The first thing that should be done before you begin your repair is to identify what type of damage you have. This will give you a better idea of what the repair process might look like for you! Once you have identified your damage, check out the repair meter and you’ll be able to get an idea of the input that is needed to repair the damage. Then, if you’re going to tackle it yourself you can look at our step-by-step instructions on how to DIY it. As well as this, we have included images of the common carpet damages so you can check and compare your carpet damage. At the end of this guidebook, we have also included some tips you can try to prevent these damages from happening again in the future.

1. Scratches or Scuffs

Cause: One of the many reasons your carpet can get scratches is because of a child playing with a sharp object or your pet scratching their claws. Moving furniture could also scuff and dent your carpet.

Possible DIY Repair Methods: 4

Average Repair Time: 15 minutes - 1 day

Skill Level Required:  DIY Beginner

To keep your pet from scratching your carpet, you can spray feline pheromones on the carpet. According to The Spruce Pets, cat behaviorists have found that the "friendly pheromones" in these products can fool cats into believing the area has already been "marked" by another cat, often discouraging scratching behavior. You can also buy them scratching posts or scratching pads. Don’t forget to also check your pet as frequent scratching could be their way of getting your attention or their stress levels are high.

Moving furniture around the carpeted area could also scuff it, especially if the furniture is extremely heavy. Avoid sliding furniture in the carpeted areas. If scuffs appear, you can use some of the basic methods below to get the carpet fibers standing again.

How to remove scuffs:

DIY Carpet Repair Kit: This is the most effective way to repair carpet scratches. You can easily cover up any scratch or scuffs using the fabric glue and repair fibers included in the kit. You can even match your carpet's color since you have 9 colors to mix! You can skip to the repair instructions using this kit.

Ice cubes: This is to wet the carpet fibers slowly, allowing them to soak up the moisture as the cubes melt. Then, use a wide-toothed plastic comb or with the edge of a plastic gift card to comb the area after letting it sit overnight.

Vacuum: Some carpet fibers get back up to their original positions by just vacuuming the scuffed or indented area.

Steam: There are carpet fibers that are stubborn and the two previous methods might not work. Use a steam, damp lint-free, white cotton cloth and place it over the scuffed area. Then, iron the cloth with a clothes iron. Leave the cloth for hours and wait for it to dry.

Do not let furniture pieces stay on one carpeted area for long periods as it will also cause indentations to your carpet. Move them around after 1 to 2 months so you don’t get stubborn carpet indentations.

2. Stains or Discoloration

Cause: Though stains and discoloration can look the same on the surface, the cause of the damages can be from a number of different factors. They are mostly caused by food, drinks, ink, and dirt. Discoloration, on the other hand, can be caused by too much sunlight exposure, no sunlight at all, fertilizer spills, ice-melting chemicals, dust, or smoke.

Possible DIY Repair Methods: 9

Average Repair Time: 30 minutes - 3 hours

Skill Level Required:  DIY Beginner

Stains can be prevented by daily vacuuming, not wearing shoes in the carpeted areas, avoiding bringing or leaving food and beverages on the carpet, or leaving your child playing with coloring materials unattended.For most stains, you may try the following methods to get rid of the carpet stains that you might encounter in the future.

3. Minor Burns or Holes

Cause: This type of damage is usually caused by sources of heat or fire like cigarettes, iron, candles, or a pair of hot hair straighteners. The only source of prevention for these kinds of damages is to be very careful when around the carpet and ensure that hot items do not come in contact with any of the carpet.

Possible DIY Repair Methods: 2

Average Repair Time: 30 minutes - 5 hours

Skill Level Required:  DIY Beginner

You may try the method below if you accidentally dropped your hot iron on the carpet:

DIY Carpet Repair Kit: If you would like to get the best results possible in the easiest and most practical way, then grab your Coconix carpet repair kit. You can mix the repair fibers included in the kit and match your carpet color! This will give you a blended look, making the repaired spot less noticeable. You can also be confident throughout the repair process since our Coconix Support Team is always ready to help you!

