Leaking washers, overflowing sinks, floods and spills are a few of the common ways that carpets become damaged. These mishaps can cause a number of unsightly and potentially unhealthy results. The following are some helpful tips to help minimize the damage through proper drying and cleaning.

The first several hours after water damage occurs are important not only for your carpet and underlay but also for your other possessions. Excess moisture in the air may cause wooden furniture as well as photography and artwork to warp. If the moisture is not removed as soon as possible, mold and fungus may begin to grow in corners, under couches and chairs and in the drapery. Some types of mold can cause respiratory problems. Water from the carpet may also seep up drywall leaving yellowish stains near the floor. If the carpet is multicoloured, the colours may begin to bleed into each other so drying the carpet is the first priority.

• Dry the carpet with towels or a wet/dry vacuum.
• To increase air circulation and evaporation, open the windows or turn on the air conditioner or dehumidifier.
• Move furniture to a dry area. If it is not possible to move certain pieces of furniture, plastic can help prevent water damage. Lift the bottom edges of the furniture and dry them as best as possible then slide white plastic bags or plastic coasters underneath.
• Remove area rugs from the floor and hang to dry.
• Don't leave anything on the floor that may stain the carpet such as magazines.

Remember that water poses a threat of electrocution. If you use a wet/dry vacuum, try to keep the cord off the floor. If you need to remove lamps and other electronic devices from a room with a wet carpet, turn off the power at the circuit breaker first. Never turn on electrical devices while standing on a wet floor.

Water damage from floods, leaks, spills and other sources is often comprised of more than merely water. For example, floods often bring mud into the home. Leaks from pipes may leave rust stains particularly when the water is hard (mineral-rich). Chances are you will need to do a thorough cleaning and remove some stains.

Cleaning Machines

There are four main types of cleaning machines: large canister extractors, upright extractors (these are the types you typically find for rent at grocery stores), small canister extractors and scrubbers. Large canister extractors are powerful steam machines often used by professional cleaning companies. Upright extractors are not as powerful as large canister types and can leave excess water in the carpet and underlay. Scrubbers are usually handheld devices which are good for cleaning up small stains. The best choices for cleaning large areas are the large canister and upright extractors.

If you are not able to rent a large canister extractor, you may wish to hire a professional cleaning company. If you prefer to rent an upright extractor, it is important to remove as much water as possible from the carpet so that the underlay will not rot. After the normal shampooing and suctioning, turn the machine to vacuum (or suction) and run it over the carpet several times. Open the windows or turn on the air conditioner or dehumidifier to increase evaporation.

Stains

Despite the best cleaning machines, some stains are tenacious. Cleaning becomes a fine balance between removing a stain and damaging the carpet itself. Before applying any of the following cleaners to a stained area, it is highly recommended that you test them out first on a hidden or low-traffic area in case any discolouration occurs.

Oxygen Bleach Nylon and acrylic rugs are fairly easy to clean, however, natural fibres such as wool are more challenging. An effective way to clean wool is to add powdered oxygen bleach (a gentle, natural alternative to chlorine bleach) to water in an extractor. Be careful not to mix in too much oxygen bleach - use approximately 10ml in 18 litres of water.

Vinegar A mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 10 parts water is an effective cleaner particularly for coffee and tea stains.

Oil For any oil-based stain, the quicker you get to it, the easier it will be to remove. If the spill consists of only a drop or two, pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a white cloth or paper towel and blot - do not rub - the oil from the outside of the stain toward the centre. If you have a larger spill, use a dry-cleaning solvent. Pour it onto a paper towel and blot, also from the outside of the stain toward the centre.

To remove all of the oil, you may have to repeat the cleaning process several times. If the spill is large, the oil will probably soak into the padding beneath the carpet; in that case, you may need to call a professional.

Toothpaste You may not think the same way about toothpaste again! White toothpaste (one which doesn't contain a whitening formula) is an effective carpet cleaner.

Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is used to clean contact lenses and scrapes but it also helps to remove and lighten stains. Slightly dampen the area with water. Dab on a white cloth dipped in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide; let dry.

Last Resorts

Last resorts If the stain remains despite your best efforts, you may wish to contact a professional carpet maintenance company to have it re-dyed to the original colour. As a last resort, you can insert a new piece of carpet. Make an insert. Cut out stained carpet with a utility knife; attach a new piece (from a remnant) with carpet adhesive.

These tips along with some elbow grease and persistence can go a long way to restoring the original condition of your carpet!