The carpet cleaning season has arrived. And as most carpet cleaning technicians know, one of the most frequently asked questions about carpet cleaning — right after "How much is it going to cost?" — is: "How long will it take for the carpets to dry?"

According to Doug Berjer, product manager for CFR, a manufacturer of recycling carpet extractors, there are a few ways technicians can help to reduce carpet drying times.

"Rapid drying often requires some equipment modifications," says Berjer. "For instance, make sure the [wand] jets are adjusted properly so there is just enough water flow for satisfactory cleaning."

The wand actually plays a key role in how quickly carpets dry after cleaning. Some wands are more effective than others at removing moisture, "and techs often find that these [more effective] wands are effective at soil removal as well," explains Berjer.

Other suggestions from Berjer include:

   — Technicians should carry an assortment of air movers with them, including blowers, down draft systems, "whole room" dryers, stackable dryers, "kickstand" dryers, and angle adjustable fans.

   — Proper wand technique is imperative; perform extra dry passes while "wanding," and be sure to overlap just-cleaned areas.

    — Pull the wand back an extra few inches after closing off the solution flow; this will pick up any excess water left at the end of the wand stroke.

    — Install air movers in each room as it is completed; move and add fans to each room as they are cleaned.

    — Activate ceiling fans if present in the facility. "It's not important if the air is hot or cold, it's the movement of air over the carpet that facilitates drying," explains Berjer.

    — In especially humid areas, it may prove more effective to keep doors and windows closed and activate the facility's air conditioning system; the A/C unit will help dehumidify the air, which will speed drying.

"Technicians must always remember we have two key goals when cleaning carpets," says Berjer. "The carpet has to come clean and it has to dry fast."