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How to Remove Carpet Dents
Caused by Furniture
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According to Martha Stewart’s Living Magazine, carpet dents
caused by furniture will occur in every type of carpet. Even
wool carpets, whose fibers are stronger than synthetic
fibers, will develop carpet dents under the continued
pressure of heavy furniture.
To remove carpet dents from furniture you can use a cold or
hot method, both of which are cheap and easy. If your carpet
is made of synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, olefin,
triexta), the cold method is recommended. For carpets made
of natural fibers (wool, sisal), the hot (steam) method is
better.
You don’t need to rent special machinery to remove carpet
dents. Just follow the instructions below. And to avoid
carpet dents from furniture in future, be sure to check out
the cheap preventive steps at the end of this article.
The Cold Method for Removing Carpet Dents
To remove carpet dents from furniture in a synthetic carpet,
use the cold method which gradually trickles water into the
dented fibers to prepare them for straightening. Here are
the steps to removing carpet dents with the cold method.
Step 1. Place 1 or 2 ice cubes inside your
carpet dents and leave them to melt slowly.
Step 2. As the cubes melt, the dented carpet fibers
will absorb the moisture and swell. When the ice cubes are
gone, dab the carpet dent dry with white paper towels or a
white cloth.
Step 3. Vacuum the area to pull the fibers
up and remove the carpet dents from sight.
The Hot Method for Removing Carpet Dents
To remove carpet dents from furniture in natural carpets,
it’s important to restrict the amount of water absorbed by
the fibers. Failure to do so may cause mold to grow in the
carpet. Here are the steps to removing carpet dents with the
steam method, which limits the amount of water released.
Step 1. Wet a white handkerchief, kitchen
towel or rag, then squeeze out as much water as you can. You
want the cloth to be damp not wet.
Step 2. Lay the damp white cloth over the
carpet dents you wish to remove. If you have several,
concentrate on one area at a time.
Step 3. Set an iron to the steam setting
(medium to high) and gently glide it over the damp cloth for
30 seconds. (It’s a good idea to wear gloves and long
sleeves to protect you from the rising steam.)
Step 4. Remove the damp cloth and iron and
let the carpet cool.
Step 5. Once the fibers are cooled, remove
the carpet dents by scratching the fibers like a cat.
How to Prevent Carpet Dents
As with all things in life, the best way to remove carpet
dents is to prevent them in the first place. You’ve probably
heard of furniture coasters, those discs that you slip
beneath each leg of furniture. Luckily, there are several
ways to find decorative coasters that will not be an
eyesore.
Furniture Dealers. If you’re buying new
furniture, ask the store or furniture dealer if they have
decorative or small coasters that will prevent carpet dents.
Flea Markets. You can find antique, glass
or wrought-iron furniture coasters in flea markets or garage
sales. Typically, such items were not even invented as
furniture coasters but rather as decorative tiles or
drinking coasters. Such decorative flat squares will prevent
carpet dents beautifully.
Home Improvement Stores. If you’re looking for an affordable
solution, you’ll find sturdy, simple furniture coasts at
home centers.
Questions? Comments?
Drop me a line.
References:
1. Martha Stewart’s Living Magazine: Ask Martha, Dimple
Control. May 2007, #162, pp. 43-44.
2. Do It Yourself:
Natural vs. Synthetic Carpet
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