Professional Carpet Cleaning is a great way to get rid of excess dirt, dust, allergens, bacteria and stains from your carpets. But how long do your carpets take to dry once they have been professionally cleaned?
On average your carpets will take between 6 and 12 hours to fully dry. However, this can depend on several factors. Depending on the cleaning method used, the type of carpet, temperature, humidity, air flow and amount of water used, your carpets may only take 4-6 hours to fully dry. Whereas thicker carpets or traditional steam cleaning can take up to 24 hours.
Knowing how long your carpets will take to dry is important so that you don’t walk on them whilst they are still wet. If you do, this can cause dirt transfer and footprints. Excess moisture can also cause bad smells.
Knowing how long your carpets will take to dry can help you plan ahead and prepare your home.
In this guide we’ll explain how long on average your carpets will take to dry, what can impact the drying time, different cleaning methods and tips to help speed up the drying time
How Long Do Carpets Take To Dry After Being Professionally Cleaned?
Depending on the cleaning method used, the amount of water used will vary.
Here is a general guide of how long each type of carpet takes to dry.
Cleaning Method
Average Drying Time
Hot water extraction
6-12 hours
Low moisture
1-3 hours
Dry
30 mins-2 hours
Encapsulation
1-2 hours
Shampoo
6-24 hours
This is just a guideline. The thicknes of the carpet, amount of water removed and air flow can affect how long it takes your carpets to dry.
1. Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction, which is commonly known as steam cleaning, is one of the most popular professional cleaning methods.
Professional cleaners will apply heated water with suitable cleaning solution to break down dirt, oils and contaminants from within the fibre of the carpet. Powerful extraction equipment will then extract the water.
Modern extraction machines will extract most water from the carpet. But some water will be left in the fibre and backing.
Average drying time – 6-12 hours. Some carpets can Take Longer.
2. Low Moisture
This cleaning method uses very little water.
Professional cleaners will use specialist cleaning products and equipment to lift dirt from the surface of the carpet without leaving much moisture.
This is a good option to help carpets dry quicker.
Average drying time – 1-3 hours.
3. Dry Cleaning
Specialist compounds or cleaning products are used to clean carpets. This means there will be very little moisture used.
The cleaning compound will be spread out across the carpet and worked into the fibre using the correct equipment. The compound will absorb the dirt and then be extracted using a vacuum.
Since there is very little water used, the carpets will generally dry much quicker.
Average drying time – 30 mins – 2 hours. This can depend on the product and cleaning method.
4. Shampooing
A cleaning solution will be applied to the fibre of your carpet. Specialist equipment will be used to lift dirt and stains.
Depending on the equipment, there may be more moisture left in the carpet.
Average drying time – 6-24 hours.
To help with this, good extraction and airflow is important.
7 Reasons What Can Impact How Long Your Carpets Take To Dry
There isn’t a set time for how long your carpets will take to dry once they’ve been professionally cleaned. There are various factors that can impact how quickly your carpets dry.
1. Carpet Type
The type of carpet can impact how long your carpets take to dry.
Different fibre types will absorb and hold onto moisture differently.
Nylon carpets – Generally dry quite quickly once well extracted.
Polyester carpets – Often have low moisture absorption. However, the backing and how thick the pile is can still impact.
Wool carpets – Need careful cleaning and controlled drying. As they are natural fibres they can hold onto moisture.
Thick and fluffy carpets – Can Take Longer to dry as moisture can get trapped within the fibre.
Professional cleaners should know what type of carpet you have and use the correct cleaning method.
2. Temperature
The temperature can impact how quickly your carpets will dry.
If it is warm inside, the moisture will evaporate quicker. As long as there is good airflow.
If it is cold inside, your carpets may not dry as quickly.
Keeping the room at a comfortable temperature can help reduce drying time.
3. Humidity
Humidity can be one of the main factors that can impact how quickly your carpets dry.
If there is lots of moisture in the air, the water won’t evaporate as quickly from the fibre.
If the carpets were cleaned on a humid or rainy day they may Take Longer to Dry Than in warm dry weather.
Using a dehumidifier can help reduce humidity in the home.
4. Airflow
Good airflow will help moisture evaporate.
