How to Dry Wet Car Carpets Fast in 3 Different Methods?

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If you are a car owner then there is one thing that you can never avoid, no matter how careful you are and that is getting your carpet wet. This is something that most people deal with daily yet they don’t know how to dry their wet car carpets rapidly. So, here is detailed guide about How To Dry Wet Car Carpets?

If you are driving through a flood and it’s pouring outside, or walking through some puddle of water, your carpet is bound to get wet. Do not forget the drinks that you often spill on your car carpet no matter if you are clumsy or not, car carpets get wet eventually.

This is something unavoidable, we understand. That’s why we have bought you some amazing tips to dry your wet car carpets fast.

How To Dry Wet Car Carpets To Get Water Out Of It Fast?

There are three methods for different scenarios. You can choose any one of them based on your situation.

How To Dry Wet Car Carpets

Method 1: Sunlight is Accessible

In case if the rain has stopped or you have crossed the flooded area and are now standing on a clean road, direct under the sunlight then all you need to do is:

  • Park your car at a safe secluded place.
  • Open all the car doors and windows for the air to circulate.
  • Take out the carpets of the car and let them dry under the sunlight.

The carpets and the foam beneath the carpet will get dried under the sunlight in no time, especially without any extra effort.

Method 2: It’s Still Pouring And There is no Shaded Place

If it’s still raining outside and your car is standing in the rain because you don’t have access to any garage or someplace then the only way to dry the wet car carpet or wet car seats is by closing all the car doors and windows while turning on the car heater to the full speed.

This is the only way to get rid of the moisture in car carpets when you are bound to park your car in the rain. It would not get rid of the moisture in the car but it would dry your car carpets at least.

Method 3: It’s Still Pouring Out There But You Have Got Your Garage or a Shaded Place

In case it’s raining outside and you’ve got a garage or any covered area where you can park your car to dry your wet car carpets rapidly, make sure you follow the given steps:

  • Park your car in the garage as soon as possible to avoid getting your carpets damper.
  • Open all the car doors and windows so that the moisture could evaporate.
  • Wipe the microfiber cloth on the carpet to sop up all the excess water.
  • Open the drain plugs of your vehicle so that the excess water can be drained. (if your vehicle doesn’t have any drain plugs then don’t worry because we’ll make sure that by the end of this method your carpets will be all dried up).
  • Using the wet-dry shop vac, vacuum the carpets by setting them on the “wet mode”. It will surely suck all the water that is left on the carpet and will dry it completely.
  • Now that the carpets are all dried it’s time to generate airflow so that all the moisture inside the car can be evaporated. For that, you can either use stand fans or a dehumidifier to get the job done.

How To Dry The Foam Under Your Car Carpet?

If your carpet gets wet then there is a high chance that water might have seeped through it to the foam underneath. So using some tools prop up the sill to get access to the foam underneath. If you are unable to access the foam then remove the car seats as well to reach the sill. Then point your fan towards the foam to remove the moisture or you can use baking soda to remove the moisture from the car.

Try to remove all the moisture from your car carpet and underneath it as soon as you can because the more time you will take, the more the chance that it would get moldy or mildew would be attracted.

What To Do If You Can Already Smell Mildew In Your Car?

If you can already sense a musty smell in your car then without wasting any time, use a solution of water and vinegar. Scrub the solution on the carpet with a brush and clean it with a microfiber towel. You can also use any of the dishwashing liquid to get rid of all the trapped moisture. Sprinkle some borax where you feel it is mildew and vacuum it after 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Ending up with wet car carpets is a frequent occurrence in most of our lives which get quite cumbersome to deal with in different situations. That’s why car detailing experts came up with some ways to tackle the car carpets’ drying process with ease.

So, if you are forgetful and clumsy like most of us then you can also use any of the above-mentioned methods to dry your carpets with ease based on your condition.

FAQs

How long does it take for car carpets to dry?

Normally, drying a car carpet takes 24 hours at least which can be expedited using a shop vac or a hair dryer, etc.

What could we use instead of baking soda to remove the moisture from the car?

Damp Rid bags can be used in place of a dehumidifier to remove any remaining moisture left inside the car.

What is the first step in drying wet car carpets?

The initial step is to remove as much excess water as possible. This can be done using towels or absorbent materials to blot the wet area, or a wet-dry vacuum to suction out the water.

It’s crucial to avoid rubbing or scrubbing during this process to prevent pushing the water deeper into the carpet fibers. Removing floor mats and drying them separately is also recommended​.

How can I speed up the drying process of my car carpets?

Ventilating the interior of your car is key. Open all doors and windows to allow air circulation. Using industrial fans or even your car’s heater can greatly accelerate the drying. In a closed space like a garage, combining fans with a dehumidifier is highly effective. The fans and dehumidifier working together ensure complete moisture removal over a couple of days

Are there any home remedies for drying car carpets?

Yes, using cat litter or baking soda can be effective. Spread a thick layer of cat litter over the wet carpet and leave it for a few days. This will absorb moisture and odors. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda over the wet areas, let it sit overnight, and then vacuum it up. Both methods are effective in absorbing moisture and reducing damp odors​.

When should I seek professional help for drying wet car carpets?

Professional assistance is advisable when there’s severe water damage. If there’s standing water, excessive soaking, lingering odors after drying, or if electrical issues arise due to water damage, it’s crucial to seek professional help.

These signs indicate that the water has penetrated deeply, requiring professional restoration to prevent further damage and potential mold growth.

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Umeima Sohail is a technical writer on CarDetailingDIY. She has years of experience in the car industry and loves sharing her knowledge with others. Her goal is to help people learn about the car detailing process and make the most of their time and money.

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