If you’ve recently had your carpets professionally cleaned and noticed unexpected ripples or waves forming, you’re not alone. At Vital Clean Carpet Cleaning, we’ve seen this happen occasionally across homes in Salt Lake City, Riverton, Sandy, Lehi, and nearby areas. While it might look concerning, carpet rippling after a deep clean is usually temporary—and totally fixable.
Here’s what you need to know about why carpets ripple after steam cleaning or hot water extraction, and when you should (or shouldn’t) worry.
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Refresh and revive your carpet with Vital Clean Carpet Cleaning! We use eco-safe, residue-free methods that go beyond traditional shampooing for a healthier clean.
1. Excess Moisture During Carpet Cleaning
One of the most common causes of temporary carpet rippling is excess moisture. When too much water is used, or if the drying process takes too long, the carpet backing may expand and cause waves to appear. While our advanced low-moisture and hydroxidation cleaning technology helps prevent over-wetting, some carpets—especially older ones—may still react this way.
2. Improper Carpet Installation
Many of the calls we receive in the Salt Lake Valley for buckled carpets are tied to poor installation practices. If the carpet wasn’t stretched tightly enough during install or if tack strips weren’t properly secured, moisture and heat from professional cleaning can expose those flaws and cause visible ripples.
3. Aging Carpet and Worn Backing
Over time, carpet backing materials—especially latex-based adhesives—can weaken. Older carpets in homes throughout Draper, South Jordan, and Herriman may have degraded backing, which reacts more dramatically to moisture during cleaning. This can lead to temporary buckling.
4. Delamination
Delamination refers to the separation of the carpet’s primary and secondary backings. This can be caused by manufacturing defects, prolonged wear, or even previous water damage. While this issue is more serious, it’s less common—and something our trained technicians at Vital Clean Carpet Cleaning can identify and explain during the service.
5. Carpet Fiber Type and Composition
Certain synthetic carpets—such as those made from polypropylene—are more prone to absorbing moisture unevenly, which can lead to temporary ripples. However, with proper cleaning techniques and rapid drying systems, this issue is usually short-lived.
How Long Do Carpet Ripples Last After Cleaning?
In most cases, ripples disappear within 24 to 72 hours as the carpet fully dries and returns to its original tension. Our high-speed drying equipment and controlled cleaning methods help minimize these effects, giving you peace of mind.
If your carpet still shows ripples after a few days, a professional carpet stretching service may be needed. We offer affordable carpet repair and re-stretching services in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, restoring your floors to a smooth, like-new appearance.
Trust the Experts in Quality Carpet Cleaning
At Vital Clean Carpet Cleaning, we don’t just clean carpets—we protect your investment. We’re proud to be Better Business Bureau-accredited, Best of SLC award winners, and known for delivering world-class carpet cleaning services across the Wasatch Front and back.
If you’re looking for a team that prioritizes quality, results, and honest care over cut-rate pricing, we’re the right fit for you.
Serving Salt Lake City, Riverton, Sandy, Lehi, Draper, South Jordan, and beyond.
Experience Cleaning Royalty with Vital Clean
Refresh and revive your carpet with Vital Clean Carpet Cleaning! We use eco-safe, residue-free methods that go beyond traditional shampooing for a healthier clean.
Need Carpet Cleaning or Repair?
Contact Vital Clean Carpet Cleaning today at 801-793-0906 or visit vitalcleanutah.com to schedule your service or get a quote.
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