If the windows in the room aren’t open and there isn’t much airflow, your carpets won’t dry as quickly.
Opening the correct windows and doors will help increase airflow. If the weather outside is favourable.
Ceiling and portable fans can help.
5. Amount Of Water
The amount of water used during professional cleaning will impact the drying time.
If too much water was used or the extraction machine didn’t extract enough moisture, your carpets may stay wet for longer.
Experienced carpet cleaners will use the correct amount of pressure, cleaning solution and extraction machine to reduce the amount of excess moisture.
6. Carpet Thickness And Underlay
Thicker carpets and dense pile can hold more moisture.
The underlay can also affect the drying time. Moisture can get trapped in the backing.
If the water has got to the underlay, it may take much longer to dry.
Professional extraction and airflow is essential to help dry your carpets.
7. Weather
The weather can impact the humidity and airflow.
Warm dry weather will help your carpets dry quicker. Whereas cold, humid or rainy weather can slow them down.
In Melbourne the weather can change meaning your carpets can take different drying times throughout the year.
Your professional cleaner may suggest increasing ventilation or using a dehumidifier.
How To Speed Up Drying Time
It can be inconvenient to wait for your carpets to dry. Especially if you have children, pets or a busy household.
But there are a few ways you can speed up the drying time without causing damage.
1. Open Windows And Doors
A simple way to help your carpets dry is to increase the natural airflow.
Open windows and doors if the weather outside is favourable. This will help the damp air escape and fresh air circulate.
Avoid opening windows if it is raining heavily or the humidity outside is extremely high.
2. Use Fans
Ceiling and portable fans can help with the airflow.
Place the fans so they are blowing across your carpets.
Good airflow will help moisture evaporate.
3. Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier will help remove excess moisture from the air.
It can be useful during humid weather or if your carpets are drying in a room with little airflow.
Reducing humidity will help water evaporate from the fibre.
4. Keep At A Comfortable Temperature
Keeping the room at a comfortable and moderately warm temperature can help.
Don’t use too much heat or place heat sources close to the fibre.
Too much heat can damage certain carpets.
5. Don’t Walk On Wet Carpets
Walking on wet carpets can cause transfer of dirt and oils from your shoes/feet.
This can cause the fibre to become flattened.
If possible try to keep children, pets and unnecessary foot traffic away until your carpets are fully dry.
6. Move Furniture With Care
Don’t place furniture directly onto wet carpets unless your cleaner has provided suitable protective material.
Moisture can transfer to the legs of your furniture causing staining, rust or damage.
Once your carpets are dry you can put your furniture back.
7. Follow Cleaning Instructions
Every carpet and cleaning method will differ.
Your professional cleaner can advise you on the best drying method based on the type of carpet, equipment and moisture.
Following the instructions will help protect the fibre.
Is It Normal For Carpets To Be Wet After Professional Cleaning?
Yes, it is normal for carpets to feel damp after certain cleaning methods such as hot water extraction.
During the cleaning process water and cleaning solution is used to help lift dirt from within the fibre. Even though most of the moisture will be extracted by the extraction machine, some dampness may remain.
It is perfectly fine for your carpets to feel slightly damp straight after. However, they should begin to dry over the next few hours.
If your carpets are still very wet after 24 hours it would be worth getting in contact with your cleaning company.
This could be due to:
- Too much water being used.
- Not enough moisture extracted.
- Thick fibre or dense underlay.
- High humidity in the room.
- Not enough airflow.
- Water trapped underneath.
Don’t ignore the fact your carpets are still damp. Leaving them damp can cause bad smells and mould.
Can I Walk On My Carpets After Professional Cleaning?
It is generally best not to walk on your freshly cleaned carpets. However, if you have to follow the instructions from your cleaning professional.
If you have to have limited access:
- Wear clean socks.
- Don’t walk on them in dirty/wet shoes.
- Keep foot traffic to a minimum.
- Don’t drag heavy furniture across damp carpets.
- Keep pets away from freshly cleaned areas.
- Whilst it won’t ruin the cleaning, unnecessary foot traffic can cause dirt.
- Ideally wait until they feel completely dry.
