Don’t despair if you spot a small tear
When you’ve coughed up the cost to install a new carpet, it can be panic-inducing when you spot a tear on that plush pile. Fortunately, learning how to fix ripped carpets when the tears are small is something even the least handy homeowner can tackle. The trick is to get in there quickly because a little rip can quickly become a trip hazard that leads to injuries or more difficult-to-repair holes.
Assess the extent of the carpet damage before you decide if you can DIY. Fixing small tears is within reach of most homeowners, and that’s what this guide focuses on.
It’s also possible to repair bigger tears or holes. However, you need to learn how to patch a carpet, which involves adding a new piece of matching carpet to a hole or cutting out and replacing an extensive ripped section.
Whether your cat’s claws, heavy furniture legs, or high foot traffic caused your ripped carpet, an invisible mending technique using glue or carpet tape can quickly repair the damage when it’s not too extensive.
To avoid debris getting caught in any glue or adhesive, vacuum the carpet thoroughly around the torn area.
Get rid of any loose or fraying fibers first. Leaving these as they are looks unsightly and increases the chance of them snagging and causing more damage. It can also make it more difficult to stick the two sides of the tear together seamlessly.
Trim frayed edges or loose strands with sharp scissors so they’re flush with the pile—avoid pulling them as they can unravel more. Alternatively, you can glue long fibers down. A hot glue gun does an effective, targeted job, but simple superglue also works. Be careful not to glue any surrounding intact fibers as you work on this task.
To attach the glue or adhesive tape to the underside of both sides of the tear, gently pull back the carpet to access the underside. Using a utility knife to lift the seam edges carefully works well.
Using an invisible mending technique is a simple option for small carpet tears. Apply a thin layer of glue or carpet seam adhesive joining tape to both sides of the underside of the tear or on the subfloor or backing material below. Carefully align the two pieces and press them together firmly without overlapping.
Cover the repaired carpet tear with something heavy for a few hours (or until the glue dries) to form a strong bond between the glue or tape. A pile of big books will do the job.
All that pressure can leave your carpet fibers looking flat. Use a carpet rake or your fingers to blend the seams and revive your carpet pile around the tear.
Repairing minor tears in your carpet is an easy, inexpensive DIY task. You could make substantial savings by fixing a ripped carpet yourself, as the average professional carpet repair costs are $200.
However, when a tear is extensive or there is other carpet damage, it's often best to hire a professional carpet repair company near you. Patch-ups and replacements are more complex, and if you’re not confident in attempting them, you could do more damage.
When digging dog or cat claws have ripped your carpet, it's a more extensive repair job. Instead of a simple tear that you can seam together, it often involves removing and patching the damaged section with a matching piece of carpet. If your cat has gone to town and torn up multiple parts of the pile, this could be a sign it's time for a carpet replacement—and that you need to invest in a cat scratching post and some kitty enrichment toys.
Picking the right carpet for high-traffic areas in your home can reduce the likelihood of you having to fix rips. Low-pile carpets with shorter fibers are less likely to get caught in claws or vacuums. Densely woven, durable Berber carpets with short and thick loops are common for hallways and stairs.
