preventing these harmful microorganisms from taking hold in your home or office.

Prompt action helps protect your property from further damage and reduces the potential health risks associated with mold and mildew exposure, such as respiratory issues and allergic reactions.

Our team uses moisture meters to check for any remaining dampness in the carpet and padding, and we continue the drying process until all moisture is gone. Additionally, we may apply antimicrobial treatments to inhibit mold and mildew growth.

Don’t Delay If You Have Water Damage

Contacting a professional remediation company as soon as possible after experiencing water or flood damage is crucial. The sooner you begin the remediation process, the higher the chances of salvaging possessions, including furniture, electronics, and personal items.

Taking swift action helps prevent and protect against electrical hazards, mold and mildew growth, and structural damage. In addition, it helps to minimize disruption to your life, including emotional and financial strain caused by water or flood damage.

It’s worth mentioning that many insurance policies require homeowners and business owners to take immediate action to mitigate further damage after a flood or water event. Delaying the remediation process can jeopardize your insurance coverage or result in a lower claim payout.

Contacting a professional remediation company when you experience water or flood damage is essential to protect your property, belongings, and the health of your family or employees. Prompt action can minimize the overall impact of the damage, help you return to everyday life more quickly, and reduce any out-of-pocket costs associated with the catastrophe.

Final Thoughts

Restoring flood-damaged carpets can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, working with a professional remediation cleaning company like Stephco Cleaning can help you navigate a “not ideal” situation more confidently. If you have water damage and could use some help, contact us anytime to start the conversation.