There is nothing better than the smell of a fresh new carpet! The tactile feeling it offers your bare feet and the power it has to transform a cold space into a cozy home is what makes the carpet so popular and recognisable. Only recently, we were working on a Solihull house clearance that involved carpet removal in a timely and hygienic fashion. Although a daunting and costly prospect to take-up and get rid of old carpet in a professional way, here are some manageable and simple tips to help you to do it yourself and make the task less stressful.
I have broken it down into three simple areas to make it a clean, easy and efficient process:
Carpet removal preparation
The space should be cleared and all furniture should be removed. Finding a safe and secure place, such as an adjacent room to store the furniture temporarily in will be necessary to provide ample floor space and enable access to all parts of the carpeted room. Following the clearing of the room, it is wise to vacuum hoover the old carpet to prevent any dust filling the air when it is pulled up. In the case of the carpet being very old, it is suggested that you wear a dust mask. For further protection, wear heavy work gloves and clothes, as often the carpet can have rough edges and sharp staples.
Taking up the carpet
Working from the wall, use pliers to help pull up the edges of the carpet. A sharp Stanley knife can be used here to cut down the carpet into manageable strips so that it can be rolled, transported and disposed of easily. Ensure you don’t cut through to the other side damaging anything underneath. The carpet padding that can be found under the carpet can similarly be pulled up and cut into smaller strips so that can it be rolled. If necessary, remove the tack strips carefully. Using the pliers and a flat blade screwdriver get out any remaining staples in the floor. The staples can then be hoovered or swept up.
Final touches
Now that the space is clear and you have access to the floor, there is the opportunity to prepare for the new carpet or other flooring. This is the perfect time to touch up on painting the baseboards and the bottom of the door frames.
Any squeaks or uneven surfaces can be repaired by screwing in long wood screws to secure the floorboards and any water-damaged wood can be replaced. Stain blocking primers can be applied where necessary to prevent stains on the new carpet that will be laid. If there is any carpet glue, scrape it off and apply mineral spirits or adhesive remover with an old rag to gently scrub it away.
The original floorboards could be painted and sealed or a choice of new flooring can be brought in and prepared for install, be that new carpet, laminate, timber, tiles or vinyl.
There is something very gratifying about taking up old carpet yourself and preparing it, seeing the space in it’s true potential. You might be surprised with how little hassle was involved and how much it changes the space. It certainly cuts down the costs of removing the carpet by hiring professionals, making for very happy pockets and feet!
