Can I change the color of carpeting?

Terri
by Terri

I have a very old but great condition carpeting.I would love to change the color.Had anyone ever heard or done this?Thanks in advance, Terri

  7 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jul 16, 2019

    You. Can try to find a co that still dyes carpet to a darker color, but usually after 5 years it's recommended. You replace it.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jul 16, 2019

    Hi Terri,

    I once had a real estate client who dyed her rug with a carpet shampooer on a regular basis. You can do it, but it won't cover a dark color. :( Her carpet was beige but she dyed it a deep blue. Apparently it would regularly fade or wear off because she would repeat on a regular basis. I found a tutorial from Rit Dye. Check to see if this will work for you.

    https://www.ritdye.com/2016/02/18/sweet-paul-overdyed-rug/


    Another option would be to paint decorations on it with a stencil. Here's a tutorial to start your research into that project. Wishing you the best.

    https://www.erinspain.com/how-to-stencil-a-rug-on-the-cheap/

  • Lisa S. Lisa S. on Jul 16, 2019

    A rug cleaning company may be able to dye it for you. An alternative, put a more desirable area rug on top.

  • Toni @ Girl, Just DIY! Toni @ Girl, Just DIY! on Jul 16, 2019

    That technology has been around a long time and I think they've probably made major improvements in it. But I would be concerned that the dye would transfer to shoes, socks, furniture, etc. Have you tried some area rugs in key locations that could give you the look you're going for until you have the money to replace it?

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 20, 2019

    Is your question referring to an area rug, or wall-to-wall carpeting?


    Dying was sometimes done with area rugs years ago, when they were made from 100% wool. Wool being a natural fibre takes dye more readily than the synthetic fibres that carpeting is made from nowadays.


    For the price of labour to dye any form of carpeting, I would think that it would be way more cost effective to simply purchase new in the color you desire. In only one day, the old will be out, and the new can be installed.

  • Lori Lori on Jul 20, 2019

    I dye my living room carpet. From mauve to dark brown. Ritz dye and warm water the results was great the biggest problem was drying time. I completed in 8 hours all areas accept for under the sofa and l love seat. Those areas were left out to walk on. It took 2 days to fully dry. I applied with rags by hand (with gloves). Very time consuming and but rewarding. 14x16 room.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 21, 2019

    Reply to Lori:


    How long has it been since you dyed it with Rit?

    What happened when you steam-cleaned the carpet?

    Did the color stay in or come out?