How to Dye Carpet

Enliven your old, dingy carpet with a fresh new color.

Buying new carpet is expensive, but you can dye an old carpet to give it a fresh look. Before getting started, buy the correct type of dye. Different carpet fibers need different dyes. If you do not know what type of fibers your carpet is made from, have a professional take a look before you do anything.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Carpet shampoo
• Carpet dye
• Spray bottle
• Stiff scrubbing brush
• Plastic
• Tape
• Scrap piece of carpet

1. Move all furniture out of the room. Tape plastic to the walls to protect them from the dye.

2. Shampoo the carpet and let it dry. Clean carpet will absorb dye more evenly.

3. Mix the carpet dye with warm water, according to manufacturer directions. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

4. Practice on a scrap piece of carpet until you are able to obtain satisfactory results.

5. Spray your carpet with carpet dye. Scrub in the dye with a stiff scrubbing brush, using a circular motion. Work on a small section of carpet at a time. Be careful to spread the dye evenly. Start in the back corner of the carpet and work backward toward an exit to another room so you do not become trapped and have to step on the fresh dye or wait for it to dry.

6. Allow the carpet to dry, and enjoy your room's new look.

Tips & Warnings

• Carpet can only be dyed the same color or darker. Carpet cannot be dyed a lighter color.

• Don't use too much dye in one spot. Getting carpet too wet can damage the carpet and padding.