Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to drying carpet after cleaning. And that’s because there are several factors to consider such as the carpet fabric, cleaning method, carpet size, humidity and many more. The experience of the carpet cleaner also determines how well a carpet dries. Here are a few tips on how to dry carpet after cleaning.
How to Dry Carpet After Cleaning
We’ll consider the various methods you can use to make drying quicker and easier after cleaning and removing carpet stains. The methods we’ll discuss include opening the windows, using fans and turning on the air conditioning.
How Long Does it Take
In most cases, you can leave your carpet to dry on its own time. For instance, carpets cleaned using the hot water extraction method typically take 6-12 hours to dry. A carpet that has been dry cleaned can take anywhere between two and four hours to dry completely. If for some reason you can’t afford to wait that long for your carpet to dry, there are several measures you can take to speed up the drying process.
Open the Windows
If your carpet is in a room with windows, opening them up can help to speed up the drying process. Fresh air can also do wonders for the smell, as some carpet fabrics will not dry thoroughly in enclosed spaces. They are likely to develop a faint, musky smell of dampness when dried out in unventilated spaces.
You may not notice a difference at first, but fresh air can leave your carpet smelling fresher after drying. And you don’t have to open all the windows. Just open one or two windows at the end of each room on a windy or hot day. It goes without saying that you should watch the weather when using this drying method. If it’s rainy or generally wet, close the windows and turn on the fans instead.
Turn on the Fans
If you have a ceiling fan over the carpet, switch it on instead of opening the windows. It results in a cooler, more concentrated funnel of air that can dry your carpet faster. The constantly circulating air will also leave the carpet smelling fresher and cleaner. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, a desk fan or stand fan is a great alternative. They’re unlikely to dry the carpet as fast as a ceiling fan but one or two fans pointed at the carpet will do a good job.
Turn on the Air Conditioning
This drying method is best during rainy days when opening the windows isn’t an option. It’s also the next best alternative if turning on the fans isn’t logistically or physically possible. Helping your carpeting dry can also help prevent water stains.
Bottom Line
Whether you cleaned your carpets by hand or professionally, knowing how to dry carpet after cleaning is crucial because you don’t want to leave your carpet with moisture. Taking care of the moisture quickly prevents the growth of mildew, thereby eliminating the risk of bacterial growth and odor. The best drying method, however, will depend on factors such as the weather and type of cleaning method.