It can be frustrating to remove burns from a carpet, whether it was caused by a match, a hot iron or even a hair dryer. For extensive burns, or those in the most evident points, it may be advisable to contact a professional cleaning service. For smaller areas or less obvious spots, it is possible to take some essential measures to arrange the carpet. By cutting off the burnt ends and gluing on new fibers or a whole corner of carpet, you can make it look good as new.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cut Out the Burnt Parts and Hide the Burns
Step 1. Loosen the fibers with a pair of tweezers
The goal is for the fibers to be as straight as possible to make it easier to remove the burnt ones. Use tweezers to brush against the grain, pinching them a little to soften them.
Step 2. Cut off the burned layer with a pair of scissors
Try to cut only the brown or black part, not the one underneath intact. Go slowly and be patient, as it may be difficult at first. Keep lifting the fibers up as you cut them to make sure you don't leave any burnt stretches behind below the top layer.
- You can use a regular pair of scissors or smaller, sharp, curved-tipped scissors, such as those that are often used to cut cuticles.
- Set the burnt bits aside and collect them later with a vacuum cleaner or with your hands.
Step 3. Spray carpet stain remover over the rest of the stain
Follow the instructions on the bottle and wipe the carpet with a clean rag, allowing it to absorb the solution for the time indicated on the package.
Step 4. Remove some fibers from another area of the carpet if the stain is still visible
Use a sharp pair of scissors or a razor to cut away some fibers from a hidden corner of the carpet, such as the part inside a closet or along the wall. Try to cut the fibers to the same length as the burnt ones you just removed.
Step 5. Glue the new fibers over the burn
Use a toothpick or small flat screwdriver to apply a light coat of transparent fabric glue that is impervious to the new fibers. Glue them on the burned area and let them dry for at least 24 hours, then shorten them to the level of the surrounding ones, if necessary.
Step 6. Cover the burn with some fabric dye, in case you don't want to cut other parts of the carpet
Look for waterproof paint that is the closest possible color to your carpet. Use a thin brush to apply it to the damaged fibers, then let it dry for at least 24 hours, or for the time indicated on the product label.
Part 2 of 2: Remove the Burnt Fibers and Patch the Affected Area
Step 1. Cut off the burned area with a sharp razor
Apply a cut on the adhesive base of the carpet and remove it. Try to cut out a square or rectangular area so you can easily replicate it.
Step 2. Remove a portion of the carpet from a hidden area
Using the burned area you just removed as a template, cut out a sample from a less exposed area of the carpet, such as the one at the bottom of the closet. If the carpet has a particular pattern, make sure the removed part exactly matches the burnt section.
You can also remove a section from some scattered carpet samples, which you may have left over when you put the carpet in place
Step 3. Apply glue to the back (or backing) of the carpet and to the patch you just cut out
Cut out a backing patch that is the same size as the patch and sprinkle the back of both and the entire edge of the burn area with strong hold glue. Let the glue sit until it is slightly viscous.
You can get carpet backing online and at most home improvement stores
Step 4. Fix both the backing of the carpet and the patch
Insert the first one where the burn was present - you should be able to lift the surrounding area of the carpet to fix it better. Finally, place the patch on top, pressing it gently.
Step 5. Remove loose fibers and brush the patch to match the rest of the carpet
Use a small, sharp pair of scissors to cut any fibers that are out of place. With a small, fine-toothed comb, gently brush the fibers of the patch to match the surrounding area.
Step 6. Place a heavy object on the affected area and let it dry for 24 hours
Use a bulky book or heavy pot to press the patch and let it dry for the next few hours and overnight.
