When you first toured your new apartment, it was probably furnished, hiding the dents in the carpet and vinyl flooring. Now that you've moved in, you can clearly see where the last tenant's furniture was sitting. Thankfully, there are several ways to get rid of flooring dents and to avoid making any more.

How Can You Minimize Dents in Carpet & Vinyl?

1. Remove Existing Dents

Less severe dents in the carpet should remedy themselves easily. Run the vacuum over the area or apply the hose attachment. If that isn't enough, you can iron out the marks. Wet a paper towel and lay it over the dent. Then apply a clothes iron on medium heat to the area.

You can do the same with vinyl, but instead of setting the iron on the floor, hold it an inch above the ground and move it in circles. The water and heat will help relax and restore the compressed area.

2. Use Protective Products

When you bring your furniture into the apartment, set furniture coasters under each leg or corner of each piece. These spread out the weight of the furniture so you don't end up with deep, narrow dents. A thick rug under the furniture can do the same job and also protects a wider area from flattening and scuffs due to traffic.

3. Move Furniture

Dents are a product of both pressure and time; the longer they develop, the more likely they are to be permanent. About once a month, move your furniture an inch or two to the side. This way, the legs are resting on fresh carpet or vinyl that hasn't been compressed. You can then fluff up the previous spots with the vacuum or iron.

If your carpet or vinyl is too badly dented to save or you want to update your home’s aesthetic, find replacements at A-1 Linoleum & Carpet, Inc. in Lincoln, NE. Serving Lancaster County for over 45 years, they have a full range of quality flooring materials, including hardwood and tile, as well as having a range of countertop designs. Visit their website for more on their services. To get started, call (402) 464-3125.