Can Carpet Padding Be Saved After a Flood?

Carpet Padding

• The materials from which carpet padding is made retain moisture and do not dry effectively. Also, items need to be removed from the flood environment and dried outside or in a well-ventilated area. This is not possible with carpet padding, since it is either glued or nailed to the floor.

Cleaning Carpet

• Although the carpet padding must be discarded and replaced, you may be able to salvage the carpet. Remove the carpet and hose it down outside. Using a scrub brush, work a non-phosphate cleaner into the pile. Dry the carpet outdoors, preferably. If this isn't possible, dry it in a well-ventilated area that was not flooded using a dehumidifier and wet/dry vacuum. When the carpet has dried, spray it with disinfectant and let that dry before putting it down again.

Flooring

• With the carpet and carpet padding completely removed, dry the floor underneath. Scrub it with a stiff brush and mixture of bleach and water paying special attention to corners and cracks where mud and silt may imbed. Follow with a disinfectant, then allow it to dry. Open windows to allow natural ventilation. Avoid accelerated drying with heaters since this can cause wood floors to crack, split or buckle.

Padding Replacement

• Once the floor has dried completely, you can lay down the new carpet padding. Give the floor ample drying time. Padding glue won't stick to a damp floor and installing padding over a still damp floor can enable mold growth.

Mold

• Protect yourself from mold exposure when cleaning up after a flood by wearing a N-95 mask, gloves, and goggles. Without protection you risk skin irritation, allergic reactions, infections, asthma episodes, and other respiratory problems. Mold poses a higher risk to people with existing respiratory problems.