20 June 2023

From deluge to delight: How to restore flood-damaged carpets

Did you know that since 2010 Christchurch City Council has spent $300 million reducing the flood risk to the city? While there have been vast improvements to many suburbs, several low-lying areas of Christchurch are still at risk.

When a flood strikes, one of the most vulnerable elements of your home is undoubtedly the carpets. Whether it's carpet damage from a burst pipe or a heavy rainstorm, the aftermath leaves them drenched and seemingly ruined. However, with prompt action and the right knowledge, flood-damaged carpets can be saved and brought back to their former glory.

Why action to save the carpet needs to be taken sooner rather than later

Delaying the carpet restoration process can lead to irreversible damage to your carpets. Here's why time is of the essence:

Delamination: Excessive moisture causes the carpet backing to separate from the fibres, this is a process called delamination. Delamination compromises the carpet's integrity and causes the carpet to wrinkle and pucker. Yes, you can repair a delaminated carpet, but the reality is the carpet will need replacing before too long.

Stains and discolouration: Water from flooding is rarely ‘clean’. It usually contains contaminants that seep into the carpet fibres resulting in stubborn stains and discolouration. There is also the risk of dyes from furniture leaching onto the carpet too, permanently staining the carpet.

Smells and odours: Sustained moisture in the carpet invites unpleasant odours. If not adequately addressed, these odours persist – a dank, musty smell that penetrates your clothes, upholstery, and home. (It’s also important to also get your upholstery cleaned after a flood to eradicate the smells once and for all.)

Wet carpets can grow mould and mildew in 1-2 days. It's important to have them cleaned by professionals after a flood.

Tiny living things can cause unpleasant sights and smells. However, the real issue is that they can make you ill if they are present in your home. Anyone can have an allergic reaction, even if they don't have asthma. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash.

Water can damage carpets and weaken their fibres, which means you may need to replace them. But did you know that soaked carpets can also cause structural damage? It's important to be aware of this potential problem. The flooring underneath the wet carpet, especially wooden floorboards, can begin to warp and rot.

How to save carpet after a flood

Time is of the essence when dealing with flood-damaged carpets. Acting swiftly significantly increases the chances of successful restoration. Here's what you should do immediately:

Ensure safety: Prioritise personal safety and turn off the power supply in your home to prevent electrical hazards.
Relocate furniture: Lift any furniture off the carpet to prevent additional water absorption and potential staining.
Increase ventilation: Open windows to improve air circulation and aid in the drying process. When it’s safe to have the electricity back on use fans and turn on the dehumidifier.
Call Christchurch Carpet Cleaning Carpet Cleaning for expert flood-damaged carpet cleaning. Because we’re working against the clock, we’ll get to your property as soon as we can. We'll check if it's okay to save the carpet. If the flood was dirty, we won't restore it.

Your health is important to us. Fast action and professional equipment can restore carpets to prime condition in just a few hours after water damage or cleaning.

Providing affordable carpet cleaning Christchurch and Canterbury, upholstery cleaning and rug cleaning, Christchurch Carpet Cleaning is here to help you rehabilitate your flood-affected home. Call us on 021 638 637 or click here to send a message.

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A dirty carpet in a room with a radiator.

Stain alive: how a deep carpet clean can save your carpet

28 April 2025

There’s nothing like the thought of having to replace a tired, stained or fading carpet to drain your colour; the prospect of a big-ticket expense is rarely welcome. But before you rip up your carpet and start a fresh, you maybe lucky, a professional carpet clean can work wonders to bring carpets back to life saving you the cost and hassle of replacing. Is it damaged or a dirty carpet? First things first: is your carpet truly worn out, or just in need of a deep clean? It’s easy to mistake a dull, grubby appearance for permanent damage, but more often than not, embedded dirt and grime are to blame. High-traffic areas, especially in homes with pets or kids, can quickly become discoloured. In commercial spaces, daily footfall can leave carpets looking tired far sooner than they actually are. A visit from a team offering expert carpet cleaning in Christchurch NZ lift stains, remove odours, and revive carpet fibres, leaving it looking significantly better, and your money in your wallet. Age and the quality of the carpet matter Carpet doesn’t last forever. But with regular maintenance and professional cleaning, many carpets can last a good 10 to15 years or more. The higher-quality materials like wool respond better to cleaning and last longer than cheaper carpet options. If your carpet is still within its expected lifespan, a deep clean from an affordable carpet cleaning Christchurch provider extends its life for years to come. However, if your carpet is showing signs of wear such as frayed fibres, bare patches, or delamination (the separation of the different layers of carpet which looks like wrinkles or ripples), it might be time to consider replacing it. Christchurch Carpet Cleaning assess all carpets before cleaning them, not only to deliver realistic expectations of what can be achieved, but also because there can be underlying causes such as flood damage or improper installation which need to be addressed as a priority. Cleaning can't reverse physical damage, but it can restore surface appearance. Dirty carpets: there’s more than meets the eye Think about what your carpet is exposed to every day. Pets, children, work boots, or food and drink spills all take a toll. Getting carpets cleaned, for either residential or commercial carpet cleaning , enhances the look and feel of your floors but also removes the nasties that reside on them. Allergens, bacteria, and moulds impact our health, and hot water extraction is a highly effective way to remove them to create a healthier environment for your family or employees. When in doubt give Christchurch Carpet Cleaning a shout If you’re unsure whether cleaning or replacing is right for your carpet, book a consultation with Christchurch Carpet Cleaning . We’ll organise a specialist in professional carpet cleaning to assess your floors and recommend the most cost-effective, safe and practical approach. Even carpets you thought were beyond saving can be dramatically improved with the right techniques. Christchurch Carpet Cleaning also offer additional options such as sofa cleaning, upholstery cleaning services , and rug cleaning in Christchurch, allowing you to freshen up your entire space in one go. Before you spend thousands of dollars on a new carpet, explore your options with the best carpet cleaning Christchurch has to offer. Whether it’s for your home or business, our carpet cleaning Christchurch services are designed to breathe new life into tired carpets - saving you money, time, and stress. Ready to transform your floors? Book an appointment today, call 021 638 637.