Owner`s manual

When faced with flood-damaged
carpeting and rugs, your options
will depend on the source of
flooding. If floodwater consisted
of clean basement seepage or
lawn runoff into a sub-basement,
drying and cleaning is an easy
decision. But if
sewage-contaminated floodwater
has covered your carpeting, you
probably will need to discard it
for health safety reasons. You
can assume the water and the
carpet contain infectious
organisms. Throw rugs can
usually be saved.
Additional resources:
Your county family living agent, your
local emergency government office, the
American Red Cross, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency
Related publications:
"Repairing Your Flooded Home,"
American Red Cross/Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 1992.
GENERAL RULES
® Wall-to-wall carpeting, most large area rugs and any rug with foam
backing should be discarded if flooded with contaminated water.
Except for valuable rugs, the time and expense of professional
cleaning generally is not worth the effort or the health risk.
® If you are determined to salvage carpeting soaked with contaminated
water, consult a professional cleaning company that services carpets at
its own cleaning and drying facilities. A steam cleaning (hot-water
extraction) method is preferable.
® A wall-to-wall carpet soaked by clean rainwater can be salvaged.
Have it professionally cleaned or clean it using the directions below.
® Throw rugs usually can be cleaned adequately in a washing machine.
CLEANING RAIN-SOAKED CARPETS
Cleaning basement carpeting indoors is not a good idea in summer because
you are adding even more moisture to an already wet area. If the carpeting
is installed with tack strips you may be able to remove it, have it cleaned
and reinstalled. Padding is nearly impossible to clean so it should be
replaced.
If you can't remove the carpeting, dry it as quickly as possible to minimize
growth of mildew. If possible, use a wet/dry vacuum system. A
dehumidifier can help remove moisture from the air. Keep windows closed
when using a dehumidifier.
® When the carpet is thoroughly dry, vacuum the area.
® Shampoo and repeat the drying process. Keep in mind that most
modern carpeting is made of nylon and should not be treated with
bleach.
® Vacuum again.
® You can reduce a musty smell with the following process:
a) Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, working it in with a broom
or sponge mop.
b) Leave the baking soda treatment on overnight.
c) Vacuum the baking soda out. Vacuum twice, moving back and
forth in a different direction the second time.
Information from: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Iowa State University Extension, American Red Cross/Federal Emergency
Management Agency
University of Wisconsin-Extension • CooperativeExtension FLOOD-SALVAGING POSSESSIONS
Cleaning Flood-Damaged Carpets and Rugs
WHEN TO DISCARD, CLEAN OR CALL A PROFESSIONAL