Superglue: Cut some excess fibers from an inconspicuous area of the carpet. After trimming the burn marks, apply a thin layer of the superglue and carefully place the excess fibers over the damaged area.

4. Burns or Holes with Depression

Cause: This type of damage is usually caused by sources of heat or fire like cigarettes, iron, candles, or a pair of hot hair straighteners. The only source of prevention for these kinds of damages is to be very careful when around the carpet and ensure that hot items do not come in contact with any of the carpet.

Possible DIY Repair Methods: 3

Average Repair Time: 1 hour - 8 hours

Skill Level Required: DIY Intermediate - DIY Pro

Below are some repair methods you can try at home:

DIY Carpet Repair Kit: This is an innovation that you must definitely try! Saving your carpet from eyesore damages is now easy using this kit. You also get to have personalized advice and support throughout the repair process since our Coconix Support Team is always ready to help you! Want to give it a go? Then skip to the repair instructions using this kit!

Carpet Patch: This method is done by carefully cutting out the damaged area and replacing it with a patch of donor carpet of the same size.

Superglue: The same method used for minor damages can also be used for major damages that have depression in the fabric. Find and cut some excess fibers from an inconspicuous area of the carpet. Trim all of the remnants of the burn marks. Then apply a thin layer of superglue and carefully place the excess fibers that you cut from an inconspicuous area over the damaged area. If the excess fibers you found are too little for the depression, or the gap lost from the burn is large, fill the damaged area first with cotton or foam padding. Attach it with super glue and apply a thin layer over it. Spread the excess fibers evenly over the filling.

5. Cuts, Rips, and Tears

Cause: Everyday wear and tear, pets, or children with toys, are common causes of carpet rips and cuts. And because these are mostly unavoidable, you can only prepare yourself for these kinds of damages.

Possible DIY Repair Methods: 3

Average Repair Time: 1 hour - 1 day

Skill Level Required: DIY Intermediate - DIY Pro

Below are some pre-DIY repair kit methods you can keep in mind:

DIY Carpet Repair Kit: From minor cuts to severe rips, you can definitely use this DIY repair kit. It can help you make the damaged area less of an eyesore while saving lots of bucks! You also get to have personalized advice and support throughout the repair process since our Coconix Support Team is available 24/7! Grab your kit now so you can skip to the repair instructions using this kit!

Heat-Activated Tape: Cut a piece of heat-activated tape 1-2 inches longer than the tear. Slide it under the tear and iron over the tape with a steam iron, pushing the carpet into the heated tape.

Latex Seam Adhesive: Fold back the torn carpet as much as the tear allows and run a line of latex seam adhesive along the bottom edge of the tear. Put the carpet back down and push it into place. For gaps with missing fibers, apply a thin layer of superglue and spread some excess fibers over the gap. These methods are easily applicable if these tools and materials are available at your home. Getting your own DIY fabric repair kit would still be the easiest, most inexpensive fix available now in the market. Now that you have familiarized yourself with the most common carpet damages and have probably compared our sample images to your repair project, we will help you gauge the level of carpet damage.

Most of the time, carpets are replaced when they don’t really need to be. Usually, carpet replacement projects are done because people want a change in their home, not out of necessity. There are also times that they encounter minor damages (but real eyesore ones) and totally ruin the look of the carpeted area.

PROS

1. Less expensive

Compared to professional repairs, DIY carpet repair will save you hundreds of bucks. We have collected all cost repair data from floor repair companies and compared them. The average floor repair does not go under $100 and usually amounts to around $200.

How much does it cost to have your carpet repaired by a professional?

Average Cost = $240

Average Range = $60 - $300 per area or room

Minimum Cost = $60

Maximum Cost = $300 or more depending on the area

Note that the actual cost of carpet repair may vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the damaged area, the type of carpet, the location, and the severity of the damage. Additionally, these costs are estimates and may not reflect the actual costs charged by a professional.

