Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all solution on how to dry carpet after cleaning is not yet available. Simply because there are lots of factors to be considered such as:
• Carpet Fabric
• Carpet Size
• Cleaning Method
• Humidity and many more!
Let alone the experience of the carpet cleaning technician which affects how well the carpet dries.
Hence, you’re left with many options rather than one direct answer.
In most cases, you can leave the carpet to its own devices, and it’ll dry on its own time. For carpets cleaned using the hot water extraction (or steam) method, it typically takes 6 to 12 hours. Those that used dry cleaning can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours.
If for whatever reason, you can’t afford to wait that long, there are measures you can take to help your carpet along. Bear in mind that these methods won’t instantly dry your carpet in record time. What they do is speed up the drying process. Ergo, you can bring your initial six-hour waiting time down to four or three hours.
Get It Cleaned More Often
In the long run, more frequent cleanings—especially by professionals—make for a generally cleaner carpet. And usually a cleaner carpet leads to less drying time, mainly because less water is used during each succeeding cleaning. Heavier soil loads in carpets require more effort, a more thorough soaking, and—predictably—more drying time.
Open the Windows (But Watch the Weather!)
If your carpet is in a room with windows, opening them up can help your carpet dry out. The fresh air can also do wonders for the smell, as some carpet fabrics don’t dry thoroughly in enclosed spaces. They tend to develop a very faint (but still unnatural) smell of musky dampness when dried out in unventilated rooms.
You may not notice it at first, but fresh air can leave a cleaner smell on your carpet after drying.
You also won’t need to open all windows. One or two windows on each end of the room on a categorically hot or windy day will do the job just fine.
It goes without saying, of course, that this drying method isn’t particularly advisable during rainy—or generally wet—days. If the clouds are grey and the wind is picking up, close the windows and turn on the fans instead.
Which is option number three.
Turn on The Fans
If you’ve got a ceiling fan situated over the carpet, switch that on instead of opening the windows. It will make for a cooler, more concentrated funnel of air that can dry your carpet out quicker. The constantly circulating air will also leave a fresher, cleaner smell to the carpet.
If you haven’t got a ceiling fan, stand fans or desk fans are viable alternatives. They won’t necessarily dry the carpet as fast as an overhead ceiling fan can, but one or two fans pointed directly at the carpet will do in a pinch.
And if you don’t have fans to spare, there’s still option four.
Turn on The Air-Conditioning
Admittedly, the air from an air-conditioning unit doesn’t circulate continually as it does from a fan. Ergo, it isn’t as “fresh.” However, this drying method is best during rainy days, when option number two won’t do. It’s also the best alternative if option three isn’t physically or logistically possible.
Bear in mind that the cold air blasting from the air-conditioning unit will react with the damp carpet fabric. Ergo, it might be difficult to tell whether your carpet’s still wet or if it’s just cold. If you want to know how long you should keep the air-conditioning running, your best bet would be to ask your carpet cleaning technician. They can give you a clear time estimate depending on your carpet’s size and fabric.
>>Learn the Top 7 Myths about Commercial Carpet Cleaning
Get a Professional Blow-Dry
One other way to dry carpet after cleaning is to ask for a blow-dry from the same professional who cleaned it. This usually entails using a blower or van to help dry out some areas of the carpet.
Blow-drying is typically a quick process, which means it won’t be as thorough as some of the other methods. However, as far as speeding up drying time is concerned, it makes for an excellent head-start.
