Mold
Control Information Series
Article
#4
The Case of the Flooded Carpet - Aggressive
action to prevent Mold
One of the worst sensations a homeowner can experience
is the “squishy” sound and feel of walking on a flooded
carpet. In most cases, a water–soaked carpet is
a goner. This is especially so if the water came
from a flooded stream or a massive storm. These
waters carry silt, and possibly sewage from flooded septic
systems or overflowing sewage treatment plants.
Water that has flowed across pastureland will be similarly
contaminated.
If the soaking came from a broken drinking water pipe,
an overflowing sink or clothes washer (but not from a
backed-up toilet), there MAY be hope. The key element
is time: how long was the carpet wet? The longer
a carpet is wet; the more time molds have to grow.
Less time; less growth. So, if the water source
is clean (or nearly so), and you want to try saving that
wall-to-wall shag, here are some suggestions:
First, stop the flow of water. Second, remove as
of the much water as you possibly can. Use squeegees,
mops, towels; anything at all that can get water out of
the carpet. Third, use a heavy-duty dryer/de-humidifier
to quickly and thoroughly dry out the rug. A hand-held
hair dryer isn’t going to cut it!
If you can get the carpet completely dry in a matter
of a few hours, you have a good chance of saving it.
There will certainly be more mold in the carpeting after
the flood than there was before it. Prompt, aggressive
action may keep the increase within bounds, so that you
won’t detect any “musty odors” or see visible mold.
It may, but don’t count on it!
Atlantic Environmental Inc
2 East Blackwell Street
Dover, NJ 07801
(800) 344-4414
(973) 366-4660
(973) 366-3116 Fax
info@atlenv.com
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