Carpet Stretching & Cleaning

Tools of the Trade

• To complete a stretching project, "The Family Handyman" suggests that you obtain a number of tools that can make your project much easier. These tools include a power stretcher, which will actually grip and pull the carpet for you during the stretching; a “knee kicker,” which will get into corners and other areas the power stretcher cannot fit; and a carpet cutter to remove excess carpeting material. You can cut excess carpet away with a utility knife, but it will take longer and will not cut as smoothly. These tools usually are available for rent or purchase at most home improvement stores.

  You also need pliers, a staple gun, a hammer and a chisel to complete the project; a pry bar is optional. Finally, wear protective gloves while you handle the nails in the tack strips to avoid being cut. Having all of these tools handy before you begin allows you to push through to the end of the project.

Stretching Technique

• To stretch carpet, start by prying up one corner of the carpet with the pry bar or pliers. Be gentle so that you don't unravel the fibers, but pull firmly enough so that the carpet comes away from the tack strips that hold it in place. When you have the carpet pulled away from an area of padding below, pull all of the staples out of the pad with pliers. If you pull the pad up through the staples, you run the risk of creating larger holes in the pad.

  The technique for removing the old tack strips and replacing them with new ones varies depending on whether you have a wooden or concrete floor beneath the carpet. Basically, the new tack strips will hold the carpet in place during the stretching; the original tack strips are meant to hold the carpet only in its original location and may rip the carpeting during stretching. Replace the pad over the new tack strips, stapling every 3 inches to ensure the hold is secure. When the pad is back in place, roll the carpet over it and cut out the areas for vents, corners or other obstructions. Leave about 3 inches of extra carpet on all sides to have some leeway should something go wrong.

  Now the stretching can commence. "The Family Handyman" suggests that the highest setting on the power stretcher works for most types of carpet. As you push the stretcher into place and activate it, the grips will dig into the carpet and grasp the base; the pull will eliminate wrinkles and fully stretch the carpet to its optimal size. Hold the carpet with the stretcher until it is fully stretched, then push it into the tack strip directly in front of you. Use the knee kicker in the same manner in areas that are obstructed or too small for the stretcher. After all stretching is complete, cut excess carpet away from all of the edges.

Cleaning

• Now that your carpets are properly in place, you can clean them for that brand new look. A carpet steamer or shampooer can be rented, probably from the same place you rented the stretching tools. Always vacuum first to remove surface dust and dirt that can interfere with the shampoo.

  Most stains can be removed by saturating the areas with warm water and blotting up the water and stains. You also can use dilutions of white vinegar or alcohol to remove tough stains.