How Can I Save My Carpet If it Gets Wet?

Suck up as much water from the carpet and padding as possible with a wet/dry vacuum. These vacuums, along with dehumidifiers and steam cleaners/shampooers can be rented from your local home improvement center or appliance rental store. Allow the vacuum to run over each area as long as it takes to stop pulling water into the receptacle. Empty the receptacle each time it fills.

If possible, raise the carpet and lay it over the backs of several chairs. Place large box fans underneath to speed evaporation and drying.

Close all the windows and doors. Plug in a dehumidifier to pull moisture evaporating from the wet carpet from the surrounding air. If you don't have a dehumidifier, open all the windows, plug in portable fans and turn on ceiling fans.

When the carpet is reasonably dry when you press your palm to it, rent a steam carpet cleaner and purchase the solution that goes with the unit. Steam cleaning the carpet will kill bacteria, molds and mildew that may be developing on the padding and the floor beneath the carpet.

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to re-dry the carpet, padding and floor. Wait a few days, and sniff the air of the room. If it smells mildewy, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire carpet. Work it in with a broom and leave it for a day or two to absorb moisture and kill odors, then vacuum it up.