From deluge to delight: How to restore flood-damaged carpets

Did you know that since 2010 Christchurch City Council has spent $300 million reducing the flood risk to the city? While there have been vast improvements to many suburbs, several low-lying areas of Christchurch are still at risk.

When a flood strikes, one of the most vulnerable elements of your home is undoubtedly the carpets. Whether it's carpet damage from a burst pipe or a heavy rainstorm, the aftermath leaves them drenched and seemingly ruined. However, with prompt action and the right knowledge, flood-damaged carpets can be saved and brought back to their former glory.

Why action to save the carpet needs to be taken sooner rather than later

Delaying the carpet restoration process can lead to irreversible damage to your carpets. Here's why time is of the essence:

Delamination: Excessive moisture causes the carpet backing to separate from the fibres, this is a process called delamination. Delamination compromises the carpet's integrity and causes the carpet to wrinkle and pucker. Yes, you can repair a delaminated carpet, but the reality is the carpet will need replacing before too long.

Stains and discolouration: Water from flooding is rarely ‘clean’. It usually contains contaminants that seep into the carpet fibres resulting in stubborn stains and discolouration. There is also the risk of dyes from furniture leaching onto the carpet too, permanently staining the carpet.

Smells and odours: Sustained moisture in the carpet invites unpleasant odours. If not adequately addressed, these odours persist – a dank, musty smell that penetrates your clothes, upholstery, and home. (It’s also important to also get your upholstery cleaned after a flood to eradicate the smells once and for all.)

Wet carpets can grow mould and mildew in 1-2 days. It's important to have them cleaned by professionals after a flood.

Tiny living things can cause unpleasant sights and smells. However, the real issue is that they can make you ill if they are present in your home. Anyone can have an allergic reaction, even if they don't have asthma. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash.

Water can damage carpets and weaken their fibres, which means you may need to replace them. But did you know that soaked carpets can also cause structural damage? It's important to be aware of this potential problem. The flooring underneath the wet carpet, especially wooden floorboards, can begin to warp and rot. 

How to save carpet after a flood

Time is of the essence when dealing with flood-damaged carpets. Acting swiftly significantly increases the chances of successful restoration. Here's what you should do immediately:

• Ensure safety: Prioritise personal safety and turn off the power supply in your home to prevent electrical hazards.
• Relocate furniture: Lift any furniture off the carpet to prevent additional water absorption and potential staining.
• Increase ventilation:  Open windows to improve air circulation and aid in the drying process. When it’s safe to have the electricity back on use fans and turn on the dehumidifier.
• Call Christchurch Carpet Cleaning Carpet Cleaning for expert flood-damaged carpet cleaning. Because we’re working against the clock, we’ll get to your property as soon as we can. We'll check if it's okay to save the carpet. If the flood was dirty, we won't restore it.

Your health is important to us. Fast action and professional equipment can restore carpets to prime condition in just a few hours after water damage or cleaning.

Providing affordable carpet cleaning Christchurch and Canterbury, upholstery cleaning and rug cleaning, Christchurch Carpet Cleaning is here to help you rehabilitate your flood-affected home. Call us on 021 638 637 or click here to send a message.