There are many steps in the carpet cleaning process that are crucial, in order for your carpets to be in tip-top shape. Not only is there method of hot water extraction (a.k.a steam cleaning), but people forget about the required drying time that is absolutely necessary.
The importance of having your carpets dried fully is because of mold. All mold needs to grow is moisture and a dark hiding spot. Mold can start growing rapidly after spores are attached to them. Mold can easily grow within 24 to 48 hours, and it can begin to colonize in 1 to 12 days. Most times, mold is already a problem before it is discovered.

There are several effective drying techniques that are used when drying carpet.

Dehumidifiers are great because they help remove any moisture molecules in the air. The efficiency of a dehumidifier will greatly rely on the size of the dehumidifier in relation to the size of the room. When operating a dehumidifier, contain the area by closing all windows and doors, and keep the room temperature above 60 degrees fahrenheit.

You can also use the natural drying technique if the weather is nice outside. If the outside air is warm and dry, open up your windows and doors, and let the fresh air circulate.

If the outside air is colder, heating and ventilating the air will help aid the carpet time.

When the carpet feels dry you will want to remove the fan and/or heater. Don’t! When the carpet feels dry, leave the fan/heater in place for at least another 24 hours. Carpet dries quickly because it doesn’t hold much water and it will be dry much quicker than the pad underneath it. Leave the fan/heater in place so that the pad can dry. Even though the carpet feels dry, it is still wicking water up from the pad and releasing it into the warm air moving across the carpet.

In the end, make sure you take the extra steps to take any moisture out of the air to avoid any mold growth in your home. If you’re getting your carpets professionally cleaned, it would be beneficial. for you to ask about their dehumidification process they use.