Can I take carpet off stairs and put back on agan?

mikeyank

Hello,

My friend and I did something incredibly stupid. We replaced the toilet on the second floor. We thought that we dumped all the nastiness out of the old one, but apparently there was plenty nasty urine/water mix left. As we tilted it on the way down the stairs, a whole lot of it spilled out on the carpeted stairs.

I cleaned it for 2 days. Rented carpet cleaning machine, used vinegar, peroxide, baking soda, you name it. It still reeks. From my online research I learned, that if the padding got wet with urine (in most cases pet urine), you must get to the padding. Clean it or replace it.

QUESTION (finally): If I rip off the carpet of my stairs, will I be able to put it back on? Or, will it be trashed? What should I do?

I never laid carpet before, though I know how it is done theoretically. Plus, in my desperation, I searched youtube for how to videos and have an idea about the techniques and tools used.

CplDevilDog

Not a carpet expert but I find stair carpet comes off and goes on pretty easy.

I think its because they are such short pieces and stretching them back to their tack strips is not critical.(Experts chime in here please)

It will be easier if the installer laid them in several small pieces as opposed to one big one but certainly doable.

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rusty baker

It can be done. I have done it a couple times when the step underneath broke.

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hyunelan2

In my last house (build new) it was under warranty and the stairs squeeked. I had them fix it and they peeled the carpet right back, screwed down the treads and put the carpet right back. Looked like it was never off.

mikeyank

According to all of the videos that I have watched on youtube, installers use staples when installing it. How do I safely take them out without ruining the carpet?
Will I be able to strecth it back in place without a stretcher?

If it is a "waterfall" installation (one long piece running down) is it doable then? I don't know if it is a waterfall or not. I will have to check when I go home.

rusty baker

Waterfall doesn't mean it's in one piece. Waterfall means it isn't stapled under the nose of the step. Waterfall steps usually have very few staples(if done right) Yes , you wil probably need a kicker or it will wrinkle. Cap and Band steps(the riser and the step are normally seperate pieces of carpet) due to the nature of them will have a lot of staples. Then there are the ones that are put on with one big piece but are stapled under the nose. They will have a lot of staples under the nose and maybe in the crotch, if the installer didn't use any tackstrip.

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"I'm twisted, not sick. Sick implies, I'll get better"
Semi-Retired Installer
Installing since 1973

mikeyank

how can I remove the staples without damaging the carpet?

rusty baker

They normally pull out and stay in the carpet. Then you just sit down and pull the staples out of the carpet with pliars.

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"I'm twisted, not sick. Sick implies, I'll get better"
Semi-Retired Installer
Installing since 1973

HarryJ

short answer. ugh.

installing carpet on steps is the most difficult part of the job.

However, removing the carpet is necessary regardless of whether its replaced or re-installed so try your best to pull it off without damaging it and the next step may be easier to answer