How to Remove Iron Burns from Carpet

The carpet in our homes takes more wear and tear than any other part, so it’s worth the effort to fix problem areas. When irons fall onto the carpet, there are three different levels of burn marks that remain. Sometimes, the iron sits for only a second and the very tops of the fibers are damaged. This is considered a less-severe burn and can be trimmed away. Other times, the iron lands in such a way that a more significant length of the fibers are burnt and requires replacement of that piece of carpet. The least severe is when the fibers are not burnt at all, there are just some scorch marks that can be cleaned away. Follow the instructions below to get the best results possible.

What You Will Need

• Scissors
• Sandpaper
• Hand held vacuum
• Wide-toothed comb

How to Trim Away the Burnt Fibers

1. Begin by sanding away scorch marks with the sandpaper.
2. Vacuum any debris away.
3. Remove remaining black fibers by cutting them out with scissors.
4. Comb the area with a wide-toothed comb to restore the fibers and blend the area in with the other carpet.
5. If a scorch mark remains, follow the direction below for removing scorch marks.
6. If you find that more of the carpet was burned, than what you originally thought and/or the removal of the burnt fibers creates a noticeable spot, proceed onto the steps below to replace the section.

What You Will Need

• Matching carpet scrap (large enough to cover the burn area)
• Scissors
• Utility knife
• Carpet adhesive or double sided carpet tape
• Hand held vacuum
• Paper
• Heavy Book
• Wide-toothed comb

How to Remove and Replace the Burnt Section

1. Begin by vacuuming any debris away so you can start with a clean work area.
2. Use a utility knife to carefully cut out the section of carpet that has been burned. Cut deep enough to cut through the carpet backing, but try to avoid cutting the padding underneath.
3. Next, lay the removed piece on top of the scrap piece. Match up any patterns and make sure that the pile is going in the same direction. This will help the new piece to blend in with the remaining carpet.
4. Cut around the removed piece, using it as a pattern, to create two pieces that are the same size and shape.
5. Next vacuum the section where the carpet was removed to clean out any carpet fibers, etc. that may have collected in the area.
6. Place the scrap piece into the hole and trim to make any adjustments. Try to get it to fit as close as possible to the original hole.
7. When the piece is cut to the correct size, you are ready to install it. Apply a double-sided tape or carpet adhesive to the padding in the open spot.
8. Place the new piece onto the adhesive and ensure that patterns and pile direction are lined up. Press firmly in place.
9. Cover with a heavy book to keep the piece in place while the adhesive dries. (Skip to step 11 if using the double-sided tape.)
10. Let the dry for several hours before removing the book and/or walking over the area.
11. Remove book and gently comb carpet with wide-toothed comb to blend the new piece in with the existing carpeting.

What You Will Need

• Cleaning solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts water (safe on natural and synthetic fibers)
• Soft cloths or sponges
• Water

How to Remove Scorch Mark Stains

1. If a scorch mark remains, soak a cloth with the cleaning solution and blot the stain working from the outside towards the middle.
2. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.
3. Spray with clean water to rinse.
4. Blot with a clean, dry cloth and allow the area to dry completely.

• For smaller burns, such as cigarette burns, see our article How to Remove Cigarette Burns from Carpet.
• If you are unsure of this procedure, or uncomfortable in performing the necessary steps, you should not hesitate to contact a carpet professional who will perform the repairs for you.

Related:

• How to Fix Bleached Carpet
• How to Remove Burn Marks from Countertops
• How to Remove Burn Marks from Plastic
• How to Remove Cigarette Burns from Carpet
• How to Remove Shiny Iron Spots from Polyester
• How to Remove Taffy from Carpet