How Long Do You Have To Wait To Put Furniture On New Carpet?

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

Designing your home is fun and exciting! Laying new carpet, purchasing new furniture, painting the walls— we understand, you’re anxious to see how the finished project looks. However, there is one thing that you should know. You must wait to put your furniture on your new carpet.

You need to wait at least 24 hours to put furniture on the new carpet. A whole day is the amount of time it takes for the glue to dry. If you move furniture on it before that, it can destroy your flooring. If the adhesive is not permanently dry, you risk causing permanent indentations.

In this guide, we’ll explain why you need to wait to put furniture on your newly laid carpet. If you already made that mistake, we explain how to fix it as well.

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Why Do You Have To Wait To Put New Furniture On Your Carpet?

While it’s okay to walk on a newly installed carpet, you should not put furniture on it just yet. Your furniture is heavy; therefore, it will indent your carpet at the adhesive level. Since your flooring didn’t have time to set, the glue will absorb into the backing of your carpet.

When the adhesive absorbs, it essentially glues your carpet threads into place.

Old Carpet Indentations vs. New Carpet Indentations

After you rearranged your home, you may have seen indentations on your old carpet. Sure, they didn’t ruin your old carpet, so what makes anyone think it would destroy the new one?

Well, there are two separate causes of indentations.

Your Old Carpet

For your old carpet, we’ll assume you didn’t place your furniture on it when it was first installed. The cause of your indentations on your old carpet is purely from the weight.

When a 150 pound plus object sits in one place for so long, it forms an impression. Although once moved, you can rub the print, and it will usually disappear. If it doesn’t right away, it will over time.

Think of when you lay your wood for a project in the grass. If you let the wood sit there for a few days, it makes impressions in the grass. When you move the wood away, you can brush the grass with your hand, and it disappears. It’s all the same concept.

Your New Carpet

Now, if you were to set your couch on your carpet immediately after installation, you’re going to have a problem. This indentation is caused by a mixture of weight and absorbed glue.

The glue doesn’t dry right away. The weight of your couch will push the adhesive through the backing of your carpet. Right away, the glue will reach your carpet fibers. The weight of your furniture will hold the strands onto the glue.

It’s the same as if a heavy load vehicle drives through soft soil. The truck is going to leave some significant prints throughout the ground. The only way to fix it is to dig it up and shuffle it. Thus, the only way to repair your new carpet is by getting the glue out or replacing it.

How Do You Reverse The Damage In Your Carpet?

Let’s assume that the damage isn’t too terrible. For starters, if your carpet is entirely wrecked, this won’t help you. In your case, you will need to replace that piece of carpet which we’ll cover here in a bit.

The best way to rid the indentations of your brand-new carpet it to steam clean it. For this, you will need:

  • A steam cleaner
  • Hot water (about 115 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • A large tooth comb
  • Adhesive Remover

Instructions

Step 1: Go Over Using A Steam Cleaner

Go over the area with your steam cleaner. Make sure you go slowly so that the steam gets directly onto the adhesive in your carpet fibers. Your carpet may look worse after the steam cleaner goes over it, but don’t’ worry!

You will want to go over it several times until the carpet looks and feels damp. Make sure you don’t soak it. If you soak it, the water will cool off quickly, causing the glue to dry.

Step 2: Comb The Carpet Fibers

Take your hot water and pour just a small amount onto a section of the dented carpet. Make sure when you do this that you have your comb ready. Gently comb the carpet fibers until you see them start to pop up.

Repeat this process across the affected area. It’s important to note that this is a process, and all the fibers won’t come up at one time.

Repeat steps one and two until most of the fibers have been released from the adhesive’s hold.

Step 3: Apply The Adhesive Remover

Once you have most of your carpet fixed it’s time to apply the adhesive remover.

You need to find an adhesive remover that’s safe for carpets. One famous brand is Goo Gone, although you want to first an inconspicuous area. You can purchase an adhesive remover from any home improvement store.

When you know that it won’t color your carpet, follow the instructions on the label of the product. Some will require a carpet brush, vacuum, or a blow dryer. Make sure you read the directions first before you begin the application.

If Your Carpet Is Not Salvageable, You Will Have To Replace The Damaged Section

If you need to replace a section of the carpet, that’s okay! It’s easy, and you can do it yourself. If you’re lucky, there will be carpet remnants left over from your installation. If not, simply cut the piece, and take it to any home improvement store. A store associate will match your color.

Some stores also sell remnants or small squares of carpet. Be sure to purchase one that is at least a few inches larger than you need. A larger piece can be cut to size. A smaller part cannot be fixed.

Tools you will need:

  • A utility knife
  • Piece of Carpet
  • Carpet Adhesive
  • Heavy Fabric

Instructions

Step 1: Cut Out The Piece Of Damaged Carpet

First, you will need to cut out the piece of damaged carpet. Instead of slicing, score it and lift as you are cutting away. This should be done in a triangular, rectangular, or square shape. Do not cut in a circle.

Step 2: Prepare The Heavy Fabric

Take the piece of carpet you just cut and place it onto your heavy fabric. Cut about 1 ½ “larger than the damaged section.

Take the piece of heavy fabric and lay it on the floor over the hole. Tuck the corners under the carpet. This heavy fabric is what you will glue your new carpet to so it needs to be secure.

Step 3: Cut A New Piece of Carpet

Cut a piece of the new section of carpet that’s about ½ “larger than the hole it will fill. Match the part up and slice the edges until you have a perfect size.

Paint the carpet adhesive onto the heavy cloth. Check to make sure the grain runs the same way as the rest of the carpet. Now, place your new carpet piece over the hole and press down. Make sure you press the whole area so that it sticks.

Ruffle the edges to hide the seams and leave to dry overnight. Do not vacuum over it, or set anything on it, especially furniture! Now you can’t even tell anything happened!


Related Questions

Where do you put furniture when replacing the carpet?

The best place to set furniture when replacing your carpet is in your garage. If you do not have a garage, you can place it on your patio, deck, or in your kitchen if it is large enough. If you have a shed that has a roof on it, that will work too!Remember, this is only for 24 hours. So, if it gets in the way of cooking, that’s a great excuse to order takeout instead.


Do baseboards need to be removed to install new carpet?

Yes, your baseboards and trim need to be removed when you are installing a new carpet. It’s a good idea to buy new trim when you are installing a new carpet.Usually, the old baseboards will break upon removal. Having trim on hand helps keep you prepared. If you don’t need it, you can always return it for a refund.If you decide to paint your baseboards, be sure to check out How To Paint Baseboards With Carpet to avoid paint drips.


Do you have to let the new carpet settle?

Yes, you will need to let the new carpet settle before you place anything on it. It’s also a good idea to let it sit before anyone really walks on it. However, that’s not always possible.

Are you looking for carpet installers?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

Don’t Put Anything on Your New Carpet

It’s better just to avoid the hassle of peeling glue from your carpet or replacing a damaged section. You only need to wait for 24 hours until it’s safe to move your furniture back into that room.

Enjoy a night out to dinner with the family or go for an overnight trip. Find some fun ways to pass the time as your new carpet sets. Afterward, you can come home, move your furniture back and enjoy the result.

Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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