How To Get Rid Of Carpet Burn

Linda has experience with many home improvement projects. She likes to share her organization, storage and house-cleaning tips.

how-to-get-burn-marks-out-of-carpet — lindacee

Carpet burn accidents happen in an instant. All it takes is a wayward fireplace ember or a dropped curling iron to leave an unsightly mark on your carpet. Before shelling out big bucks on a new carpet or professional restoration, consider doing the repairs yourself using items you already have around the house.

A mild scorched rug can be lightly buffed to use a very fine grit sandpaper.

Hometalk

How to Fix Surface Scorches:

Get surface scorch marks out of the carpet by gently buffing the affected area with 220-grit sandpaper. If you don't have sandpaper, carefully trim the tips of the scorched carpet with manicure scissors. Vacuum the residue and remove remaining stains with a solution of mild detergent and water.

Clean from the outer edge to the center of the burn to prevent discoloration to surrounding carpet fibers. Spray with water to rinse. Remove excess moisture by blotting with a clean towel. Also, make sure to avoid walking on the repair until the area is completely dry.

Easy to clip a small amount of burned carpet fibers. Replace a few extra fibers and use glue to repair the spot.

Carpet Repairs and Restretching

How to Fix Minor Carpet Burns:

Cutaway charred carpet fibers by snipping or pulling replacement fibers from a closet corner or along the edge of a baseboard. Apply super glue or contact cement to the base of the burned spot. Squeeze the replacement fibers together and press them firmly into the opening. Weight the repair with a heavy pot or book. Allow the glue to dry completely, remove the weight, and trim the fibers flush with the rest of the carpet.

Use a replacement piece and cut out the burn. Remove and insert in the carpet area.

Top Dog Carpet Cleaning

How to Fix Large Carpet Burns:

Large burns may require replacing a section of carpet. Cut around the damaged spot with a sharp utility knife without cutting into the carpet pad. Use that piece as a template for the replacement. Cut the new piece from an inconspicuous area of the house or a carpet remnant.

Make the replacement piece slightly larger than the original to ensure a snug fit. Vacuum the repair spot and apply double-sided tape in the bottom of the opening. Position the replacement piece over the area and carefully press it into place. Blend new and old fibers together with your fingers. Set the seams with a rolling pin and trim any stray fibers.

5 Carpet Repair Tips

Do not sand or trim the ends of looped pile carpets. Sanding or cutting the loops will further damage the carpet, resulting in more problems than the burn itself.
Create an alternative cleaning solution for carpet burns using 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 10 parts water. Hydrogen peroxide works as a natural bleaching agent to gently remove stains from textiles.
Use a utility knife and cut around the edges. Stop before you cut into the carpet padding. Lift the ruined piece of carpet out. Make sure the new piece of carpet fits in the area. Use a glue or double-sided tape. Apply the new piece of carpet in the spot and allow it to dry for several hours. Don't walk on it until it dries.
Follow the tips for most of these answers to get burn marks out of carpet. As with a burn on your carpet, the sooner you repair the better chance you will removing it.
In the case of extensive damage or botched DIY repair, contact a licensed flooring contractor or certified carpet restoration service to assess the damage and recommend next steps.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Start a conversation!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on March 24, 2020:

Liz, if there are small bits of carpet embers these tips are simple to repair tiny scorched spots. Glad you were able to replace the lounge carpet!

Liz Westwood from UK on March 24, 2020: