DIY: Fix an Iron Burn
Did you know that one of our most common repair requests is for carpet burned by a hot iron? Now, half of you are thinking ?how could someone burn their carpet with an iron?!? and the other half is thinking ?that?s me??, either way, it?s good to have a little knowledge of how to fix the problem if it ever happens (or happens again!).
Firstly, determine the level of burn. There are three different levels:
- Level 1: If your reactions are superhuman you might get lucky and only end up with scorch mark stains on the very top layer of carpet that can simply be cleaned away.
- Level 2: If you just didn?t get there fast enough, you might end up with a noticeable burn on the top layer of the carpet that can be trimmed and cleaned.
- Level 3: If you were falling asleep while ironing, which is highly un-advisable, you might end up with a deep burn that will require a replacement piece.
So let?s go through the process of fixing up one level at a time:
Level 1
What you?ll need: Solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water, soft sponges or cloths, water.
How to: To remove a scorch mark, soak a cloth in the cleaning solution and blot the stain working from the outside towards the middle. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed and spray with clean water to rinse. Blot with a clean dry cloth and let the area dry completely.
Level 2
What you?ll need: Scissors, sandpaper, vacuum and a wide-toothed comb.
How to: Start by using the sandpaper to gently rub away the scorch marks and vacuum any debris away. Remove the darker burned fibres by trimming them with scissors; try not to trim the fibres too short or it will make it harder to blend the spot in. Comb the area with the wide-toothed comb to help blend the repaired patch in, and presto! You?ve done it!
If you find that this solution doesn?t cut it, you may need to replace the section.
Level 3
What you?ll need: Matching carpet scrap (check your closets or take from an inconspicuous place), scissors, utility knife, carpet adhesive, vacuum, paper, heavy weight, wide-toothed comb
How to: Firstly vacuum the area to ensure a clean workspace. With your utility knife, cut a basic rectangle around the section of carpet you need to take out. By keeping an easy to replicate shape, you?ll get a much better result when you put your new piece in. Try your best not to cut through the underlay.
Lay the removed piece on top of the scrap piece and make sure the piles are going in the same direction. Trace the outline of the old piece with your utility knife (do this on a hard surface such as cement or pavement to avoid scratches) onto the new piece. Now you have two identical sized pieces.
Vacuum the area again to ensure that no fibres or dust can interfere. Put the scrap piece into the hole and make any adjustments. Once it?s the perfect size, apply your carpet glue or adhesive to the underlay on the open spot and place your new piece in. Press firmly in place and use your heavy weight to keep the piece in place while the glue is drying. Wait several hours before taking the weight off and use a wide-toothed comb to blend the new piece in.
Of course, if it all seems like too much, we can help ?.
Happy flooring.
Sara
(DIY process adapted from http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-large-burns-from-carpet/)
