TOM: If you’ve ever faced a flood in your basement or other space, you know what a huge mess that soaking sopping-wet carpet can become. Hi, I’m Tom Kraeutler.
LESLIE: And I’m Leslie Segrete with today’s Money Pit Home Improvement Minute. If your carpet is completely submerged or if it’s been wet for more than 24 hours, toss it. Same goes for flooding from seawater, rivers, streams or a sewage back up.
TOM: If it’s localized from a plumbing leak or rainwater, you can clean and dry it. First, remove it, if possible, then use a wet/dry vac and dry towels to soak up the water. Use fans and a dehumidifier to dry out the carpeting. Pull up and remove the padding if you can.
LESLIE: If you find you need to replace that flooring and it’s in the basement, do not replace it with carpet. Tile, laminate or even engineered hardwood are much better choices. I’m Leslie Segrete.
TOM: And I’m Tom Kraeutler. For more Money Pit Home Improvement tips, visit moneypit.com.
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