Steam Smart Pro Carpet Duct & Tile Cleaning 

What Is Carpet Wicking and What to Do About It

SEO CH • 10 June 2023

Do you need professional carpet cleaning in or around Tucson, AZ? Let Steam Smart Pro help with our expert services, leaving no carpet wicking behind. Call us at 520-397-3770 today to book. 


Everyone enjoys the look and feel of clean carpets, but what happens when they aren't as clean as you think? A common phenomenon, or carpet wicking, occurs when deep stains rise to the surface as a washed carpet dries. This can leave people feeling confused about why their carpets are dirty after they have just cleaned them. 


Several scenarios can lead to carpet wicking and an unsightly appearance. But there are ways to prevent it. Using the right kind of cleaning techniques and equipment may factor into whether or not you'll experience carpet wicking. 


Learning about carpet wicking, its causes, and preventative measures can help you deal with this common issue. Also, working with Vail's carpet cleaning company will ensure your carpet experiences the best possible cleaning and guarantees no instances of carpet wicking. 


What Is Carpet Wicking?


Carpet wicking is when deeply embedded stains rise to the surface of the carpet during the drying process. Some type of stain or spill occurs on the carpet and seeps below the surface. When it comes in contact with moisture, the stain rises back up and becomes visible on the surface.


When you clean your carpet and have an embedded stain, here's everything that rises to the surface:



  • Water
  • Dirt
  • Cleaning agents
  • Soil


Not everyone knows how to properly clean their carpet in a way that avoids carpet wicking. Fortunately, it takes some simple changes to avoid carpet wicking, such as addressing and removing stains as soon as they touch your carpet. This prevents them from setting in and sticking. 


Avoid over-wetting your carpet to create a dryer combination while cleaning. You're less likely to result in carpet wicking.


How Does Carpet Wicking After Cleaning Occur?


Stains travel back up the carpet fibers, leaving a frustrating cycle of repeated cleaning and the same stains appearing. Here are the three most common ways carpet wicking leads to dirt buildup:


  • Excessive drying time: A carpet that takes a long time to dry is going to experience wicking. When the carpet is wet for a while, it gives the stain ample opportunity to reach the surface and continue the cycle.
  • Too much cleaning supplies: Whether it is too much water, cleaning product, or both, it can contribute to the excessive moisture that causes carpet wicking. Lots of water or liquid cleaning products lead to the dirt and stain seeping down into the carpet fibers.
  • Inadequate cleaning: Perhaps you are not thoroughly cleaning the carpet enough. If the carpet appears clean on the surface, you might feel like you don't need to clean anymore. However, the non-visible stain will resurface when it experiences moisture in the future.


You should follow the proper cleaning process to avoid carpet wicking. Typically, people experience carpet wicking because they used too much water or cleaning products. They also might not have put in enough effort to clean the dirt and stain deep in the carpet, leading to wicking. 


Preventing Carpet Wicking: What You Can Do


Although carpet wicking is frustrating, there are steps you can take to prevent it. You can try any of the following measures to stop carpet wicking:


1. Utilize a Carpet Extractor for Deep Stains


This is the most time-consuming way to remove deep stains and is typically a last-resort option. However, it's good to know that a carpet extractor can help you combat carpet wicking. These machines scrub the affected area and properly remove the dirt, but you need to ensure the carpet dries properly and quickly, such as with an air dryer or blower.


You should first vacuum all loose dirt and debris before applying an alkaline product. The product needs a thorough application as it will help the extractor pull up the embedded stains below the surface. Try using a carpet extractor if you've exhausted all other avenues with little luck.


2. Clean Spills Immediately


You should carefully blot out spills as soon as you spot them. You have better chances of keeping the surface clean by tackling stains right away.


You should remove any liquid from the affected area before using a clean product to yield the best results. You should also try trusted stain solutions.


By removing as much liquid as possible, your carpet will have a less impactful stain and becomes easier to clean. You can use a professional air dryer to prevent a long dry time and to stop wicking at the source. 


3. Try an Encapsulation Machine


Cleaning with encapsulation is effective and uses minimal moisture, but you should vacuum beforehand to prepare the carpet. The encapsulation machine utilizes acrylic polymers to remove stubborn stains.


4. Use Absorbent Powders


Absorbent powders are dry substances that clean liquid messes, leaving only a dry pile to clean. Instead of struggling to clean a wet spot, you can simply vacuum up the affected area. Absorbent powders are also great for preventing overwetting and excessively long dry times when cleaning.


You can perform spot cleanings for small carpet stains, but larger ones require the assistance of a professional cleaner. You don't want to drive the deep stains back into the carpet (or experience carpet wicking). If you're unsure about what to do, it's best to leave it to the professionals.


Contact Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ Today


Many property owners deal with carpet wicking and the cycling process it produces. You can take several steps to avoid dirty carpets and clean surfaces correctly the first time around. The best way to get your carpets clean and avoid carpet wicking is to hire a professional cleaning company.


You can prepare for carpet cleaning with our team and experience your cleanest carpets yet! Call Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, at 520-397-3770 to have us professionally clean your carpets or other areas of your business or home.

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