How to Dry Wet Carpet

February 17, 2025

If your carpet is wet, don’t wait — water damage spreads faster than most homeowners realize. Moisture trapped beneath the surface can seep into the padding and subfloor within hours, leading to hidden mold growth, structural damage, and bacteria buildup you may not notice right away. Many homeowners assume they know how to dry wet carpet on their own, but in reality, water damage is often much worse than it looks.

The best course of action? Call Floor Pro immediately to assess the full extent of the damage. Without proper extraction and drying, the water you can’t see can cause long-term problems — even if the surface of the carpet feels dry.

Why Immediate Professional Help Matters

Water damage isn’t just about wet carpet — it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface. Here’s why calling a professional is critical:

• Water spreads fast: In just hours, moisture can seep into walls, baseboards, and subflooring, leading to hidden structural damage.
• Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours: Even if the carpet looks dry on the surface, moisture trapped underneath creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and allergens.
• Bacteria and odors develop quickly: Damp carpet becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and musty odors that won’t go away on their own.
• DIY drying doesn’t reach deep moisture: Homeowners may remove surface water, but without industrial-grade extraction and drying, hidden moisture remains.

When in doubt, don’t wait to see if it dries on its own. Call Floor Pro as soon as possible for emergency assistance and a professional assessment.

Quick Fix: First Steps to Dry a Wet Carpet

Don’t have time to read the full guide? Start here!

• Turn off the Water Source: If it’s a leak, shut it off ASAP.
• Remove Standing Water: Use towels or a wet vacuum to suck up moisture.
• Boost Airflow: Turn on fans, open windows, and use a dehumidifier.
• Check for Mold: If you see dark spots or smell mildew, you need to act fast. Call us as soon as possible.

For a complete guide on drying carpets and preventing damage, keep reading.

What You Can Do While You Wait for a Professional

While professional drying and restoration is the only way to ensure all moisture is removed, you can take temporary steps to minimize damage while waiting for help.

1. Stop the Water Source (If Applicable)

If the carpet is wet due to a plumbing issue, burst pipe, or overflowing appliance, shut off the water supply as soon as possible.

2. Extract Surface Water

Use towels or a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove as much surface water as possible. This won’t eliminate deep moisture, but it can slow the damage until professionals arrive.

3. Increase Air Circulation

Turn on fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to help reduce humidity and slow mold growth. However, keep in mind that this will likely not fully dry the carpet — it only helps prevent additional moisture buildup.

4. Lift Carpet Edges (If Possible)

If it’s safe, carefully lift the edges of the carpet to allow some airflow underneath. Be cautious — if water has reached the padding, removing the carpet incorrectly can cause more damage.

5. Avoid Walking on the Carpet

Stay off the wet carpet to prevent further damage to the fibers, backing, and padding. Foot traffic pushes moisture deeper, making professional drying more difficult.

Reminder: These steps won’t fully dry your carpet — they just help minimize further damage while you wait for Floor Pro’s restoration team to handle the problem properly.

The Risks of DIY Drying & When to Call Floor Pro

It’s easy to want to attempt to dry your carpets on your own, but DIY methods don’t remove all the moisture. That’s where the real damage happens.

Here’s why professional help is necessary:

• You can’t reach moisture trapped in the padding or subfloor: Even if the carpet feels dry on top, water underneath creates the perfect conditions for mold.
• Mold spreads quickly if moisture isn’t fully removed: If left unchecked, mold spores can spread into walls and furniture, leading to costly damage.
• Bacteria and odors won’t go away with fans alone: Without professional sanitization, wet carpets develop persistent musty smells and harmful bacteria.
• Structural damage is often overlooked: If the subfloor has absorbed water, drying the carpet isn’t enough — you need expert moisture detection to prevent future issues.

If odors persist, it could signal hidden moisture or mold. For a deep, lasting clean, let Floor Pro handle it — contact us today for professional carpet restoration.

When to Call Floor Pro Immediately:

• If the carpet has been wet for more than a few hours
• If water has seeped into the padding or baseboards
• If there’s a musty odor or signs of mold
• If the water came from a contaminated source (e.g., sewage, floodwater)

Don’t take the risk — call Floor Pro today for professional carpet drying and water damage restoration.

Schedule a Carpet Cleaning or Water Damage Restoration in Columbia, SC

Trying to figure out how to dry a wet carpet may feel overwhelming, but if you act fast and follow the right steps, you can save your carpet and prevent costly repairs.

When in doubt, let Floor Pro handle it. Water damage can quickly spiral out of control if not handled correctly. Our IICRC-certified team can help remove moisture, deep-clean your carpet, and prevent mold — so you don’t have to.

• Assess the full extent of the damage (including hidden moisture)
• Use industrial-grade extraction and drying equipment to remove water
• Sanitize and deodorize your carpet to eliminate bacteria and odors
• Prevent mold growth and long-term structural damage

Give us a call or book your service today and avoid long-term damage to your home or business.