Preventing carpet indentations from furniture

We’ve all seen the inevitable indentations left in carpet after furniture has rested in the same spot for years. Moving a couch that’s been against the same wall for a decade will reveal ugly impressions in place of the furniture’s legs. So can you avoid this damage to your carpet, or is that simply expected damage? The good news is that there are ways to minimize indentations caused by furniture and protect your investment in your carpet.

Installing high density carpet and a firm, thin padding will resist denting from the start, protecting your carpet in the long run.

Use furniture coasters

Since harsh indentations are caused by the concentrated weight of furniture pressing on a small area, spreading out the load is a great way to minimize damage. Purchase a set of furniture coasters and pop them under the legs of furniture to distribute the weight. They vary in materials and cost, from rubber discs to even glass. You can also placed wheeled furniture on castors.

Use carpet scraps

For a more cost effective method, you can place scraps of carpet under the feet of furniture so protect your carpeting.

Move your furniture

Regularly moving your furniture will prevent severe indentations from forming. Even if it’s just a few inches to the side, keeping furniture legs from sitting on the same space for years at a time can reduce compression of the fibers underneath.

Steam clean the carpet

For carpets that already have a few dents, steaming the fibers will lift imprints while also cleaning out any lingering dirt that may have accumulated under long-standing furniture.

Iron the fibers

It may sound odd, but with some care ironing can help the fibers bounce back from being compressed over time. Place a damp towel on the indentation and iron along it. The steam setting on the iron can help too, but be very careful and keep an eye on the carpet as you go.

Use ice cubes

Similarly, odd as it may sound, placing ice cubes onto the fibers and allowing the cold water to seep into the fibers can help restore them to their original shape. Simply comb them into place after the ice has melted slightly.

Tease the fibers

You can use a small comb or even the edge of a coin to gently tease the carpet back up. It may take a while, but with a thorough vacuum afterward it can go a long way in repairing smashed fibers.

Your carpet is a significant investment for your home, and unsightly indentations in the carpeting could sully the appearance of an entire room. With these simple tips you can protect your flooring and combat problematic blemishes on your carpet.