5 Tricks for Making Old Carpet Look New Again

Brighten Faded Carpet

Brighten faded carpet and rugs by rubbing them down with a rag that has been soaked in salt water, then wrung out. You can also submerge throw rugs and drapes in a solution of salt water, then wash as usual.

See also: Home Repair Hacks: How to Fix 5 Impossible Household Problems

Carpet Deep-Clean

To make super-drity carpet clean again, try this trick in a well-ventilated area: Mix a cup of ammonia with a quart of water. Rub into your carpet (don’t let it get sopping wet) with a damp rag or mop, and let it dry. As ammonia is very powerful, you might want to test this method beforehand on an unseen area, such as underneath a chair. Do not use this mixture on wool carpets.

Get Rid of Carpet Dents

To remove dents in your carpet left by furniture, fluff the fibers back into shape using a fork. Simply stick the tines into the fibers and brush them straight up. You can also try leaving an ice cube in the spot, which will make the fibers expand. (Then rub with a dry cloth.)

How to Get Your Carpet to Stop Shocking You

Has your carpet suddenly started conducting static electricity, making your hair stand up on end and even shocking your family or pets when you touch them? Luckily, something that gets rid of static on your clothes can help with your carpet, too: fabric softener! Mix three cups of water with a half cup of liquid fabric softener, put it in a spray bottle, and apply to your carpet. Not only will the static electricity disappear, but the mixture will serve as a carpet deodorizer too.

Don’t Rip Up that Old Carpet Just Yet

If it still seems like there’s no hope for your old carpet, consider a professional cleaning first—or better yet, rent a carpet cleaner from a local rent-a-center or hardware store. It can remove stains you never thought you’d get out, and will make your carpet look impressively knew for way less than actually buying new carpet. If you’re going the wet-vac route, make sure to slip plastic bags over the feet of tables and chairs and secure them with rubber bands. The plastic will keep the furniture from getting wet.

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