When a carpet pops underfoot when stepped on, or you notice odd little white, rubbery flakes that show up on the ground close to the carpet, more than likely the latex backing has begun to deteriorate. Producers paint a liquid latex onto the bottom of carpets to prevent tufts of yarn from working loose, and to create the rugs less slippery on polished floors. 1 drawback of latex is that it breaks down quickly. Repeated washings — especially with chlorine bleach or harsh chemicals — exposure to ultraviolet light rays, floor wax and other floor care products accelerate the corrosion procedure.
Wash the carpet as normal and dry thoroughly. Let the carpet air dry online from sunlight. Drying it onto a high-heat setting contributes to the corrosion of the latex backing.
Brush the back of the carpet with a soft scrub brush to remove any loose particles of latex. Shake it vigorously.
Place the carpet upside down onto a pad of old cardboard or papers onto a tabletop or other workout, and then smooth it out level.
Open a can of liquid latex available at most arts and crafts or hobby stores — and pour a small amount onto a foam plate.
Dip a broad paintbrush into the latex onto the plate and brush the latex onto the back of the carpet in short, overlapping strokes, starting in almost any corner. Any inexpensive, three or four inch wide ordinary bristle paintbrush works. You may throw it away when finished, so don’t spend a lot of.
Continue dipping the brush and implementing it to the trunk until you’ve got an even layer throughout the back of the entire rug.
Cut a piece of cheesecloth into the size of the carpet with scissors. Open it out level and press it onto the back of the carpet while the latex is still wet. Cheesecloth strengthens the carpet, prolonging its existence.
Use your paintbrush to gently press the cloth into the latex until it is flat and securely attached across the whole rug. A sort of tapping or stippling movement with the end of these bristles works better than attempting to brush across the cheesecloth. Brushing tends to dislodge or wrinkle the cloth.
Return any unused latex into the can, and then wrap the brush in plastic wrap. Put the wrapped brush in the freezer to keep the rubber from curing on the brush between applications.
Allow the latex to dry usually 24 hours or more. It is possible to accelerate the drying time by applying the latex in a really warm room, since it heals more quickly when warm.
Apply another coat of latex into the trunk to completely cover and seal the cheesecloth, otherwise it may absorb water once the carpet is wet — that can accelerate corrosion of the new latex layer. If needed, apply a third coat as soon as the next coating is dry.
Throw away the paintbrush and plate wash the brush.