How To Dry Carpet Fast After Cleaning?

How long a carpet takes to dry after cleaning depends on the cleaning method used as well as the type of carpet.

A deep cleaning using hot water extraction leaves the carpet more dump compared to using a portable carpet cleaner, meaning it will take much longer to dry.

Regardless of the method of cleaning, a shaggy or deep carpet will take longer to dry than a thin carpet.Other determining factors include the weather and carpet size.

If you need the carpet to dry a bit faster, there are a few things you can do. Note, however, that you can only speed up the drying process so much. So some patience is required.

Here are our top 7 tips for drying your carpet faster after cleaning. Read on to learn more about how to dry carpet fast after cleaning.

1. Open the Windows

Lots of air moving over the carpet will pick up more moisture and speed up drying. Opening your windows increases airflow in and out of your home.

For this to work best, have a window or door open on opposite sides of the room. That way, there’s a steady flow of air across the room (and carpet).

In addition to drying the carpet faster, improving ventilation in the room prevents the carpet from developing the dreaded musty smell.

Of course, only use this method when it is sunny or partially cloudy.

2. Turn on a Fan

If you cannot get natural airflow from outside, create your own using a fan.

If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on to high. The flowing air will pick up moisture from the carpet.

Open at least one window to give the moisture a place to escape of the room. Otherwise, there will be too much humidity, which will slow down cooling and result in a musty smell.

If you don’t have a ceiling fan, a floor, stand or desk fan will work too. Just direct it towards the carpet. If you have two fans, even better.

By the way, if you don’t have a fan, use a portable room heater, the type with a fan. Place the heater to blow air across the carpet then set the heat to low or medium and turn the fan to the highest setting.

The warm air is more effective at absorbing moisture from the carpet compared to cool air.

3. Turn on the AC

We don’t recommend this one because it is wasteful and doesn’t work as effectively as open windows or a couple of stand fans.

But if it is rainy and you don’t have a fan on hand, it is the best alternative. It may also be the best option for apartment dwellers.

Keep in mind that the AC doesn’t have the same freshening effect as other methods

4. Rent a Carpet Blower

If you are in a hurry, a carpet blower is the fastest way to get your carpet dry. A carpet blower is a commercial-grade blow dryer usually used during home flood restoration and by professional carpet cleaners.

Because carpet blowers produce a powerful jet of air, they can dry the carpet in less time compared to other methods.

Unless you are a professional carpet cleaner, the best option is to rent one or ask a professional to come and dry the carpet for you

5. Use a Powerful Carpet Cleaner

If you are planning to clean the carpet yourself using a portable carpet cleaner, look for one that has powerful suction.

A powerful carpet cleaner leaves less water in the carpet, thus reducing drying time.

Other carpet cleaners produce hot air as they clean, which also leaves less moisture in the carpet.

6. Remove Furniture

Make sure there is no furniture on the carpet. If you’d removed it during cleaning, do not put it back until the carpet is completely dry.

Furniture prevents airflow over the portion of the carpet under it, which can leave damp spots on your rug and result in mould and mildew

7. For Small Rugs, try Outdoor Drying

If you have a small rug or area carpet, take it outside if it is sunny. You can lay it on the grass, hang it from a hanging line or spread it on the driveway.

Outside, the combination of the sun’s heat and natural airflow will dry the carpet in no time.