How to use a clothes iron to seam carpet

If you're attempting to install carpet in your home and don't have a carpet seam iron, you can use a regular clothing iron in a pinch. While carpet seam irons aren't expensive or hard to find, this process will save you an unnecessary trip to the hardware store, especially if you already have everything else that you need. When finished, your carpet's seam will be secure and you will be ready to complete your carpet installation.

Cut your replacement carpet piece and the carpet seam tape you will be using to size using the box knife.

Fill the iron with water and turn it on. Set it to the hottest setting and to "steam."

Soak a white towel in water and wring it so that it is not dripping.

Place the carpet pieces to be connected upside down so that the carpet seam tape can be easily placed on the bottom of the carpet. If you are replacing a section of already installed carpet, just pull it back far enough so that plenty of the undersides are exposed.

Lay the carpet seam tape over the two pieces of carpet, making sure that there is no space between the carpet pieces.

Lay the carpet seam tape so that it is centred on both pieces, ensuring that the adhesive side is facing the carpet pieces.

Fold the towel in half and lay it over the carpet seam tape.

Apply the iron to the towel moving slowly across the entirety of the seam. Stay in each position for about 15 seconds, then move the length of the iron. Re-wet the towel if necessary to prevent burning. Apply light pressure with the iron.