Carpet Flattened by Feet? 4 Possible Solutions

Whether you've got a big family or live alone, high-traffic areas of carpet get flattened by feet and make your carpet feel much older than it is. If you're looking to breathe some new life into your carpet, this post looks at four common methods. 

What you’ll need

Many of the methods below loosen your carpet fibres, allowing you to separate them and fluff them up. To do that, you'll need one of these tools: 

1. A fork
2. A brush – preferably a hard-bristle brush
3. Your hands
4. A hairpin

When a method calls for you to fluff your carpet, use any of these. However, remember that DIY methods come with their risks. To avoid damaging your carpet even more, the best option is always to hire a professional cleaner.

Separating the fibres 

Before you can fluff your carpet flattened by feet, you'll need to agitate the fibres. This will then allow you to rejuvenate it without damaging it or watching it flatten itself again straight away. There are several ways you can do this:

• Hairdryer

Just like you can use a hairdryer to style your hair, you can use it to style a carpet flattened by feet. Spray a light covering of water onto the flattened area and then blow it dry with a hairdryer. Fluff it as it dries, setting it in a better formation.

• Ice

Place several ice cubes on the carpet flattened by feet and let them melt. As they melt, the moisture will dampen the fibres and make them more malleable for you to reshape them. However, keep in mind that your carpet will need to dry again afterwards. This method is better for smaller areas, to avoid saturating your entire carpet and potentially opening the door to mould. 

• Bicarbonate of soda & white vinegar 

This method is good for use on quite large areas, especially when carpet is a bit grubby as well as flattened by feet. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the flattened area and use a brush to distribute it deep into the fibres. Leave it overnight, then vacuum it up. Finally, spray a solution of half white vinegar and half water onto the carpet and fluff it using one of the above tools. 

• Hire a professional carpet cleaner 

Carpet flattened by feet is a common problem that professional carpet cleaners are familiar with. Hiring a professional removes the risk of damaging your carpet, allowing you to enjoy your good-as-new carpet without the stress of operating on it yourself. 

The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners all over the UK. Every single one is experienced in refreshing and revitalising all kinds of carpets.

Search our carpet cleaner directory to find a trusted local cleaner.