How to Repair Carpet Spot Damage

Repairing carpet spot damage is easier than you may think. In a few easy steps this article will walk you through the tools you will need and the steps to take to repair the carpet damage. This process will instruct you how to remove that cigarette burn or that unsightly spot left by a child. Burns and stains are by far the most common cause of carpet damage. When cleaning will not repair the problem, it will be necessary to replace the area that has damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carpet Cookie Cutter Tool
• Carpet Seam Adhesive
• Double Face Carpet Tape

1. 

   The first step is to try alternate methods to repair the carpet spot damage. You want to exhaust all options prior to cutting the carpet. Attempt to clean the area using carpet cleaning solutions. If the burn or carpet damage is just at the surface, you may be able to trim the damaged carpet fibers using scissors. Be careful and just cut the minimum amount needed to repair the spot damage.

2. 
   Carpet Cookie Cutter Tool

   Obviously carpet spot damage caused by a deep burn will not be remedied by cleaning. There is a simple way to repair the damage. You will need to purchase a carpet cookie cutter tool. This tool will repair spot damage up to 3 inches in diameter. These cookie cutter repair tools are available at most hardware stores and certainly at carpet stores.
   
   Simply press the Cookie Cutter tool down onto the area of carpet spot damage. Twist the tool to cut away the damaged carpet. Be careful not to cut into the padding.
   
   If your carpet spot damage is larger than the 3 inch diameter carpet cookie cutter, you will need to use a utility knife. Carefully measure and cut the carpet using the knife. It is suggested to use a straight edge to guide your cut into the carpet.

3. You now need a replacement carpet patch to fill the hole left when you removed the damaged carpet spot. If you are one of those industrious planner types, you likely saved some carpet remnants when your carpet was originally installed. This is the perfect place to cut your replacement carpet patch.
   
   If you are like the rest of us, you probably cannot find your keys let alone a carpet remnant from the original install. Never fear, there is a solution. Head over to the closet. Spend the next fifteen minutes removing the mounds of clutter, your antique shoe collection, and bowling balls from the closet floor. Head way back to the corner of the closet. This is where you will cut your carpet replacement patch. Use the same method as outlined in step 2, and viola you have a perfect match to use for the carpet repair.
   
   This would be an ideal time to organize that closet.....BUT we have carpet spot damage to repair, stay focused. Closet organization projects can wait.....at least until your heirs need to get in there to search for your stash of confederate money.

4. 
   Carpet Tape

   Return to the area of carpet spot damage. Place the carpet tape into the cutout area. Make sure the tape goes at least a 1/2" under the undamaged carpeting on both sides.
   
   Take a moment to orient your carpet replacement patch so that the carpet fibers, nap, and pattern match.
   
   Apply the seam adhesive to the edges of both the carpet spot damage cut out hole and the carpet replacement patch. Press the replacement patch into the cutout and make sure it fits properly.

5. 
   Weigh Down the Area

   To complete your repair to the carpet spot damage, place a heavy object on top of the damage area. Weigh down the carpet repair area until the adhesive sets.
   
   Be proud you have just learned how to repair carpet spot damage! You could use the momentum from this successful project to go organize the closet..... alternately, I suggest you reward your self with a nice bowl of ice cream or a cold beverage. Relax, you earned it.

Resources

• Tools for Flooring

[MariM]

on 2/26/2009 That is awesome, thank you so much for this tip.5*remd