How Long Should Carpets & Furniture Take to Dry After A Cleaning?

When you have your carpets or furniture professionally cleaned, you want them to dry fast, right? But how long should it take? Let's break down how long it should take for your carpet to dry after a professional cleaning, why fast drying is important, and how to speed up drying times.

How Long Should It Take to Dry?

Carpets

Your carpets should dry within 6 - 10 hours after a professional cleaning and a maximum of 24 hours, according to the IICRC, which sets industry standards. We at Signature Carpet Cleaning aim for a 4 - 6 hour dry time, but agree that a 6 - 10 hour window is still healthy. However, if your carpets are wet for over ten hours, it can begin to be problematic.

Upholstery

Your furniture should dry in about 6 - 10 hours after a cleaning, depending on how much work was done. Regular cleanings take less drying time, while deep stain removal might need a bit more.

Risks of Long Drying Times

If your carpets or furniture stay wet for too long, several issues can arise:

• Mold Growth: Too much moisture can lead to mold growing underneath the carpet.
• Damage: Wet carpets can stretch and bubble, potentially damaging walls, baseboards, and sub-floor.
• Permanent Stains: Placing furniture on really wet carpets can leave permanent stains.
• Furniture Damage: Wet upholstery can fall apart or leave stubborn water stains, and glued parts can come loose.

How a Pro Speeds Up Drying

What We Do

As a professional carpet cleaning service we use several techniques to speed up drying times:

• Low Moisture Cleaning Methods: These use less solution during the cleaning so it dries faster.
• Bonneting Technique: This involves a rotating pad to absorb moisture.
• Air Movers: High-speed fans that dry carpets quickly.
• Burping the House: This means using natural airflow to reduce humidity by opening windows and doors.

How You Can Help

You can also help speed up the drying process:

• Use Air Conditioners: Running your air conditioner for a few hours after cleaning helps remove moisture from the air.
• Open Windows: Improved airflow will help dry your carpets and reduce humidity in your home.

Quick drying times are crucial for maintaining the health and cleanliness of your carpets. So, next time you get a professional cleaning, ensure that the drying process is as efficient as possible. Stick to recommended drying times and techniques to keep your home cozy and damage-free. For more tips and expert advice, check out our other blog posts or watch one of our informative videos.