Getting your carpets cleaned can be a major ordeal. Not only do you need to empty your rooms of furniture, but wet carpet can take hours to dry.

That’s why, when it’s time to clean your carpet, it pays to bring in the professionals. You don’t want to be inconvenienced any more than absolutely necessary, so giving the job to the guys with the right equipment will make the process quick and relatively painless.

However carpet cleaning machines – and their operators – vary in their effectiveness. Issues include the ability to control how wet the carpet will get, properly removing both excess water and dirt, and putting in place drying procedures both during and after rug and carpet cleaning.

How long before you can walk on your carpets?

The key to drying your steam cleaned carpet as quickly as possible is good ventilation and a warm room temperature. Freshly cleaned carpet should never stay damp for more than 24 hours, or microbial growth and odours can occur.

At around 30 degrees Celsius or higher, most carpets will be dry in around an hour. Leaving windows and doors open will assist with the circulation of fresh air and evaporate the moisture quicker.

At 20 degrees Celsius or cooler it may take 2 to 3 hours for most of the moisture to leave the carpet fibres. Using a heater to raise the temperature to between 22 degrees and 25 degrees will speed the drying process, alongside allowing air to circulate from an open window to aid evaporation.

Another option is using high velocity blowers or fans – these can speed the drying process by promoting rapid evaporation. Or, if you have them, turn on ceiling fans, and set the heating, ventilation or air conditioning system on a moderate temperature.

If your carpet is cleaned in the morning, and you have good ventilation and warm, dry conditions, your carpet should dry by the afternoon and be ready for foot traffic. Note, however, that you shouldn’t return the heavy furniture to the carpeted rooms until it’s completely dry.

If you need to hire a carpet cleaner, get a number of quotes first. With nearly 8000 professionals listed from around Australia, Yellow can help you find a carpet cleaning expert in your local area.