August 23, 2026, 1:36 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Heavy furniture often leaves unsightly indentations in the carpet, while carpet edges tend to curl up, especially with new carpets. A surprisingly simple trick can help. myHOMEBOOK editor Mareike Schmidt has used the carpet trick several times herself.
Many people know this problem: You move a piece of furniture or replace a carpet, and suddenly unsightly indentations remain. Many are also familiar with raised carpet edges. They just won’t lay flat, look unattractive, and can become a dangerous tripping hazard in everyday life.
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How to Remove Carpet Indentations
Anyone who has ever moved a heavy piece of furniture knows the typical sight: where the table leg or couch once stood, a noticeable dent remains in the carpet for a long time. However, a few ice cubes can easily treat the spot. Place the ice cubes directly on the indented area of the carpet and let them slowly melt. The water gradually seeps into the carpet fibers, helping them to swell and stand up again.
Once the ice cubes have completely melted, gently blot the damp area. Then, you can carefully smooth the carpet fibers back into shape with your fingers or a soft brush. The carpet should then be allowed to dry completely.
Caution: If your carpet is particularly thin and lies on a sensitive floor, be careful. It’s better to place a towel or an absorbent cloth between the carpet and the floor to avoid unsightly water stains.
Raised Carpet Edges Can Also Be Smoothed
The ice cube trick can also work for furniture marks. Slightly raised or wavy carpet edges can be treated this way and will no longer be a tripping hazard. Place a few ice cubes on the affected area and let them slowly melt. The moisture makes the fibers more pliable, allowing them to be gently smoothed in the desired direction.
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For a raised edge, it can also help to lay it flat after moistening and weigh it down with a clean, heavy object while it dries. A protective layer, such as a dry cloth, should be placed between the carpet and the weight.
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Patience Is Important with the Carpet Trick
The effect is not immediate. Depending on the carpet, fiber material, and depth of the indentation, it may take some time for the fibers to stand up again. For particularly deep dents, the treatment may need to be repeated.
It’s also important not to soak the carpet completely. It’s sufficient to treat the affected area with the relatively small amount of water from the melting ice cubes.
Test in an Inconspicuous Area First
Not every carpet is suitable for this trick due to its material. Therefore, it’s best to try the method first in an inconspicuous area. For sensitive materials, carpets with special coatings, or those that should not get wet according to care instructions, it’s better to avoid the ice cube trick.
For many carpets, however, the method is worth a try. Especially when indentations remain after moving furniture or when a new carpet is brought in and has been stored rolled up for a long time.