How to Waterproof Carpet? [Step by Step Process & Precautions]
When you buy a beautiful indoor carpet made of delicate material with intricate details and design (also costly), it becomes imperative to save it from damage as much as possible.
Outdoor carpets are built in such a way that they can bear with the rain and sunlight alike. So, outdoor carpets don’t need waterproofing specifically.
Carpets can be made up of materials like wool, silk, nylon, polyester and even rubber. Out of these, the ones made of natural materials like wool, silk and others need maximum protection.
The carpet would deal with occasional tea/coffee spills, drink spills and whatnot. These would leave a mark on both the carpet and on the floor. Once the carpet is waterproofed, it’d become extremely easy to clean things and save your investment.
Today, I’ll share how you can waterproof your carpet to make them durable and more useful.
Waterproof Carpet Using Sealant and Waterproof Fabric
Actually, waterproofing a carpet isn’t as difficult. Just a few steps and you’re done!
Sealant sprays are used widely to seal a number of things. Special sealants are available for waterproofing fabrics. Fabric sealants, once dried, become a tough protective layer on the fabric, preventing it from color fading, stains and spills etc.,
Once used, you can use the remaining sealant for fabrics like cushions, pillows and others. Fabric sealants are a good investment indeed.
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Thompson's Waterseal No Scent Fabric Protector 11.5 oz. Spray6 | Check Price On Amazon |
The waterproof fabric will be used to waterproof the carpet from below. Waterproof fabric can be anything like polyester, nylon, raincoat fabric and others.
The fabric would prevent the carpet from absorbing water or any other liquid from below. It doesn’t necessarily matter what kind of waterproof fabric you use.
At the end of the day, it should be waterproof and big enough to fit your mattress, and nobody would ever get to know what you’ve put below your carpet.
This method would keep your carpet waterproofed for at least one year. After it, you might need to check whether the waterproof fabric is still in its place or apply a coat of the sealant.
Alternatively, you could apply the sealant instead of the fabric, too. However, the bottom part of the carpet is more prone to get wet by absorbing liquids. Any liquid can flow towards its direction and get absorbed.
What if the sealant loses its strength after half a year and the carpet absorbs the liquid then? Hence, a waterproof fabric would rule away any chance of water damage there.
Required Material:
- Fabric sealant spray
- Waterproof fabric
- Measuring tape
- Fabric tape /Fabric glue
Procedure (Step by Step):
1. Test it
First of all, take the sealant spray and spray it on a sample carpet fabric. This would help you to understand the possible effects.
You must check for things like color darkening. If the sealant spray changes the carpet’s color even after drying, you should consider some other sealant spray.
2. Measure your carpet
You should measure your carpet using the measuring tape and then place an order for fabric. This would prevent last moment panic and frustration.
3. Fix the fabric
Now place the waterproof fabric on the floor and the carpet on top of it. Using the fabric tape or glue, stick the two things together. So, you’re done with the bottom part.
4. Apply sealant
Next, shake the sealant bottle well and spray it on the carpet. You just need to apply a thin, even layer.
5. Let it dry and repeat
Let the sealant dry for around 2-3 hours. It might take some more time to dry depending on the humidity and temperature of your place.
Then, reapply the sealant and repeat the process. You want to apply at least 4-5 coats to make things work perfectly.
6. Let it settle
Don’t touch the carpet for around 24 hours. The sealant would actually show its effect after 24 hours.
7. Test it
After 24 hours, feel free to pour some plain water on the carpet. Even if the slightest amount gets absorbed by it, you should apply the sealant again. Make sure, each and every corner gets covered by the sealant. If it just flows over, you’re pretty much done with the process.
Precautions
Please, do the process, mainly the sealant part, in an open area. Sealants are generally highly flammable. Also, the odor might become too much for you to bear. Do it in a spacious, well-ventilated place.
Important Tips to Protect Carpet From Spills
Are you somewhat busy and cannot spare time to waterproof the carpet or just want to be more careful around the carpet? Then, here are a few ways to protect your carpet from those occasional careless spills and stains.
- Keep food and drinks away. Just try to avoid bringing food in the carpet’s vicinity. You can keep the food in kitchen, your room but not around the carpet.
- For a place more prone to moisture or water damage, choose a rug over a carpet. Rugs are stronger than carpets hence can sustain those damages for a longer period of time.
- Shoes? Not at all. Avoid walking over the carpet with your shoes on. Especially, make a habit of keeping your outdoor wearable far away from the carpet.
- Clean regularly. This keeps your carpet clean and beautiful. Also, clean any spill immediately to avoid maximum damage.
- Have pets? Train them to avoid the carpet. They might make the carpet dirty leading to both odor and stains. Be careful.
These should suffice until you finally make it waterproof and live freely.
Waterproof Carpets Available Online
In case you don’t want to go through the process of waterproofing a carpet, you can opt to buy one waterproof carpet. Here are a few waterproof carpets you can find for yourself on Amazon:
Final Comments:
Waterproof carpets are nice too. However, they are quite expensive and lack the beauty, details and praise-worthy design of normal carpets.
Waterproofing a normal carpet at home is way more cost-effective and interesting while maintaining your tastes and preferences. I hope this helped you to waterproof your carpet!
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