What Happens If I Walk On Wet Carpets?
Walking on your carpets straight after cleaning can cause:
1. Dirt Transfer
Shoes and bare feet can cause dirt, oils and contaminants to transfer onto your freshly cleaned carpets.
2. Flattened Fibre
Wet fibre can be more prone to becoming flattened.
Heavy foot traffic can affect the look of your carpets until the fibre bounce back.
3. Footprints
Walking across damp carpets can cause marks and footprints. Especially with certain styles.
4. Staining From Furniture
Putting furniture directly onto wet carpets can cause staining, rust and moisture damage.
Using furniture pads and waiting until they are dry can help.
How Will I Know When My Carpets Are Fully Dry?
It is important to check your carpets before allowing normal foot traffic and putting furniture back.
Below are a few simple tips.
Feel The Carpet
Gently run your clean hand over different parts of your carpets.
If they feel cool and damp they may need to dry further.
Feel The Fibre
Gently pull apart the fibre and see if there is any moisture within the pile.
Some thick carpets can feel dry on the surface but damp underneath.
Check Around The Edges
Check around the edges of your carpets. These often don’t get as much airflow.
Check For Smells
If there is a constant musty or bad smell it could mean there is trapped moisture. Or there could be an underlying issue.
If your carpets are still damp or have an odd smell, get in contact with your professional cleaner.
Will Professional Carpet Cleaning Take Longer To Dry?
Not necessarily. Sometimes Professional Carpet Cleaning can dry quicker than DIY. This is because professional equipment is designed to extract moisture.
DIY machines may leave more water if they aren’t used correctly or don’t have strong extraction.
Professional cleaners will generally have access to commercial grade equipment, specialist cleaning solutions and methods for different carpet types.
For example, hot water extraction can remove deep set dirt. Whilst removing most of the water used.
If you want to know more about the differences between professional and DIY cleaning, read our guide Professional Carpet Cleaning vs DIY Cleaning. We explain the benefits, limitations and differences.
Choosing the correct cleaning method can help give you better results and avoid drying delays.
Why Is Professional Carpet Cleaning Important?
Over time dirt, dust, pet hair, food and everyday contaminants can build up in your carpets.
Vacuuming regularly will keep the surface clean but may not remove all the dirt built up in the fibre.
Professional Carpet Cleaning can offer:
Remove deep set dirt – Professional equipment can help remove built up dirt and debris.
Improved look – Cleaning can help improve the look of the fibre.
Reduce allergens – The correct cleaning method can help remove certain dust and allergens.
Remove tough stains – Professional treatments can help remove many common stains.
Help keep your carpets in good condition – Regular and correct maintenance can help avoid build up of damaging soils.
Freshen up your home – Removing built up dirt and residue can help reduce bad smells.
If you’re in Melbourne and want to keep your carpets clean, choosing an experienced cleaning provider can make a difference.
In the role of Carpet Cleaning Melbourne guide to find out more.
Common Carpet Drying Mistakes To Avoid
Even after professional cleaning you can make mistakes that can cause your carpets to Take Longer to dry.
Avoid:
1. Keep Windows And Doors Closed
Not having good airflow can cause moisture to be trapped.
Try to keep the airflow good whenever the weather allows.
2. Place Furniture On Wet Carpets
Furniture can cause moisture to get trapped underneath. This can cause staining.
Wait until your carpets are dry before placing furniture back.
3. Too Much Heat
Using too much heat from heaters can damage certain carpets.
Keep the temperature at a moderate level with good airflow.
4. Ignore Damp Carpets
If your carpets are still very damp after 24 hours don’t just wait. Get in contact with your carpet cleaning professional to find out why.
5. Too Much Cleaning Products
Adding extra cleaning products from around the house can cause residue or unwanted reactions.
Always follow the professional cleaning advice.
For more helpful advice read our article Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes And How To Avoid Them.
How Often Should I Have My Carpets Professionally Cleaned?
The ideal frequency will depend on how busy your household is, how many people/pets you have and how much foot traffic there is.
As a general rule:
Low traffic – Every 12-18 months.
Average – Every 6-12 months.
Pets/Children – Every 6-12 months depending on the condition of your carpets.
