How to get burns out of carpet

Accidents happen, unfortunately, and when they involve your carpet, it can be frustrating. Whether it's from a cigarette, an iron, or hair straighteners, dealing with burns on your carpet requires immediate attention and the right techniques.

But don’t worry, as we've compiled a guide that’ll give you the best chances on getting burns out of carpet effectively. From simple DIY methods to professional solutions, read on to discover how you may be able to restore your carpet to its former glory.

Understanding different types of burns

Before diving into the removal process, it's essential to identify the type of fibres in your carpet. If you have a wool or wool-blend carpet, you’ll probably notice that it burns like hair, shrivelling up and leaving dark ashes. That’s because it’s a natural fibre. However, with nylon, polypropylene or polyester carpets, because they’re synthetic, they’re likely to just melt away then leave a hard residue. When this happens, there’s very little you can do apart from cut off the charred part.

However, if you act quickly and are lucky enough not to have too severe a burn, you may be able to get rid of most common types of burns like those from cigarettes, irons, hair tongs or straighteners. Each requires a slightly different approach for effective removal.

How to get cigarette burns out of a carpet

Start by snipping off any charred fibres with scissors. Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and dab the affected area, then gently rub with a clean cloth. Repeat until the burn mark fades.

How to get iron marks or burn out of a carpet

Place a clean cloth over the affected area and run a warm iron over it. The heat helps lift the melted fibres. For stubborn burns, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray the solution onto the burn, and blot with a clean cloth.

How get straightener burns out of a carpet

How to fix burnt carpet

For burns caused by hot objects like pots or pans, scrape off any melted fibres with a knife. Then, apply a mixture of dish soap and warm water to the area, blotting gently until the burn mark disappears. However, if none of the above works, then you could take professional advice and they’d probably recommend one of the following:

Carpet patching

For extensive burns or damage, consider patching the affected area. Cut out the burned section and replace it with a matching piece of carpet. Use carpet adhesive to secure the patch in place and blend the edges for a seamless finish.

Carpet rerolling

In cases where the burn has caused significant damage, professional carpet rerolling may be necessary. This involves cutting out the damaged section and reattaching a new piece of carpet, but you shouldn’t be able to see the join.

Steam cleaning

Steam cleaning is another effective method for removing stubborn burn marks and restoring the texture of melted carpet fibres. Rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional service to thoroughly clean and sanitise your carpet.

Prevention is better than cure

Ultimately, we’d advise buying a new carpet because there are so many things that can go wrong with replacing or patching pieces. And of course, there are a few things you can do to prevent burns happening in the first place:

Use heat resistant mats or storage: Place heat resistant mats or trivets under hot objects like irons, straighteners, or cooking utensils to prevent accidental burns. You can also buy heat-resistant hooks and containers so you can store your straighteners or tongs after using them.
Avoid smoking indoors: Minimise the risk of cigarette burns by enforcing a strict no-smoking policy indoors or designating a specific smoking area away from carpets and upholstery.
Act quickly: Address spills and accidents promptly to prevent stains and damage to your carpet. Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth and treat any burns as soon as they occur. You’ll find plenty more tips to keep your flooring looking great and removing stains here .

Dealing with burns on your carpet can be a daunting task, but if you need more help, pop into your local Tapi store or arrange a free home visit where our friendly experts will be able to offer you advice at a time that suits you.

Post author

Claire Murphy Copywriter Former lifestyle journalist, keen amateur upcycler, full of value for money ideas

Book a Store Appointment

Book a Home Visit