How to Remove a Vacuum Burn From Carpet

Your vacuum should clean the carpet, not leave stains.

Vacuum burns on carpeting can happen as a result of the vacuum brush or other mechanisms being too close to your carpet. As is the case with any burn or scorch mark on your carpet, the resulting stain and odor detract from the appearance of your carpet. Before you worry about having to replace carpeting, use simple supplies from home to remove the burn marks and restore your carpet's appearance and condition.

Things You'll Need

• Scrub brush
• Nail file
• Vacuum
• Clean cloths
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Electric fan

Instructions

1. 

   File away vacuum burn marks with a nail file.

   Brush the fibers of the vacuum-burned carpet with a stiff bristled brush to help remove the burn mark from the tips of the carpet fibers. Use a nail file to loosen more stubborn burn stains.

2. Vacuum up loosened burn debris with your household vacuum.

3. Wet a clean cloth with three percent hydrogen peroxide. Blot at the remaining burn stain on your carpet to remove the stain. Rinse the cloth as the burn marks transfer to the cloth, then continue to sponge at the stain.

4. Soak up excess hydrogen peroxide from your carpet by pressing a dry cloth into the carpet. Repeat this until no further moisture is soaked up.

5. 

   A fan prevents your carpet from staying damp for too long.

   Dry your carpet with the aid of an electric fan. Direct the fan at the site of the carpet burn and allow it to speed up the drying time.

Tips & Warnings

• Err on the side of caution. Set your vacuum on a high carpet setting and adjust as needed.

• Trim the tips of burned carpet fibers with scissors when all else fails.

• Test on an inconspicuous place of carpet to make sure the hydrogen peroxide doesn't bleach or discolor your carpet.

• Blot or sponge the burn stains as scrubbing may damage the carpet fibers.

References

• The Carpet Company: Stain Removal Guide for Burn Marks
• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster: Scorch Marks