Cleaning Flood-Soiled Carpets
1. Dry
It is very important to dry rugs and carpets as soon
as possible to prevent mildew, a spreading gray-white
mold that stains and rots fabrics. Pull up waterlogged
rugs immediately to prevent further damage to the floor.
If possible, dry small rugs outdoors in sunlight.
To get air and heat to carpets, open windows if
weather permits, or use household electric fans, crop
drying fans or electric lights suspended in coat hanger
"nests". Do not try to vacuum, sweep or shampoo carpets
until they are thoroughly dry.
2. Sweep or vacuum
After the carpet is dry, thoroughly vacuum or sweep
to get rid of dirt and debris. Move the vacuum cleaner
slowly to pick up more dirt. Clean off as much crusted
dirt and sediment as possible before shampooing.
3. Shampoo (Some rugs may shrink when shampooed)
Use a commercial rug shampoo or make your own
shampoo by mixing 1/4 cup mild dry detergent and 1 cup
warm water in a pail. Beat the mixture with an egg beater
until it forms a stiff foam that looks like whipped
cream.
With a sponge, rub suds on a small patch of carpet
(about 2 feet square) with a light circular motion. Use
only the foam. (If foam disappears during the shampooing
process, beat the mixture again.) Work suds in with
sponge. Use a stiff bristle brush if carpet is deeply
soiled.
Dip sponge in a weak chlorine solution (1/4 teaspoon
Clorox to 1 cup water). Wring out sponge and wipe suds
off carpet.
Rinse several times with clear water, wringing most
of the water from the sponge each time. Change the rinse
water as it becomes dirty. Use as little water as possible
on the sponge since water will weaken carpet backing.
Blot up remaining moisture with bath towels or other
soft absorbent material.
Apply lather to another small area, overlapping the
first. (overlapping helps prevent streaking when the
carpet dries). Rinse and blot dry. Continue until the
entire surface has been cleaned.
4. Dry
After shampooing, dry rugs or carpets quickly. Hang
rugs on line if possible, or lay them out flat in a warm
dry place. An electric fan will speed up drying.
Carpets and rugs should be thoroughly dried. Even though
the surface seems dry, any moisture remaining at the base
of the fiber tufts will cause mildew or rot. If you must
walk on the carpet before it is dry, put down brown
paper. Vacuum when dry, and brush the nap in one
direction.
5. Resize
Some types of machine-made pile rugs may need
resizing to make them lie flat. To resize a rug:
a. Lay the rug face down on papers where it can remain
undisturbed for several days.
b. Check to be sure rug is straight. Tack it down at
intervals.
c. Dissolve 1/2 pound granulated glue in 1 gallon
boiling water.
d. With a whitewash brush or whisk broom, brush hot glue
over the back of the rug. Do not use so much glue that it
will soak through the right side of the rug.
e. Let the glue dry thoroughly.