So, why are carpet cleaning drying times so important? If your not sure, then you will find your answers here! For many years carpet cleaning companies have touted faster drying times when using their service. It’s better for your carpet…so they say! But why? Let’s talk about it!

Before we go any further, let’s just clarify whether this (kinda myth) is true or not. The answer is YES! Faster drying times are better for your carpet and your health! So we don’t muddy the waters, we’re going to keep this as simple as possible. From the infancy of the carpet cleaning industry, companies large and small have been trying to find the perfect drying time for (steam cleaning) or hot water extraction method. In the beginning, no one really knew how long the drying process was supposed to take! Not Knowing, led to companies such as us (Aqualux Carpet Cleaning) to help answer this question with accurate results. As an Original Equipment Manufacturer, our job in manufacturing is to produce high-performance, quality carpet cleaning equipment that produces a fast drying time. Yes, we know a little something about this topic!

Here’s why fast drying times are important (in our opinion, studies, research & data collected)

  1. Reduces carpet wicking (this is where spots re-appear because of too much moisture left behind from the cleaning). The moisture left behind is the vehicle that carries the remaining soil up the fiber to create a spot/stain. Wicking spots can easily be removed with another cleaning done properly!
  2. If carpet is soaked through the backing into the padding, excess moisture can create browning in large areas creating the need for a deeper cleaning (if salvageable) to remove.
  3. Excess moisture can de-laminate the carpet backing. To clarify, this only occurs in an extreme situation over multiple cleaning’s done improperly!
  4. Excessive moisture can create a musty odor over time. To clarify, these are extreme situations where too much solution was used and not extracted. Typically, musty odors will occur within 24 hours and can last for weeks until completely dry. Carpet can be re-cleaned to remove or reduce odor.
  5. Excessive moisture can make pet odor worse creating further odor problems. A remediation practice may be needed to remove the odor.

Listed above are possible reactions from excessive moisture left behind. Our studies show that these types of issues are to the extreme and would take multiple cleanings to produce a negative result. Then again, it depends on the amount of moisture left behind. Extreme situations require a seriously botched carpet cleaning to create these types of issues. Standard drying times should be 2-3 hour at a maximum. Anything beyond that, within a few hours is fine and will NOT create a problem, but faster drying is better!

There are also things you can do to speed up the drying process.

1.Turn air conditioner to 67-70 degrees for several hours until carpet is dry

  1. Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels.
  2. Drying fans can be used until desired results are achieved.
  3. Ceiling fans “ON” during and after the cleaning.
  4. If cool outside “front” & “back door” open to create a draft through house.