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In preparation for an evening of fun, food, and merriment with family and friends, you’ve planned and cooked and cleaned. You’ve even rearranged the furniture to improve the flow of foot traffic and facilitate conversation. But just when you thought you had made a virtual dent in your hosting to-do list, you spy a set of large actual dents in the carpet.
Known as divots, these dents often occur when heavy furniture compresses the delicate fibers of your carpet for an extended amount of time. They’re hardly noticeable, until you decide to rearrange the sofas or move the buffet to a different room. Fortunately, you and your carpet can decompress by trying any one of a few simple techniques that use common household materials to erase divots.
Methods for Removing Carpet Dents
If you’re wondering how to get dents out of rugs and carpet, it is possible to keep your carpet looking new with a few simple tricks. In fact, you probably already have the necessary tools. Some dents are tougher than others to remove, so give one or more of these methods a try before shelling out for carpet repair costs.
1. Ice Cubes
If you’re already on thin ice with your carpet, why not use ice cubes to melt away carpet dents? This method is relatively quick and requires very little in the way of supplies, so it may be the best place to start. Here’s how to get furniture dents out of carpet with ice cubes.
- Give dents the cold shoulder by placing a large ice cube (or multiple cubes, if you’re dealing with larger indentations) directly into the carpet divot.
- Let the ice melt for at least a few hours, and up to 12 for those deeper dents. The water will engorge the nap of the carpet, bringing it back to the height of the surrounding areas.
- Blot the excess water with a sponge.
- Last, use a coin or spoon to lift up those downtrodden carpet fibers.
2. Vacuum
When it comes to how to get divots out of carpet, sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective: vacuuming. Since you probably already vacuum regularly, this method requires very little extra effort.
- Using your fingers or a spoon, gently pull the carpet fibers in the dented area to loosen them.
- Run the vacuum back and forth over the spot as you would to clean the floor. Repeat as necessary until the fibers begin to lift upward
- If needed, use the vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment on the dented section of carpet. The hose’s powerful suction may be more effective at targeting stubborn dents.
3. Blow Dryer
Just as your blow dryer adds volume and body to your hair, it can do the same for your carpet, restoring its original bounce while eradicating the dents that left its fibers limp and lackluster. Here’s how to remove carpet dents using your blow dryer.
- Spritz the crushed area with enough water to saturate the carpet fibers.
- Then, use the handheld appliance to blow-dry the damp area.
- As the carpet dries, fluff up the fibers with your fingers.
4. Iron or Steamer
If you have deep indentations in your carpet, an iron with a steam setting can help you repair dents when other methods fail. The steam may relax the carpet fibers so they can be coaxed back to their original shape. It’s important to note that using an iron directly on synthetic carpet can cause the material to burn or melt, so you’ll want to use caution.
- Place a damp dish towel or cloth directly over the dent.
- Set an iron on medium heat or on the steam setting, and run it over the towel for about thirty seconds to a minute (without letting the iron touch the carpet directly). You could also use a clothing steamer for this step if you’re concerned about burns.
- Vacuum over the spot or fluff it up to make the fibers uniform and high.
How to Prevent Dents in Your Carpet
It may not be possible to prevent carpet indentations completely, but a few simple tricks can ensure that dents are not permanent or severe. Kristopher Ayoub is the general manager of Ayoub N&H, a carpet cleaning and repair company based in Kensington, MD. He recommends using furniture leg floor protectors. “Many times these are meant to protect hardwood floors from dents and scratches, but wider ones can help spread the weight of each leg so it isn’t so concentrated on a single point,” he explains.
You can also reduce the severity of floor dents by frequently vacuuming underneath heavy furniture. Additionally, shifting the furniture by several inches about once a month will prevent severe dents from developing over time. Furniture slides can help you easily maneuver heavy pieces without damaging the carpet.
When to Call a Professional
In many cases, you can reduce the appearance of floor dents with very little time, money, or effort. However, sometimes damage is severe enough that hiring a carpet installation company for repair or replacement is the best option. “If you’ve tried steaming the spot and brushing up the fibers, give it a few days to see if there’s any improvement,” Ayoub suggests. “If there is no improvement, it might be time for professional repair, such as patching of the area.”
Carpet doesn’t last forever, so it may be worth evaluating whether it’s time to look into replacement. If in addition to dents the carpet is looking threadbare in places, has stains, or even has a noticeable odor, it’s likely reaching the end of its lifespan. “Certain carpet fibers, such as those made from wool, are very resilient, whereas others such as polyester, may be permanently damaged if it’s been a long time,” Ayoub adds. If it is time for new flooring, you may learn how to install carpet yourself, or lean on a qualified professional near you. A professional can even help you decide on the best colors and materials, or whether to choose carpet vs. hardwood for your new flooring.
