Redecorating or even just rearranging your furniture can be an excellent way to breathe new life into an old room and give yourself a change of pace. Unfortunately, it's also a great way to reveal hidden problems with your carpet that were previously covered. Here are a few common issues you might run into and what you can do to fix them.

Flat Spots From Heavy Furniture

Usually after moving pieces around you'll find marks on the carpet from where the furniture's feet have dug into the carpet and smashed all the fibers down. On a newer carpet, you may be able to fix this just by manually rubbing the fibers around to loosen them back up. On an older carpet or one with a more stubborn flat spot, use an iron to gently steam the fibers. Once they're nice and steamy, you can slowly rub them back into shape or use a knitting needle to lift up individual fibers.

Ancient Mystery Stains

Rearranging furniture can also bring to light the stains of yore. These stains can be quite difficult to get out using typical carpet cleaning agents, but fortunately you may be able to get rid of them with some water, vinegar, and baking soda.

First, steam the carpet gently with your iron, then sprinkle baking soda all over it. Be sure to generously cover the stain, and press the baking soda into the fibers firmly. Spray the area with a mix of water and vinegar, making sure to soak it well. After a few hours, the mix will dry out and you can use a brush to gently scrape it out of the carpet fibers. Whatever particles were causing the stains should come out with it.

If your carpet is very old and delicate, this method may be a bit too rough for it. Consider having your carpet professionally shampooed instead to prevent it from being damaged. Talk with a place like Tashjian's Oriental Rug Service for more information.

Rips, Fraying, And Patches Worn Thin

You may think that a damaged carpet has to be thrown out, but you actually have quite a few options to deal with worn or ripped sections. You can use carpet dye to restore color, adhesives to prevent fraying, and even patch holes with sections of carpet from other areas of the home.

Your carpet may be hiding nasty secrets, but don't let that get in the way of your redecorating dreams.Fight back by restoring your carpet to its former glory and you'll be able to change your rooms around as much as you like.