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How to Lighten the Color of Carpeting

Sidney Johns

It's possible to lighten carpet at home without using harsh chemicals or hiring a professional. When purchasing carpet, it is sometimes hard to determine how it will look when it's installed in your home. After installation, the color may be too dark for the surrounding decor or for the taste of the owner.

Colorfast dyes will fade with the application of vinegar.

When this happens, instead of purchasing new carpet, save the money and lighten the color yourself.

Tip

If a carpet cleaner is not available, use an industrial vacuum to suck out the vinegar water. Spray the carpet with warm water and extract a second time.

Warning

Melted fiber carpets will not fade. This process will damage any protective chemicals sprayed on the carpet to protect it from stains.

  1. Mix 1 cup white distilled vinegar with 1 gallon warm water and stir well.

  2. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray the carpet evenly. Work left to right back and forth across the room to ensure all the area is covered.

  3. Allow the mixture to sit for 20 to 30 minutes or until the carpet appears lighter in color.

  4. Rinse the carpet with a machine designed to shampoo the carpet. Follow the directions on the machine carefully to remove the vinegar from the carpet.

The Drip Cap

  • It's possible to lighten carpet at home without using harsh chemicals or hiring a professional.
  • When purchasing carpet, it is sometimes hard to determine how it will look when it's installed in your home.
  • Mix 1 cup white distilled vinegar with 1 gallon warm water and stir well.