How to Get Imprints Out of Carpet Padding

Heavy furniture will leave impressions, marks or dents in the carpet padding. These unsightly areas get deeper the longer the heavy item sits on the carpet. Simply removing the item does not get rid of the marks, which can last for months, if not longer. A few methods using common household items will help eliminate the imprints from the carpet padding. If the first method you try does not work, move on to another method.

Things You'll Need

• Hairdryer
• Ice cubes
• Cloth
• Spoon
• Iron
• Coin

Instructions

Heat

1. Moisten the imprints lightly with water.

2. Plug the power extension of a hairdryer into the nearest outlet. Set the hairdryer on medium or high heat and hold it several inches above the dampened dents.

3. Move the hairdryer back and forth above the imprints. Use your free hand to fluff up the carpet padding.

Ice Cubes

1. Lay an ice cube in the imprints. Allow the ice to melt, and wait 12 hours before continuing.

2. Blot any remaining wetness off the carpet padding with a cloth.

3. Lay a spoon on the edge of the imprint and apply pressure to push the dampened imprint upward.

Steam

1. Let an iron preheat on a medium temperature setting for several minutes.

2. Lay a damp cloth over the imprints. Hold the hot iron 4 inches above the cloth for one minute. Refrain from letting the iron touch the padding, as it could cause burns.

3. Place the edge of a coin at the edge of the dent, and apply pressure to push the impression upward.

4. Repeat the process until you have removed the imprints.

References

• "Good Housekeeping"; How to Get Rid of Carpet Dents; Heloise
• Reader's Digest: 14 Unconventional Uses for Ice Cubes
• "Ask the Family Handyman"; Editors of Reader's Digest; 1999