It’s easy to see why many people opt for carpeting in their homes or businesses. Providing warmth and comfort at a reasonable price, there’s no doubt that carpeting seems to tick many boxes.

One thing people must know is that with carpets, you do need to maintain and clean it to ensure its durability. After a professional clean by a Tampa carpet cleaning company, it can be very tempting to start walking over the carpet or placing furniture on it immediately. 

Keep reading to find out what you must take note of and why we recommend you to be patient in waiting for a complete dry.

Can I Walk on my Carpet After Professional Cleaning?

Once your carpet cleaning expert is done, the fibers of your carpet are in the best shape possible. Clean and washed, your carpet will resemble the luster of when you first bought it. 

If you walk on the carpet at this moment, know that it might cause portions that are still damp to flatten. If those parts go on to dry, they may remain that way until the next clean.

Similarly, if the carpet is still damp, it will be very susceptible to trapping dirt and other debris that have just been cleared out of the fibers. Instead of wasting the efforts of the cleaning, steer clear of your carpet until the drying process is over.

One of the key considerations after a clean is the time needed for your carpet to fully dry. Depending on the different cleaning methods used, the range will vary. Even dry cleaning is not exactly a ‘dry’ method, so you will need to be aware of the moisture being used during the clean.

A safe bet is that it will take anywhere from three to six hours for carpets to dry fully after a clean. In more humid areas, it could even take up to 24 hours before the drying is complete.

Factors Affecting When Your Carpet Drying Process

There are several factors that can either prolong or reduce the drying time needed for a carpet that has just been cleaned. Here are some of them:

Carpet Material

Some carpet materials can dry out quickly, while others will take a significantly longer time. As an example, a carpet made of wool, which is a very absorbent material, will definitely need more time to dry compared to others like nylon or polyester. 

Humidity

The humidity in your area will also be key to determining how fast your carpet can dry. As a rule, the lower the humidity, the faster the carpet will dry. 

The dry air facilitates evaporation and hence, allows quicker drying. It also helps to ensure there is enough ventilation in whichever room the carpet is in. The circulation of humid air and dry air will quicken the drying process.

Temperature

If we are talking about humidity, then the temperature is also part of the equation. Carpets are found indoors, so the temperature in the room will affect how fast the drying process can be. Keep the room temperature slightly warmer, so that moisture can evaporate at a faster rate.

Conclusion

For people who like to keep their carpets cleaned and maintained for longevity and hygiene, a professional clean is a great first step. Just make sure you do not be too hasty and eager to walk on your carpet after a clean. 

If you need to walk on the carpet urgently, be sure to wait for 30 minutes at the very least and remove your shoes and use socks or utilize shoe protection covers. Ideally, let it dry out completely and enjoy the results.