Q&A for How to Dye Carpet

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  • Question
    What is the best carpet dye?
    Andrew Rohr
    Carpet Cleaning Specialist
    Andrew Rohr is a Carpet Cleaning Specialist and the President of MSS Cleaning out of Denver, Colorado. With over five years of cleaning experience, he specializes in carpet cleaning, stretching, and repairs as well as upholstery cleaning, water damage restoration, and tile and grout cleaning. Andrew holds a BA in Psychology and Business Administration from The University of New Hampshire and an MBA in Corporate Finance from The University of Denver.
    Carpet Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Professional dyeing kits are the best option. Don't use anything like diluted bleach or other DIY dyeing solutions—the results likely won't leave you very happy.
  • Question
    The border of my polypropylene carpet is too light. Is there anything I can do to make it a darker beige?
    Community Answer
    Polypropylene (Olefin) and polyester carpets cannot be dyed. Nylon, wool and silk carpets can be dyed.
  • Question
    Can regular clothing dye be used on an area rug?
    Community Answer
    Depends on the material of the rug. Read the directions on the dye package and see if it matches the rug. Cotton is probably the most reliable, and what I have the most experience with. The weight of the rug will also be a factor, heavy rugs won't hold the dye as well. Be sure you have a big enough tub to do this in.
  • Question
    I do not want to dye the entire carpet. I would like to sponge paint it to have a two or three tone effect. Is this possible?
    Community Answer
    If you're looking for a degradée effect, then you can simply place the rug fully into the dye mixture and then slowly start taking the rug out, leaving some parts more exposed to the dye than others.
  • Question
    If the carpet fibers that are soaking in bleach hold their color, is it nylon?
    Community Answer
    No. Polyamide is also a dye-able material, and hence can be bleached. More than likely you have a carpet made of polypropylene fiber, which is a material colored prior to being made into fibers.
  • Question
    There is an area where my dog has peed on my carpet quite a bit. Can I dye that area?
    Veroushka Menser
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! However without knowing how to properly prep the area for a dye treatment, it won't last or match, so be sure to follow the instructions above.
  • Question
    How can I determine whether my carpet is nylon or wool?
    Veroushka Menser
    Community Answer
    When wool burns, it smells like burning hair. Nylon smells like celery or sealing wax. It has a smooth, round bead-like ash.
  • Question
    Can I dye some spots of the carpet that was damaged with bleach?
    Veroushka Menser
    Community Answer
    Absolutely but it would take a color class to understand how to prep and set the dyes correctly, so be sure to follow the instructions above with care.
  • Question
    My carpet is a green color (not too light or dark); would I be able to dye it a dark blue?
    Veroushka Menser
    Community Answer
    Yes but it will always have a green hue. However, depending on the shade, you might not see it in most light.
  • Question
    There's a spot on my carpet where my dog has peed on it quite a bit. Can I dye that area?
    Community Answer
    You should be able to, if your dog hasn’t peed on your carpet super recently. But if you’re not sure or don’t want to risk ruining your carpet, then test it on a tiny area first to see if anything untoward happens.
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