DIY repair, on the other hand, would only cost you from under $20 to a maximum amount of $50! If you’re on a tight budget or just want to avoid spending too much on a minor carpet repair, then definitely, DIY is the way to go.

2. Convenience

If you get your own DIY carpet repair kit, it would be very handy once you encounter the same (or worse, knock on wood!) damage on your carpet. Not only you’re saving money, but you’re also saving the hassle from calling, booking, and waiting for your flooring company to come and fix your carpet for you.

3. Experience 

Every time you do a DIY repair, you gain experience and knowledge on DIY. The more DIY repairs you do, the more you gain ‘DIY points’ in the DIY community. It’s good to also engage in the DIY repair community online as you will learn a lot of home repair tips and best methods for specific DIY repairs. You can also reach out to us for help if you have any questions. Reach us here!

CONS

1. Time-consuming

This is especially true for DIY repair beginners. But keep in mind that for DIY repairs, the more time and effort you allow, the better results you get. DIY repairs can be really time-consuming as the damage type becomes more severe. We recommend allowing the entire weekend or a day or two to focus on your repair project so that you don’t rush and mess the repair.

2. Level of Difficulty

If you’re the type of person that doesn’t want to get involved in detailed repairs, then a DIY carpet repair may not be the best option for you. Since most of the DIY-repairable damages are cosmetic, these repairs will require a lot of attention to detail. The more intricate you become, the better results you will get.

3. Risk of further damage and consequently higher costs

Let’s not shrug off the thought that DIY repairs may actually worsen your carpet damage and in turn, may cost you a lot more than you’ve expected. DIY carpet repairs are not magic. There are step-by-step processes you must follow and thorough repair research will also be helpful in getting the best results possible. If you dive into your repair project without thinking about the consequences, you may be diving into your carpet’s doom. We always recommend to DIY beginners that they have to set their expectations based on reality and the severity of the damage. The more severe, the fewer expectations you should have. After all, it’s your first time. And there are times when the repair doesn’t go as planned. When this happens, don’t forget that you have the DIY community and the Coconix Support team available and here to help you. Making your own improvisations and repair methods without seeking online DIY help may worsen the damage. When in doubt, get in touch with us! You can email us 24/7, send pictures of your repair at support@coconix.com, and we’ll be happy to provide personalized advice.

We have laid out in the next sections the step-by-step instructions for repairing the common carpet damages we listed previously. Feel free to skip to the specific repair project that you will be doing.

The process for these types of repairs is similar to the process for repairing minor scratches and scuffs. This time, you only need to apply a very small amount of repair fibers onto the damaged area.

DIY CARPET REPAIR METER:

Worn or discolored carpet can be repaired through DIY carpet repair according to the DIY repair meter below.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• DIY Fabric Repair Kit:
  1. Repair fibers
  2. Fabric glue
  3. Tweezers
  4. Mesh
  5. Backing fabric
  6. Mixing jar
  7. Mixing ball
• Other Tools:
  1. Rubberband
  2. Clear hairspray

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Trim off loose threads.

Prepare the damaged area by trimming off loose threads or jagged bits and cleaning it with a household cleaner.

2. Mix, shake, and match the repair fibers.

Fill the color fibers into the empty jar. Add the metal ball into the mixing jar, screw the lid on, and shake the jar for at least 30 seconds. Remove the metal ball and secure the mesh to the jar with the rubber band to create a sifter.

3. Apply glue to the damaged area.

Apply a very thin layer of glue to the damaged area. Fill the damaged area as evenly as possible.

4. Sift the repair fibers.

Hold the mixing jar above the adhesive upside down and gently tap the mixing jar. This will sift the fibers on the adhesive. Cover the fabric glue completely with fiber. Gently pack down the fibers with the spatula. Duplicate any fabric patterns such as lines or swirls with the spatula.

5. Allow 24 hours of dry time.

Allow 24 hours to dry. Once the fabric glue is fully dry, blow off excess fibers. If the repaired area gets hard wear, you can protect it by spraying a clear hairspray over the area.

