Carpet Damage and Repairs
The possibility of carpet damage can take include different aspects. Wear and tear, burns, stains, water damage can all lesson the appearance of your carpet. There are also ways to repair or minimise the damage to help with the appearance.
Irons and cigarette burns
This burn or melt damage is often unable to be repaired. Patching the carpet is the only remedy. But there would need also to be a piece of the carpet available, often from a cupboard or off cut for instance. A local carpet layer may be able to help you here. Man-made fibers such as Nylon and Polypropylene are particularly susceptible to damage due to a very low melting temperature. It is not advisable to use an iron to attempt to remove wax from man-made fibers. It is just too easy to melt the fiber.
Carpet Damage and Dye Stains
This dye stain was caused by a small red rug left next to the bed. A glass of water had spilled and the dye stain ‘ran’ out of the rug onto the carpet below. The customer did not realise at the time that this had occurred. These dye stains are especially difficult to remove as the carpet is effectively ‘re-dyed’. A very weak solution of bleach and a toothbrush and gently painting the fiber may improve the look. Leaving a week or two between applications is necessary to lighten the stain slowly.
Non-permanent stains
Another issue for customers are Make-up stains. For the most part these stains are able to be removed quite successfully. Whether it is Lipstick, Eye-Liner or Foundation, all these marks will normally be able to be removed reasonably easily. The carpet stain removal chart sets out the steps required. Being oil based, removing make-up with a solvent or methylated spirit will produce the best results.
Ultraviolet light and carpet damage
Finally the break down of carpet fiber and backing caused by ultraviolet light can cause serious problems.
This damage tends to be unseen until the carpet fiber starts to break down completely. Unable to be repaired without patching, it’s therefore a good idea to ensure there is minimal direct sunlight on your carpet and to have some form of window tinting and or shading if this is unavoidable. This form of damage can take a few years to occur. It is much better to start out minimising the possible damage. Man-made fibers are more susceptible to this form of damage.
