How To Fix Carpet Burns

How to Fix Carpet Burns

If you have children (or pets), then you know that accidents are more likely to happen. One of the most common accidents is when someone accidentally burns the carpet, whether it is from cigarette burns, iron burns, hairdryer burns or similar.

This can be a frustrating experience, especially if it is a large burn that cannot be easily repaired. Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can repair carpet burns from the comfort of your home.

Types of Carpet Burns

Regardless of what type your carpet is, there are three main different types of carpet burns to keep in mind: singed fibers, melted fibers and scorched fibers.

Singed Fibers

These are the most common type of carpet burn. This happens when the heat from the iron is not intense enough to melt the fiber, but is still hot enough to damage it.

Melted Fibers

This type of burn happens when the heat from the iron is intense enough to melt the fabric. This type of carpet burn is more difficult to repair.

Scorched Fibers

This occurs when the heat from the fire is so intense that it leaves a hole in the carpet. Scorch marks are the most difficult to repair and usually require professional help.

How to Fix Carpet Burns?

With the different types of carpet burns in mind, it is time to learn how to repair them. Upon identifying what type of burn your carpet has, you can follow these instructions respectively:

Singed and Melted Fibers

If your carpet has singed fibers, then you will want to use a pair of scissors to trim the damaged area. Be sure to only cut the burned part and not the healthy fibers around it. After you have got rid of the damaged area, apply a tiny quantity of heat protectant spray or cream to the affected region. This will aid in the prevention of future heat damage to the strands.

Scorched Fibers

If your carpet has been scorched by fire, then the best solution is to seek professional help. Scorched fibers are very difficult to repair and usually require the expertise of a professional to get rid of scorch marks.

Other Ways to Fix Carpet Burns

In addition to the methods above, following are other ways to get burns out of carpet when they are minimal.

Sandpaper Method

This is a method that can be used on all types of carpet burns. All you need is a piece of sandpaper (fine-grit) and gently rub it over the damaged area in a circular motion. The idea behind this method is to level out the burned area so that it flushes with the rest of the carpet.

Vinegar Solution

This is a method that can be used on all types of carpet burns. All you need is a cup of white vinegar and two cups of water. Mix the solution together and pour it into a spray bottle. Next, spray the affected area with the vinegar solution and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes have passed, blot the area with a clean cloth. This will help the stain to be unnoticeable or even better, disappear.

Patching

This is a method that can only be used on small burns. All you need is a piece of fabric that is the same color as your carpet and some adhesive. Cut the fabric into a small square or rectangle, making sure it is big enough to cover the burn. Apply the adhesive to the back of the patch and then place it over the burn. Gently press down on the patch to make sure it is secure.

Blending

This is a method used also for small burns. All you need is a sharpie or fabric dye that is the same color as your carpet. Simply take the sharpie or fabric dye and fill in the burned area. This will help the burn to blend in with the rest of the carpet.

What if You Have Major Carpet Burns?

If the burn is big, you probably need to choose from one of two options.

Call a professional carpet cleaning service.

In some cases, if the burn is surface-level, a professional carpet cleaner might be able to get some of the blackness out. However, try not to count on this too much. Large, deep burns typically need to be replaced, not just cleaned.

Have some (or all) of your carpet professionally replaced.

Your next (and probably best) option is to call a professional carpet installer. It is possible that they can match the carpet and replace the burnt section alone. And if the rest of your carpet is outdated and dirty anyway, it might be a good idea to just replace all of it.

How to Prevent Carpet Burns

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips on how you can prevent burns on your carpet instead of having to go through a series of tedious steps to fix them.

Use a hot pad or trivet: This will protect your carpet from direct heat. Place the hot pad or trivet under anything that is hot such as a clothes iron, curling wand, hair straightener, etc.
Test the heat: Before placing anything hot on the carpet, test the temperature first. You can do this by holding the hot object a few inches above the carpet. If it is too hot, then find another surface to place it on.
Move quickly: If you accidentally drop something hot on the carpet, do not panic. Pick it up quickly and move it to a safe place. The longer you leave it there, the more damage it will cause.
Cover the area: If you have an appliance that emits heat, place it on a flat surface and put something under it to protect the carpet. A towel or piece of cloth would work perfectly.
Use heat protective products: There are many heat protective products on the market that you can use to protect your carpet. Choose a product that is designed for carpets and follow the instructions carefully.

How Can Dalton Flooring Help?

Dalton Flooring has been doing business as a carpet and flooring store in Southgate for 40 years. We also have a new location in Rochester Hills, MI. We offer carpet consultations as well as installation from our variety of carpet selections. Whether you visit our store or choose to have samples brought to your home for a Free In-Home Estimate, we have a range of flooring designs and products to help you achieve your desired goals.

Accidents or not, it is best to know how to deal with carpet burns. These tips will help you along the way to get your carpets back to new in no time!