How to Dry Wet Carpet Quickly and Safely (and When to Call the Pros)

When water soaks into carpet—whether from a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or heavy rain—every hour counts.
Moisture trapped in the carpet, underlay, and subfloor can cause mould growth, bad odours, and structural damage that turn a small spill into a major restoration bill.

This guide explains DIY steps to dry wet carpet for minor clean-water incidents and when it’s time to call an IICRC-certified restoration company such as Reztor Restoration.

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Step 1: Stop the Source and Remove Standing Water

• Shut off the water supply if a pipe has burst.
• Extract pooled water with a wet/dry vacuum or mop and bucket.
  The faster you remove surface water, the less time moisture has to migrate into the underlay.

Step 2: Pull Back and Inspect

• Lift a corner of the carpet to check the underlay and subfloor.
• If the underlay is saturated, it often needs to be replaced.
• Timber or particleboard subfloors should be inspected for swelling or delamination.

Step 3: Maximise Airflow

• Position high-velocity fans or air movers to circulate air across the carpet surface.
• Open windows if weather allows, but use dehumidifiers if humidity is high.

Step 4: Control Humidity

Running a commercial-grade dehumidifier is critical.
Lowering the relative humidity to below 50 % speeds evaporation and prevents mould growth.

Step 5: Clean and Disinfect

Even clean water can contain microbes.

• Lightly mist the carpet and underlay with an antimicrobial treatment approved for soft furnishings.
• Always test a small patch first to avoid colour changes.

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When to Call a Professional

DIY methods are suitable only for Category 1 (clean) water and small areas (generally < 5 m²).
Call a professional if:

• Water is grey or black (from washing machines, dishwashers, sewage, or floodwater)
• The carpet was wet for more than 24 hours
• You notice a musty smell or visible mould

An IICRC-certified company such as Reztor Restoration uses truck-mounted extraction, thermal imaging, and commercial drying equipment to remove deep moisture and document the process for insurance claims.

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Key Takeaways

• Act fast—the first 24 hours are critical.
• Remove water, circulate air, and dehumidify to prevent mould.
• Know your limits—if contamination or large areas are involved, professional restoration is safer and more cost-effective.

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