How to Fix a Fray in the Middle of a Carpet

Carpet is designed to withstand years of foot traffic. It is installed over padding by stretching the carpet over tack strips that have upward pointing barbs. Any seams in the carpet from room to room are "glued" together with an adhesive tape and a type of iron. The installer heats the iron and melts the adhesive on the tape strip. When it dries, the seams are held together. Unfortunately, tears can occur anywhere in a carpet, causing a fray to appear. But this can easily be fixed.

Razor blade or scissors
Rag
Rubber gloves
Carpet seam sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Cut away the frayed strands of carpet using a razor blade or scissors. Cut only the frays and not into the carpet fabric so that you do not to make a larger hole or tear.
- 2
  Dampen a rag under water, then put on rubber gloves to prevent seam sealer from getting stuck to your hands.
- 3
  Apply the carpet seam sealer to the damaged area where you cut away the fraying strands. Wipe away excess with the damp rag immediately.
- 4
  Allow the carpet seam sealer to dry for 24 hours or as long as recommended by the manufacturer. Check the repair over the next several days to ensure the seam sealer effectively repaired the fraying. Should the fray return, repeat the previous steps.

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Carpeting