As snow melts and spring showers begin, your carpets become subject to serious moisture. Carpet water damage not only looks unsightly, but it also encourages mold and mildew growth on the padding or subfloor. This growth can contribute to asthma and allergy flare-ups among other health problems. Keep your carpets clean and healthy with these tips for mitigating water damage.

5 Ways to Avoid Carpet Water Damage

1. Enforce a “No Shoes” Rule

Place quality doormats in front of every entryway and ask friends and family members to remove their shoes before walking through your home. This keeps water droplets off your carpet; it also reduces the amount of dirt and bacteria on your flooring. You can even add baskets of inexpensive house slippers by the doorway for guests.

2. Keep the Gutters Clean

Clean your gutters every fall and spring to prevent water damage from clogs. Gutters clogged with leaves, twigs, animal nests, and other debris can cause rainwater and melting snow to pool around your foundation and eventually infiltrate the ground floor of your home. Ranch houses are especially susceptible to this issue because they do not always have basements.

3. Shovel Snow Away From the House

Move snow away from the sides of your house to prevent carpet water damage. This will also avoid similar problems caused by clogged gutters, like foundation damage. Keep at least ten feet of space around your home clear to protect it from melting snow and ice.

4. Soak Up Spills Immediately

Attend to spills as soon as possible to keep water or other liquids from sinking into the carpet backing and padding. Blot rather than scrub stains to avoid damaging carpet fibers and set up a fan or dehumidifier to quicken the drying process. Use a white vinegar and water solution to clean, disinfect, and kill mold and mildew.

If you find yourself dealing with serious carpet water damage, schedule services with Kelly Prater Carpet Repair-Installation to avoid untimely replacements. The carpet repair and installation company provides residents throughout Lincoln and Omaha, NE, with detail-oriented carpet water damage services for healthier homes. Call (402) 440-5848 today for a carpet repair estimate or visit the company with nearly 30 years of experience online for more information. Get additional tips on Twitter.