How to Repair a Bleach-Stained Carpet

Bleach is a powerful chemical that can quickly ruin fabric if it is not used correctly or is accidentally spilled. When bleach stains our clothing, we simply throw the article of clothing away and replace it. Unfortunately, when bleach stains our carpet, things aren't so simple. Carpet can make or break our home's interior, and we take extra precautions, such as steam cleaning and vacuuming frequently, to make sure our carpet stays stain free and clean. Learn ways to repair your carpet in the event of an accidental bleach spill.

Things You'll Need

• Carpet knife
• Matching carpet mat (optional)
• Carpet tape
• Fabric seam glue
• Carpet dye (optional)

Instructions

1. Determine which option for repairing a bleach-stained carpet is best for you. The most common ways of dealing with a bleach-stained carpet are patching and dyeing. Patching involves removing the bleached section of the carpet and replacing it with a piece of carpet the same size. It will be slightly noticeable. Dyeing involves dyeing the existing carpet to its original color; the results can range from average to good, depending on how well the dye can be matched.

2. Remove the bleach-stained section of carpet if you decide to opt for patching. Rather than remove the carpet in the exact shape of the stain, its best to use a circular or square object as a guide for cutting the new carpet to ensure the size is accurate.

3. Cut around the object you are using, such as a can (paint can tops work well for small sections), with a carpet knife. Be careful not to cut the carpet padding.

4. Cut a new section of carpet from a matching carpet fabric using the same shape. Place double-sided carpet tape on the bottom section of the carpet and place it where you removed the stained carpet. Pull back the edges and use a fabric sealant for best results. Place a heavy object over the new patch of carpet and let it sit overnight.

5. Cut a small piece of your carpet from an inconspicuous area if you choose to dye your bleach-stained carpet. Bring the piece of carpet to a hardware store to look for a matching carpet dye. If you cannot find a dye that is a good match for your carpet, consider using an online resource to custom-match dye for your carpet.

6. Vacuum and steam clean the stained section of carpet thoroughly. Follow the specific package instructions for using the carpet dye.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a small item such as a paint can top to cut away the stained section of carpet, nail the top down to help it stay in position while you are cutting.

• If dyeing your carpet, remember that wool and nylon carpets will work best with carpet dye.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: Patching Damaged Carpet
• Creative Homemaking: Repair Carpet Stains Yourself