You can save your carpeting and rugs afer a flood.
You can save your carpets and your rugs after a flood. What many consumers don't realize is that professionals clean rugs and carpets with solutions and water-- but what makes carpets and rugs survive is that the rugs are carefully dried.
So after a flood you want to be sure that you take every possible step to have your carpet and rugs cleaned and dried thoroughly.
This even applies to handmade Oriental and Persian rugs.
I was once at a professional rug cleaning company who had a process for cleaning expensive handmade rugs that include vacuuming them to remove loose dirt, and then washing them thoroughly with soapy cleaning solution, and then thoroughly rinsing them with clean water, and then -- what was the most important step -- the area rugs were brought to a giant drying room where they were suspended and warm air was blown to be sure they were completely dry.
You want to take the same steps after a flood. You want to make sure the dirt is removed, that the rugs and carpets are properly cleaned and rinsed, and then you want to make sure they are properly and thoroughly dried.
Oh, there is one more step: you also want to wash your floors with soapy water to remove bacteria including mold. This may mean removing and replacing the tack strips used to hold wall to wall carpeting.
You will have to replace your padding. Padding can't be saved after a rug so don't even bother.
Remember time is your enemy-- the longer your rugs or carpet remain wet, the harder the job.
With wall to wall carpeting if you can remove the carpet from your house and have it cleaned and dried professionally. You will have to "pick it up" anyway to remove the padding and to disinfect the floors underneath.
