If your rug has become sopping wet from plumbing problems, a leaking roof, as a result of firefighting or anything else, you must do the best you can to manage your wet area rugs. Even though the water and the rug are dirty, your priority most likely will be to get the rug dry: 1. If the floor has been saturated, however, removing the area rug completely is the best approach to allow the floor underneath to dry out. Never allow the wet area rug to sit on the floor for a long period of time because it will do more damage to the rug itself and the floor surface beneath. 2. If possible, get the rug to a wooden deck, a concrete patio or even a sidewalk. If you have a squeegee on a long handle, use it to squeegee out the water, pushing in the direction of the pile. In a pinch, you can use the back of a heavy garden rake as a substitute for a squeegee. Get as much water out of the rug as possible. If you cannot get the rug to a flat, outdoor surface, you may vacuum it with a Shop Vac or other wet-or-dry type vacuum, pulling as much water as you can from the rug. 3. At this point, the rug is still damp but no longer sopping wet. Finish drying it however you can. If you have good weather, you can dry it in the sun. If you must, dry it indoors in a warm room, elevating it, if necessary, to let air circulate around it. A fan trained on the rug will help. 4. After squeegeeing or vacuuming it, you may now roll the rug without folding it and stand it on end. At your earliest convenience, have the rug washed by a professional rug cleaning company.
If steps 1-4 are not possible because the area rug is too large, and you’ve experienced a more extensive water damage situation, seek the services of a professional cleaning company like Greenspring Rug Care and rely on their expert advice to properly care for your area rug.