High traffic areas – May need more frequent cleaning.
Commercial – Based on foot traffic and business needs.
These are just general guidelines. Always follow the manufacturers instruction and advice from a qualified professional.
Regular maintenance will help keep your carpets looking fresh and avoid build up of dirt and stains.
Professional Carpet Cleaning And Stain Removal Tips
Some stains can become harder to remove if they aren’t treated quickly.
Spills from food, coffee, pet accidents, mud and drinks can seep into the fibre causing visible stains.
The best thing to do is treat the spill as soon as possible.
A few tips:
- Blot any fresh spills using a clean absorbent cloth.
- Don’t rub the stain as this can cause it to sink into the fibre.
- Use suitable cleaning products for your carpet.
- Test any cleaning solution on a small hidden area.
- Don’t use too much water.
- Get professional help for tough or old stains.
If you are struggling with tough stains, read our How to Remove Old Stains from Carpets guide. We explain practical ways to remove the stains
For more specialist help read Carpet Stain Removal Melbourne. We explain professional treatment options.
Read our Carpet and Rug Cleaning guide for more information.
FAQs
1. How long do carpets take to Dry After Professional Cleaning?
Most carpets will take around 6-12 hours to fully dry. However, this can depend on the cleaning method, thickness of the carpet, humidity, airflow and temperature.
2. Can carpets dry in 2 hours after professional cleaning?
Yes, some carpets can dry in 2 hours if they have been cleaned using low moisture or dry cleaning. However, hot water extraction will generally Take Longer.
3. How long does steam cleaned carpets take to dry?
Steam cleaned carpets will generally take around 6-12 hours to dry. Some thick carpets or carpets with high moisture may take up to 24 hours.
4. Can I walk on my carpets straight after professional cleaning?
It is best to avoid walking on your freshly cleaned carpets. If you have to follow the instructions from your cleaner and wear clean socks.
5. How can I speed up drying time?
Open suitable windows, use ceiling or portable fans, use a dehumidifier and keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
6. Why are my carpets still wet after 24 hours?
If your carpets are still very wet after 24 hours they may have too much moisture, not enough extraction, thick underlay or not enough airflow. Get in contact with your professional cleaner.
7. Does the type of carpet affect drying time?
Yes. Wool, thick pile and dense carpets may hold onto moisture differently than synthetic carpets. The backing and underlay can also affect drying time.
8. Should fans be turned on during carpet cleaning?
Yes! Using fans will aid air flow and therefore speed up the drying process. Place them so that they are circulating air over the carpet.
9. Should the air conditioning be turned on during carpet cleaning?
Depending on your system, air conditioning can aid drying. It can be set to dehumidify. This will help to dry the carpet.
10. Can mould grow on wet carpets?
If the carpet is left wet for too long a mould friendly environment can form. This can be caused if the backing or underlay is kept wet. Ensure there has been good extraction and the carpet is dried quickly.
11. When can I put my furniture back?
Ideally you should wait until the carpet is totally dry. If however you need to place furniture back sooner, ask your professional cleaner what pads or tabs would be best to use.
12. Will professional cleaning cause fibre damage?
As long as the correct cleaning process and products are used on the materials of the carpet you shouldn’t see any fibre damage. If the wrong chemicals are used, too much water is used or incorrect cleaning methods, issues can occur.
Conclusion
Knowing how long your carpets will take to dry after professional cleaning will help you plan your cleaning sessions and ensure your carpets are looked after correctly.
Most carpets will take around 6-12 hours to dry after being professionally cleaned. However some methods can dry quicker. The material of the carpet, equipment used, extraction of water, levels of humidity, temperature and air flow all play a role in how quickly carpets can dry.
Improving air flow by using fans, a dehumidifier and reducing foot traffic will help your carpets dry quicker. Wait until the is totally dry before placing furniture back.
Professional carpet cleaning is an amazing way to keep your home clean, fresh and comfortable. As long as you use the correct cleaning method and follow the drying guidelines your carpet will be protected and you will get great results.
If your carpets need a deep clean, difficult stains removed or regular maintenance then why not contact an experienced professional carpet cleaning service to receive the best advice.