Carpet Repair

"How to Repair Damaged Carpet and Rugs..."

Naturally, it is better to avoid damage to your carpet than it is to repair it. 

However, accidents are inevitable, and due to such problems as burns, excessive fading, fraying, damage from furniture, crushing, bleeding, or even carpet beetles, it may become necessary to perform a repair job on part of your carpet.

Furniture marks

These usually occur when heavy furniture has been left on one spot for a long time, leaving deep indentations. 

Try putting some club soda in a spray bottle and lightly misting the indented area.  Place a towel over the spot, and then using an iron set on a low setting, iron over the area.  This may need to be repeated a couple of times, but you should soon see the carpet fluff up again.

Burns

Burn marks are most often the result of a dropped cigarette or candle flame left unchecked. In the case of a small burn, you may be able to simply cut out the burned fibers without altering the appearance of the carpet noticeably. 

If the burn is larger, however, the only option is to replace that section of carpet. It is best to call for a professional installer, though you can do it yourself if you have the know-how.

Fuzzing

Sometimes loose fibers come out of the edges of the carpet.  Simply cut these off to avoid pulling them out even further.

Matting, crushing and shading

Carpet may become crushed in spots where there is more foot traffic, causing your carpet to look shaded.  A good brushing, followed by vacuum cleaning may be all that is necessary to fix the problem.  If not, you may need to call a professional.

Snagging and shedding

Shedding is a normal problem resulting from usage, not a manufacturing defect, and may be more common with some types of carpet fibers than others. This problem can usually be resolved with a good vacuuming. 

On the other hand, snags are tufts that have pulled out of the carpet backing.  This tends to be more of a problem with loop pile carpet than cut pile. 

Never pull them, as this only compounds the damage.  Instead, simply cut them with scissors until they are level with the pile of the carpet.

Sprouting

Sprouting occurs when some of the carpet fibers have become longer than the rest, due to pulling from wear.  Do not pull them further, rather, cut them with scissors until they are level.

Static electricity

Like other fabrics, carpet can experience static electricity.  If the atmosphere in your home tends to be dry, regularly using a humidifier may help alleviate this problem. 

You may also want to try spraying the surface of your carpet with an anti-static agent.
 
Bleeding or crocking

"Bleeding" refers to transfer of color from one section of carpet or another, resulting in uneven color.  Using a quality underlay can help prevent this problem to a certain degree. 

"Crocking" is the loss of color due to friction when rubbed.  Both situations can be avoided by keeping your carpet dry. 

Fixing discolored areas usually requires cutting the discolored section out and replacing it with new carpet.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles feed on wool, seeds, hair, hides, fur, flour, and grains.  Many of these things may find their way into your carpet, and become a potential food source. 

The best way to avoid an infestation is to vacuum thoroughly and often.  A bad infestation may require a professional cleaning to completely eliminate the beetles.

Finally, one of the best ways to minimize your risk of problems with your carpet is to make sure it is installed correctly.  Carpet installation is best left to a trained professional. 

When you do find it necessary to make a repair, it is advisable once again to call a professional.  Attempting to make a repair without the know-how may end up resulting in heartache, as well as a loss of money.

And now carpet choices....

 Add the elegance of area rugs to your home...
        Bob and Tammy Sedona
       Carpet & Rug Specialist

     Carpet and Rug Repair