COIT’s Guide to Removing Burn Marks from Carpet

As we’re rushing about our busy days, frantically trying to get everything done, accidents tend to happen, right? As we reach for the ringing cell phone or run to do another load of laundry, we may accidentally knock a hot iron or a hot hair straightener off the ironing board or countertop and straight onto the carpet – yikes!

Burnt carpet areas can detract from a room's appeal, yet they don’t always require full replacement. Small burns, like cigarette marks, can often be mended by trimming damaged fibers and blending in new ones from hidden areas, like under furniture.

Well, have no fear, fellow hot appliance users! COIT offers you a step-by-step guide to removing burn marks from carpet. With a few do-it-yourself techniques, your carpet will withstand the heat!

How to Fix a Carpet Burn Mark – Method # 1

Using scissors, carefully cut the burnt part of the carpet out.
Snip away some carpet fibers near a wall or inside a closet (where it won’t be noticeable).
Glue the fibers onto the carpet to conceal the burn spot.

How to Get Burn Marks Out of Carpet - Method # 2

Using a small pair of scissors, cut out the burned part of the carpet.
Using a mild detergent, clean the affected area using a sponge and rinse.
Using a piece of scrap carpet cut out an area of the carpet that is larger than the burn spot. To help the new carpet blend in, be sure the color matches and the fibers run in the same direction.
Place the new piece of carpet over the burned area.
Using a utility knife, cut around the edges. You’ll also want to cut through the carpet below it. When you’re cutting through, stop before you get to the carpet padding.
Lift the burnt piece of carpet out. Check to make sure the new piece of carpet fits. If it’s slightly off, trim until it matches the affected area.
Using glue or double-sided tape, apply the new piece of carpet to the affected area and let it dry for several hours. Avoid walking on this patch of carpet until it’s dry.

Specific Burn Types: Small Burns vs. Large Burns

Small Burns

For minor burns, like cigarette or candle marks, carefully snip away burnt fibers using small scissors. Lightly sand the remaining area to blend it with surrounding fibers, and consider applying a small amount of baking soda to reduce discoloration. This method minimizes damage, focusing on simple steps to restore appearance.

Large Burns

For larger burns, patching may be necessary. Use scissors to remove the burnt area, then cut a matching piece from a hidden section of the carpet. Apply carpet adhesive to secure the new fibers, creating a seamless patch. This approach is ideal for burns too extensive to fix by trimming alone.

How to Fix Cigarette Burns in Carpet

Using sandpaper, gently sand away the burn marks that appear on your carpet.
Using a handheld vacuum, get rid of any residue.
If you see any black carpet fibers, use scissors to cut these fibers out.
You may see visible scorch marks that remain. If so, use a solution that contains 1 part hydrogen peroxide, 10 parts water to remove them.
Soak a cloth in this solution and blot the area. Be sure to start on the outside and move into the middle.
Rinse the area of the carpet with water and blot dry.
Let it dry completely.

Using the above-mentioned do-it-yourself solutions, you’ll find answers to the question of how to get burn marks out of carpet. As with any stain on carpet, the sooner you act, the better chance you have of removing it.
For more advanced, professional carpet cleaning that requires advanced equipment and cleaning solutions, give COIT carpet cleaning a call and learn more about our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Don't forget to check out our coupons!

DIY vs. Professional Help

DIY Solutions

For minor burns, DIY methods work well and save money. Techniques like trimming burnt fibers, blending, or creating a small patch often restore the carpet effectively. These methods are best for smaller burns that do not penetrate deep into the carpet.

Professional Services

If the burn is extensive or involves multiple patches, professional carpet repair offers a cleaner, more durable result. Professionals can color-match and install larger patches without visible seams, ensuring a lasting solution. For severe burns, we recommend hiring a professional to maintain your carpet’s quality and appearance.

Remember to always do a spot removal test on a portion of carpet or upholstery that is normally not visible. These are suggested treatments only and COIT can't be held accountable for any damage sustained by the use of the treatments in this spot removal guide.

How to Remove Burns from Upholstery

COIT’s Guide to Removing Burn Marks from Upholstery

If you’re like the majority of on-the-go people these days, chances are you spend quite a bit of time in your car, making it your mobile home away from home. When you’re cruising down the open road or spending hours running errands, the last thing you want to see in your car’s rear view mirrors is a big old burn mark in your upholstery.

When something hot like a cigarette accidentally touches your upholstery, don’t panic. With a few do-it-yourself steps, you can remove the burn stain.

A Guide to Car Upholstery Repair

Check out COIT’s step-by-step guide to learn how to get burns out of upholstery.

How to Get Cigarette Burns Out of Car Upholstery

Take a bit of mayonnaise (yes, you read that correctly – mayonnaise) and gently rub it on top of the burn hole in the upholstery.
To let the mayonnaise soak into the upholstery, allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Using a bit of water and a cloth, wash off the mayonnaise. You should see that the mayonnaise helps detach the burn marks that come from the cigarette.
If you see any remaining burn marks, use a knife to scrape them away.
Using a small razor, remove a piece of fabric from underneath the seat that you can use to cover the burn mark. If the upholstery has a pattern, be sure to cut out a part of the fabric that matches the pattern.
Apply fabric glue to the piece and attach the fabric over the burn so the affected area is completely covered.

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Looking for an additional way to solve the problem of how to get cigarette burns out of car upholstery? To maintain your cloth upholstery, check out method number two below and say goodbye to burn marks.

Removing Burns from Cloth Car Upholstery – Method # 2

Using a razor blade, scrape the seats. This will start to remove some of the lint and fibers (keep these fibers handy).
Using super glue, place a small amount of it inside the burn mark.
Place the carpet fibers you collected in step 1 on top of the super glue.
Let the upholstery dry for a few minutes. Once dry, it should blend in relatively well with the rest of the seat.

If you’re looking for a few alternatives to reupholstering, try either of these above mentioned methods to see which works best for you. For more advanced upholstery care that involves a professional expertise and equipment, speak to a representative at COIT upholstery cleaning today and don't forget to checkout our coupons!