Can Carpet Padding Be Cleaned?
Can Carpet Padding Be Cleaned?
Homeowners are typically concerned with the cleaning and care of their carpet, but have you ever wondered about the padding that lies underneath? Spills and pet accidents, when not cleaned up immediately can cause some very unpleasant odors to stay in your padding for a long time. So, the question is, “Can carpet padding be cleaned?” And further, “Should carpet padding be cleaned”.
The short answer is yes. Carpet padding CAN and should be cleaned. Before we get into the process, let’s take a look at the different types of padding.
What Is Carpet Padding Made Of?
Bonded Urethane – The majority of carpet padding used in residential carpeting is bonded urethane, sometimes called rebond. Bonded urethane is actually created out of recycled materials. Urethane foam, taken out of old furniture and upholstery is combined with new urethane foam to create the rebond. The old and new are chipped into smaller pieces and molded together to create the carpet padding. It is the most cost effective form of carpet padding.
Urethane Foam – Unlike the bonded urethane, this type of carpet padding is created solely from new urethane foam. This carpet padding can be created in multiple types – one of them being a waterproof version.
Rubber – Often used in commercial carpeting projects, rubber padding is often considered top quality. The rubber can be formed into a single layer mat padding, foamed rubber padding, frothed padding, and also a waffle-like padding.
Fiber – At one time, fiber carpet padding was manufactured from animal hair but today it is typically made from fibrous plants like jute. The strength of the fiber carpet padding is the reason it is used often in commercial settings because it can handle high traffic areas. Rubber and fiber is more expensive than urethane padding but they do help carpets last longer.
How To Clean Carpet Padding
If you do not clean up a spill or pet accident immediately, you run the risk of never getting the area looking or smelling nice. The liquids can soak right through the carpet and lay in the carpet padding. In order to ensure you are getting the padding clean, follow the steps below. Unfortunately, if you are trying to find out how to clean carpet pad without removing carpet, you are out of luck. Removing the carpet is necessary to making sure you get clean carpet padding.
Step 1
Mix together one part white vinegar and four parts water into a container.
Step 2
Expose the stain by pulling the carpet back.
Step 3
Pour the mixture made in Step 1 over the stain, let sit for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Scrub the area gently and blot.
Step 5
Pour plain water to rinse the stain and blot.
Step 6
Let dry completely, you may use a fan to help dry it quicker.
Step 7
Restore carpet to the original position.
If you are unsure whether you will be able to clean the area properly, or you don’t feel comfortable pulling the carpet back and replacing it, consider contacting a local carpet cleaning service. They will be able to remove pet stains and odor more efficiently to leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
How To Get Water Out Of Carpet And Pad
Occasionally, you may run into an issue where you have water on your carpet. This can happen if there is a leak or a spill. If you know it is just water and you know it hasn’t been sitting there in the carpet for a long time getting the water out of both the carpet and padding shouldn’t be that difficult. You’ll want to pull the carpet back like above, however instead of using a mixture and rinsing it, you’ll want to place a fan on top of the padding and the carpet that has been pulled back. This will insure that there will be no water stains and no mold will grow under your carpet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do you get the smell out of carpet padding?
To get the smell out of your carpet padding you will need to do a thorough cleaning. Pull back the carpet to the area of the odor, carefully scrub the area with a mixture of one part white vinegar and four parts water. Dab the area, rinse the area with water, dab it some more. Then let dry completely before replacing the carpet.
Q. Can wet carpet padding be saved?
Absolutely! Just pull the carpet back to the area that is wet, place a few fans on the area and let dry before replacing the carpet.
Q. How do you get rid of mold on carpet padding?
When it comes to mold and the safety of you and your family, it is best to call a professional to clean the mold from the carpet padding.
Q. How do I know if my carpet pad is bad?
Most people believe that carpet padding is what adds comfort to your carpeting, but that is a myth! Carpet pad is there to stabilize the carpet. It keeps the carpet from moving, shifting, and stretching. Once you start noticing wrinkles or stretching in your carpet, it may be an indication that your carpet pad is bad.
We normally don’t think about the carpet padding in our homes until there is a problem or a major spill or accident. But now that you know that it can be cleaned and even how to clean it, you should be confident in the ability to do so. However, if you still don’t feel confident, always be sure to reach out to a local professional.
