How Long Do Carpets Take to Dry After Professional Cleaning?

Posted on October 31, 2023

• Cleaning

---

Failing to let your carpets dry properly after a professional cleaning can lead to some major problems. Wet carpet is the perfect breeding ground for mould, mildew, dust mites, and odours, so ensuring sufficient drying time is a must.

Before you move your furniture back into place and go about your day as usual, be sure to follow this complete guide on carpet drying times.

Factors Affecting Your Carpet’s Drying Time

Carpets dry differently depending on a few factors. There are several considerations that can affect the time it takes for your carpet to dry completely, including:

Type of Cleaning Method

The biggest factor that affects the drying time of your carpet is the professional cleaning method that was used. Steam cleaning is the most common, especially for heavily soiled carpets that have accumulated stains over time.

This method uses hot water to extract dirt and stains from the carpet padding. A great deal of water is used, so it can take as long as 12 hours for the carpet to dry completely.

Dry cleaning, on the other hand, uses virtually no water, so the drying time is much less. With dry cleaning, a cleaning powder is sprinkled over the carpet, worked into the fabric, and finally removed with a high-power vacuum. You can expect completely dry carpets in 15-20 minutes.

Type of Carpet

The type of carpet that has been cleaned has a huge impact on drying time. Obviously, a thicker plush carpet takes a lot longer to dry than a thin, lightweight material.

Plush carpeting made from materials like wool or nylon absorbs more water during the cleaning process. For that reason, you can expect a longer drying time, even up to 24 hours.

Environmental Conditions Within Your Home

Environmental conditioners like temperature, humidity, and airflow also play a role in your carpet’s ability to dry itself. High humidity levels have a massive impact; the higher the humidity within your home, the longer the drying time.

Temperature is another factor. Carpet will dry faster in warmer temperatures, so avoid getting your carpets professionally cleaned during the coldest, wettest months of the year.

How to Speed Up the Carpet Drying Process

Depending on the cleaning method, type of carpet, and environmental conditioners, your carpet can dry anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours. The average drying time is about 8 hours, but luckily, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process.

Use a Fan (or Air Conditioner)

Airflow is a key factor in the drying process, so by increasing airflow within the room, you can drastically speed things up. The easiest way to do this is to use a fan and point it directly on the wet carpet. What’s even better is if the fan has an oscillating option.

Another easy way to speed up the process is to turn on your air conditioner. This will regulate temperatures within your home while also removing excess moisture from the room.

Invest in a Dehumidifier

If your home is prone to high humidity levels, or even if it’s rainy outside, it’s recommended that you use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work to remove moisture from the air, so they’re great for speeding up the drying process.

Crack a Window

As long as it’s not raining outside, opening a window can do wonders for reducing drying time. This is an easy way to improve airflow and increase the temperature within your home.

Tips for Maintaining Your Carpet After Professional Cleaning

If you want to keep that brand-new carpet look after a professional cleaning, there are a few things you can do:

• Never walk across wet carpet. Damp carpets easily stain, so it’s essential that you let your carpet dry completely before walking on them.
• Wait to replace your furniture. Even if your carpet appears to be dry, it’s best to wait at least 12 hours before putting your furniture back to its original position (wait 24 hours for heavier pieces).
• Only use a reputable carpet cleaning professional. Some cleaning services should not be trusted with your carpets, so hire a reliable source, like Mint Cleaning Group, if you want your carpets cleaned properly the first time around.