Carpet is soft underfoot, it carpet repair tool | TMF Store sound, adds insulation and keeps spaces warm in winter. But it can also be vulnerable to damage, such as stains or burns. Fortunately, it’s easy to repair a small patch of damaged carpet yourself — and save money at the same time.

Identify the Donor

For an effective repair, you need a matching piece of donor carpet. These are often leftover remnants from the original installation. Look in corners, closets, under sofas and other furniture for these pieces.

Determine the direction of the fibers on the donor piece to match it with the damaged area. On most carpets (excluding low pile styles like Berber or trackless), the fibers run in one direction, so you’ll want to set the donor piece in the correct direction next to the damaged area.

Essential Carpet Repair Tools Every Homeowner Should Have in Their Toolbox

With a cushion back cutter, carefully cut a piece of donor carpet that matches the damaged area. Be sure to keep your lines as straight as possible.

Test the Donor

Using a carpet roller or comb, run it across the patch area to blend the new piece with the old. Use care not to work the edges too hard or you may end up ripping away valuable edge tufts.

Apply Carpet Tape

Unlike heat-set tape that requires a special iron, pressure-activated tape is simple to use and can be applied with just a few fingers. It’s best to use it in small areas, such as 4 square inches or less, and to avoid sticking the tape to furniture or other surfaces.