Last night we found our basement carpet soaked after a rainstorm---there was not standing water (until we pulled up the carpet and padding), but it was set enough to squish when you walk, etc. We pulled up the carpet and threw away the padding. We've been trying to dry it out with a fan, but it doesn't seem to be helping. What steps should we take to save the carpet? We really can't afford to replace it right now. Also, we live in Colorado, and there is almost no humidity. Thanks!
You don't salvage it, you throw it away! Mildew begin's soon after the water came in. You may not see the dampness, but when a pipe broke in my basement, a guy came with a meter was able to tell me where the wetness was even the walls had to come down. You need a dehumidifier no matter where you live! Good Luck!
use a carpet cleaner to extract the water let it finish drying after extracting all the water you can then just shampoo it as you normally would
You may have to rent a real fan, one that is made for flood restoration
First get a good fungicide or other type of product to hinder growth. Just spray the product on the carpet: it's easier. You will have to rent a large fan like the damage restoration places have. The carpet will need to be pulled up where lots of air can get under. Put the carpet up on saw horses or something else to ensure air access. You need to replace padding so it's good you got rid of it! Good luck. Find out why the water came it to prevent it from happening again too! :)
