A little spill or minor leak might not seem like a big deal, but when your carpet gets soaked, the clock starts ticking. Understanding how long carpet can stay wet and whether it needs to be replaced is essential to avoid long-term damage like mold, odor, and structural deterioration.
In this post, we break it down and share what you should do if your carpet gets wet.
Time is the biggest enemy when it comes to a wet carpet.
Ideally, carpet should not remain wet for more than 24 to 48 hours. Exceeding this timeframe allows trapped moisture to penetrate deeper, reaching the underlying padding and even the subfloor. This creates an environment highly conducive to the proliferation of mold and mildew, which can pose health risks and lead to unpleasant odors.
Furthermore, prolonged dampness can weaken the carpet fibers and potentially damage the structural integrity of the flooring beneath, necessitating costly repairs or replacements.
Swift action is necessary when carpets become wet. Comprehending the potential long-term effects is vital for effective remediation, as water damage in carpets can worsen quickly.
In the first 24 hours after a carpet gets wet, quick and complete drying of both the carpet and the padding underneath gives the best chance for full recovery. Taking action immediately within this time can often stop long-term harm, avoiding expensive replacements. The aim is to remove as much water as possible and create conditions that prevent mold from starting. Waiting longer than this initial period greatly increases the possibility of further damage.
When carpets remain wet for 24 to 48 hours, the possibility of mold growth significantly increases, especially in warm and humid places. These environments are perfect for inactive mold spores, which exist in most buildings, to start growing. Once active, these tiny organisms multiply and can damage the carpet material. They can also release spores into the air, which can affect the quality of the air inside.
Beyond 48 hours, mold often becomes visible, indicating significant water damage. By this time, the carpet’s structure and possibly the floor underneath may be weakened. Substantial mold can also cause health problems for people living there, such as allergies, breathing issues, and other sensitivities. Fixing water damage after this period usually requires more thorough and costly work.
To determine whether or not you should get rid of a water-damaged carpet depends on the source of water, the length of exposure, and the carpet materials.
At A/S General Contracting, we assess these factors during our inspection to determine if replacement is necessary or if we can restore your carpet safely and cost-effectively.
Turn off the source of water and start blotting up moisture.
Prevent further staining or moisture trapping
DIY drying is often not enough. Let experts inspect, extract water, and dry everything properly.
Musty smells, discoloration, or allergic reactions mean it’s time to take action.
If your carpet has been exposed to water, don’t wait. A/S General Contracting specializes in emergency water extraction, structural drying, and full restoration services. Whether it’s a small leak or a full flood, we can help restore your carpet—or replace it safely—while also handling your insurance claim from start to finish.
Licensed General Contractors Who Specialize In Water Damage, Mold Removal, and Fire Restoration
