Ignoring a liquid spill could cause the growth of mildew/mold on your carpet. Use a towel to blot moisture and let the rest dry under a fan.
Different drying methods work best for different situations, so here are seven proven ways to dry a carpet without any vacuum cleaner.
💦How To Dry Wet Carpet Fast Without a Wet Vac?
| Methods | When to use it? | How to use it? |
| Sprinkle baking soda | The carpet is wet due to an accidental spill and emits foul odors | Sprinkle baking soda on the mat and let it dry for 1-2 hours. |
| Put on dehumidifier | Carpet has started to smell; humidity levels are high | Open all windows and keep the dehumidifier on for 10-12 hours |
| Apply Towels | Need to remove excess moisture | Place towels over the wet region, press and absorb the moisture; repeat with dry towels |
| Put on fans | To speed up the drying process | Open all windows and turn on the ceiling fan; place a movable fan facing the wet area |
| Turn on hair-dryer | If limited options are available; to speed up the drying process | Use over the wet region by constantly rotating; use it on low heat for delicate carpet fibers |
| Air-Drying Process | The carpet isn’t too wet/just a recent damp spill | Let the slightly wet carpet dry on its own; may let it air dry under the sun |
| Rice | There is excess water absorbed by the carpet | Spread the rice on the mat. Pick up the grains later. |
Also Read: Can You Vacuum Wet Carpet?
🤏 Drying Wet Carpet with Baking Soda
One of the best solutions for an odor-free carpet is using baking soda. Baking soda not only helps by absorbing moisture but also neutralizes odors. It works just like a professional carpet cleaner.
Steps to use:
Tips/Warnings:
♨ Dehumidifier for Wet Carpet
We typically have a dehumidifier at home, which turns out to dry a carpet well. In addition, it works well against the musty smell that develops from wet carpets.
Steps to use:
Tips/Warnings:
Also Read: How To Get Soap Out Of Carpet
🧺 Apply Towels For Fast Moisture Removal
To quickly remove the moisture content from a wet carpet, blotting it with towels reduces the drying time. You may use microfiber white colored towels for the best result.
Steps to use:
Tips/Warnings:
🎐Put on Fans to Increase Air Flow
Using a fan to dry a carpet faster is nothing new.
By increasing the airflow, the fresh air above the carpet will accommodate more water molecules from the evaporation.
Steps to use:
Tips/Warnings:
Also Read: How To Get Tattoo Ink Out Of Carpet
💈Turn on the Hair Dryer
If you have limited options, use a hair dryer to remove moisture from your wet carpet. You already know how to use it to blow dry hair. It works similarly for the rug.
Steps to use:
Tips/Warnings:
Also Read: Can You Put Fridge On Carpet?
⛅ Air Drying Process
Sometimes, simple methods work the best, like air-drying a wet carpet. The air-drying process will work well if the rug is just damp.
Steps to use:
Tips/Warnings:
Also Read: Best Way To Clean Ash Out Of Carpet
🍙Rice on Wet Carpet
Though not the most popular method, rice is still helpful for drying carpet surfaces, thanks to its absorbent properties. Also, we can easily pick it up because of its large grains.
Steps to use:
Tips/Warnings:
📞When To Seek a Carpet Drying Service?
You can manage a water spill over a carpet well if you act fast and correctly. But if things go out of hand, calling the water damage professionals could be your best bet before things worsen.
Note:
Mold and mildew quickly grow on a wet carpet. In addition, some other problems related to a wet carpet risk damaging the property, like the house may start stinking or deteriorating (like damaging the floor underneath) may arise.
In such scenarios, professionals providing water damage restoration know how to handle and eradicate the problem.
So, when to call the professionals? Well, it’s generally recommended to call a professional in the following cases:
👨🏫How To Dry Wet Carpet Without Vacuum: FAQs
Is the carpet ruined if it gets wet?
It depends on the carpet’s material and how long it has been wet. If you dry wet carpet quickly, the chances of it ruining are slim. But, leaving a carpet wet for more prolonged durations could cause mold growth or musty smells to develop.
How to dry damp carpet fast?
Here’s a quick carpet drying process:
1. Use absorbent towels to blot as much moisture as possible.
2. Place a fan pointing at the wet region and open windows.
3. Use a dehumidifier or dryer on the damp region to dry the remaining water.
Can you dry out the wet carpet pad?
Yes, it is possible to dry wet padding, but you should do it immediately to avoid mold formation. When moisture sinks in deep, carpet padding can be potentially damaged if it is not entirely dried.
If there is mold growth, replace both the carpet and the pad.
How long does a wet carpet take to dry?
It depends on the fabric, weather, and the amount of moisture. For example, it may take an hour to dry carpet in scorching weather, while it may take hours to dry in winter. Natural fabrics (wool, cotton) generally dry faster than synthetic fabrics. The thickness of a carpet also increases the time it takes to dry.
Does mold always grow on wet carpets?
The mold can develop if a carpet is wet for 24-48 hours. Mold formation is more concerning if the room is flooded and you have left the carpet wet for more than a day.
Adarsh is a Health Science graduate with expertise in environmental health and wellness. He is a Neat Freak who constantly looks for ways to keep his surroundings clean. At Clean Homies, Adarsh is focused on researching and sharing information on how you can maintain hygiene at home for a happy life.
