A homeowner in Hudson, NH recently contacted us. He had a dark carpet in one of his bedrooms and was already seeing fading as a result of direct sunlight from the windows. Concerned about even more damage, he was looking for ways to prevent this type of discoloration.
For UV Damage to Carpets, Prevention is Best
This is a common complaint for rooms that have a darker carpet and get plenty of sunlight. While it is natural that over time carpet exposed to direct sunlight will change colors slightly, there are some preventative steps that you can take to minimize this.
One of the easiest ways to protect your carpet from damage caused by the sun is by investing in light blocking window treatments. There are window coverings available that are designed specifically to block the harmful ultra-violet rays that can fade your carpet. Diligently closing the blinds or curtains when the sun is at its peak in the room can also go a long way to prevent fading.
Tips for Repairing Existing Damage to Carpets from Sun Exposure
In the case of the homeowner in Hudson, the damage was already done although some of it may be reversible. Cleaning the carpet with salt water can reverse some of the fading damage caused by the sun. Mix equal parts hot water and salt, stirring until the salt is fully dissolved. On freshly vacuumed carpet, you can then apply the mixture using a damp cloth. Apply a light layer of the salt water, allowing it time to air dry, and then vacuum the area again.
The family in Hudson tried the salt water method and did see the damage to the carpets minimized. For the future they will be investing in sunlight blocking window treatments to protect their flooring from any further sun damage.