If you encounter challenges on your repair, you can contact us and send a photo of the damage. We would be more than happy to assist and give you personalized repair advice!

This type of carpet burn is usually caused by an accident that was not immediately attended to or by an extreme source of heat. Carefully follow the steps below to fix this kind of carpet damage.

DIY CARPET REPAIR METER:

Carpet burns or holes with depression will require professional advice as you go along your DIY repair process. Contact our Coconix Support Team for personalized advice and you'll have nothing to worry about.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• DIY Fabric Repair Kit:
  1. Repair fibers
  2. Fabric glue
  3. Tweezers
  4. Mesh
  5. Backing fabric
  6. Mixing jar
  7. Mixing ball
• Other Tools:
  1. Household cleaner
  2. Scissors
  3. Cotton balls or cotton batting
  4. Rubberband
  5. Clear hairspray

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Trim any burn marks and insert fillers if necessary.

Prepare the damaged area by trimming any jagged bits or burn marks with the scissors and clean the damaged area with a household cleaner. If padding is missing and the area under the damage is depressed, insert cotton balls or cotton batting and spread evenly.

2. Insert the backing fabric.

Cut out a piece of backing fabric with rounded edges, larger than the damaged area. Insert the backing fabric with the help of the spatula.

3. Mix, shake and match the repair fibers.

Fill the color fibers into the empty jar. Use the main colors or mix and match the right color for your project with the help of the color matching guide included in the kit. Add the metal ball into the mixing jar, screw the lid on, and shake the jar for at least 30 seconds. Remove the metal ball and secure the mesh to the jar with the rubber band to create a sifter.

4. Apply the fabric glue.

Apply the glue to the damaged area, under, and along the edges. Fill the damaged area as evenly as possible. Also, apply a thin layer of glue around the damage to blend in the repair.

5. Sift the repair fibers.

Hold the mixing jar upside down and gently tap. Cover the fabric glue completely. Gently pack down the fibers with the spatula.

6. Allow the repair fibers to dry.

Allow 24 hours to dry. Blow off excess fibers. If the repaired area gets hard wear, you can protect it by spraying a clear hairspray.

We have listed a few DIY carpet repair results that our Coconix repair users got. These before and after photos will hopefully help you gain confidence in your own DIY carpet repair project.

1. "It does the job quickly, and saves money."

by Too light...Too Heavy on September 3, 2020

“These are the before and afters. In this pic, the after is still wet, but it looks great dry. Sorry, I didn’t take another pic. It saved us around $1000, not having to install new carpet after this tenant vacated. This will be my go to from now on. Great product.”

2. “Worked great!”

by D. Neu on June 23, 2020 

“Horrible red gatorade stain - then “Lightly bleached”. Oops. Maria @ Coconix gave helpful advice for coloring & its so much better. I can use room without stain being so obnoxiously noticeable.”

3. “Take advantage of their help to insure good success.”

by Steppen Wolf on December 17, 2020

“The company contacted me by email shortly after ordering offering to give advice on how to use their product. I sent a picture and they made recommendations on the mixture of colors to match my carpet and simple instructions. The recommended mix gave me a starting place and came out pretty good after few adjustments. Do be sure to apply a thin layer of glue, I suspect the reviews that complained about darkening May be due to too much glue. Also, the instructions say to pat down the fibers but really just barely smooth over the surface where you applied the fibers, a little too much pressure can bring the glue to the surface. The company was very helpful, contact them..Attached are before and after pictures of about 10” damaged caused by dog who didn’t want to be in a room with the door closed. The channeled damage needs a little more filling or product which is on its way.”

We hope that this ultimate tutorial on DIY carpet repair helped you in deciding, preparing, starting, and finishing successfully your carpet repair project! As we always remind you, we are here to help if you have any questions and concerns. If you think you need assistance in completing your repair, we’d be more than happy to help you! Email us at support@coconix.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Carpet repairs can be a bit challenging but with enough research and reading of tutorials like this, and with the right DIY carpet repair kit, you’ll surely get the best results you desire!