If your home has fallen victim to this Winter’s harsh climate resulting in frozen pipes, leaking roofs or ice dams and thus making a soaking “sponge” of your Oriental rugs you will have to act fast! While some rugs can stay wet for a short time without causing any harm others can have immediate reactions to being flooded. Even if the rugs are soiled, the priority is to get the rug dry and then have it washed (when immediate services are available you should have rugs picked up and servicesd A.S.A.P.) Following are a few tips for homeowners for preventing permanent damage to wet Oriental rugs:
- BE CAREFUL! Wet rugs are very heavy and difficult to move. Speaking from personal experience, the human body was not made to lift several hundred pounds of wet akward rugs.
- Electricity and water DO NOT mix. Standing on a wet rug and handling electrical equipment will put more than your rug at risk. Safety is always RULE #1. Have an electrician certify that it is safe work in a flooded environment.
- Before trying to move a sopping wet rug use a wet vacuum to remove as much water as possible.
- If possible, get the rug to a wooden deck, a concrete patio or even a sidewalk. If you have a squeege on a long handle, use it to “push” out the water in the direction that the pile (face yarns) lay. In a pinch you can use the back of a steel garden rake or the back of a push broom. Use multiple strokes to remove as much standing water as possible.
- If the rug is not able to be moved make sure that any furniture is removed from the rug as soon as possible. In the case of large heavy furniture place tin foil or plastic under the metal or wooden legs to prevent rust and staining. Furniture stains can cause permanent discoloration to valuable Oriental rugs.
- Rug Padding/Underlayment: Completely remove and discard the padding. The price to restore the pad is usually not cost effective and wet pad can affect the flooring under the rug.
- Hardwood flooring is especially susceptible to water damage from wet rugs. Thorough drying of wooden floors is usually possible if performed by a qualified contractor who specializes in water damage restoration.
- Have your rugs professionally serviced quickly. The speedier the cleaning and drying the less chance of dyes bleeding.
- Odors resulting from the slow drying of rugs and wet carpet can result in microbial growth which may effect the health of occupants susceptible to asthma triggers
Delaying the proper drying of your valuable Oriental rugs can result in staining, rippling, dye bleeding, dry rot, microbial growth and odor concerns…causing permanent damage!
This Can Be Prevented!
Secondary Damage: Quick drying can also limit the concerns associated with water finding its way into wall cavities, appliances, crawl spaces and ceilings. Always have a qualified water damaged restoration technician evaluate your home or office to determine the cause and extent of the water infilitration…Speed is critical! For qualified technicians in your area visit www.IICRC.org.
