Imagine that you have just had your carpets professionally cleaned and are now stuck waiting until they dry. You can’t walk on the carpet while it dries. It’s just like watching paint. How long will it take your carpets after a deep cleaning to dry? What’s more, how can we speed up this process? continue?

Let’s be clear: drying times are subject to wide variations. A number of factors can affect drying times, including carpet type and cleaning method, humidity, time of year, and even the carpet. Don’t worry, we’ll help you understand.

The Carpet Type Does Matter

Different carpets will dry in different times. A thick shag will hold moisture longer than low-pile Berber. Compare it to comparing a towel with a sponge. The denser a material is, the slower it dries.

-Cleaning methods: wet vs. dry

The method of cleaning has a major impact on the drying time. Steam cleaning leaves carpets sopping wet for many hours, or even for days. Imagine soaking an enormous bath towel, then drying it inside. This is what carpets that have been steam cleaned go through.

Dry cleaning, on the other hand, uses a minimum of water and compounds that quickly absorb dirt and moisture. Within an hour, your carpet can be ready for walking.

Humidity levels: friend or foe?

Humidity also plays an important role in the drying process. The air is moistened by high humidity, slowing down the evaporation rate. The process is like drying clothes on a wet day. In contrast, low humidity speeds up the process.

If it is raining or humid outside, you can use dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of air and accelerate drying.

-Time Of Year: Winter Vs Summer

You may not believe it, but the season has a direct impact on how quickly your carpet will dry. Heating indoors can reduce the indoor humidity in winter. It’s like turning on an electric oven to bake faster cookies! In summer months, with high levels of outdoor humidity, drying can take a long time.

-Ventilation Is Key

A good airflow is essential for faster drying. Open windows when the weather permits. Otherwise, place fans strategically around the room in order to cross-ventilate. Ceiling fans work wonders too!

Remember the story about my Aunt who left her newly-cleaned carpeting in the living room without ventilation? She had a carpet that was wet for three straight days! Do not be like Aunt Martha, let the fresh air into your home!

-Speeding things up

If you are impatient, and who isn’t these days? You can speed up the tedious process if you’re impatient (and who isn’t?

1. Place box fans all around the room.

2. Turn on AC to reduce indoor humidity.

3. Dehumidifiers: Removes moisture both from air and carpet.

4. Lift Furniture Legs: Use foil or plastic cups to elevate furniture legs so that air can reach all corners and crevices.

5. Professional Help:Some companies provide quick-drying service using advanced equipment that is designed for this purpose.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake is to walk on carpets that are still damp. This is a no-no. It not only leaves a trail of footprints, it also pushes dirt deeper into the carpet fibers.

The same mistake can be made by replacing furniture too early. This will trap moisture under the surface, causing mold to grow over time.

It pays off to be patient in this case!

Remember these tips the next time you are standing in your living room and looking at those freshly cleaned fibers. You will be enjoying warm, cozy feet again sooner rather than later.

Northern Beaches Carpet Cleaning
90 Mona Vale Rd, Warriewood NSW 2102
(02) 8311 0608