How to Repair Missing Carpet Fibers

Damage on carpet

Repairing small problems can be as simple as gluing fibers over a tiny spot or cutting out a small piece of replacement carpet and gluing it to the damaged area. The best way to begin repair is by examining the carpet closely to see how big the damaged area extends.

1. Vacuum the carpet's damaged spot to remove debris and expose the true extent of the damage. If the spot is smaller than the size of a quarter, you may be able to remove undamaged fibers from a less visible area of the carpet (such as inside a closet) and carefully re-glue the fibers onto the spot using carpet glue. You can also hand-sew the fibers to a small piece of cloth that is the same color, then glue the fabric to the hole. This will make the patch more secure. Allow the glue to dry at least 8 hours before vacuuming.

2. Repair a larger area of damage by placing a small jar lid over the damaged area. The round jar lid should be at least one inch larger than the damaged spot.

3. Cut around the jar lid with a sharp utility knife, but be careful to only cut through the carpet, not the pad underneath.

4. Place the same jar lid over a piece of the same carpet that is hidden from view (such as inside the corner of a closet); cut around the lid. Take the undamaged carpet to the repair area and fit it into the hole. Because the patch is round, you can turn the patch until the nap (the direction of the fibers) of the carpet matches.

5. Apply carpet glue to the back of the patch and top of the carpet pad. Press the patch into place and place a heavy object over the patch (such as a clean piece of paper and a brick). Allow the glue to dry for 8 hours. Fluff up the carpet fibers by lightly moistening the fibers with a cloth; the patch should be invisible.

Tip

Carpet repair kits are sold at most large home stores; they include a cutter and adhesive disk to make repairs inexpensive and easy.