Common Rug Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them

Our homes benefit from the warmth, comfort, and design that rugs bring, but they also attract dirt, stains, and odour over time. To maintain their look and extend their longevity, rugs require regular cleaning. This blog post will provide you with a guide on how to clean rugs and common rug cleaning mistakes to avoid and how to fix them. This guide will make your life easy if you have been struggling in maintaining rugs at your home. 

Know The Common Rug Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid and How To Fix Them:

Keeping a healthy and clean house requires regular rug cleaning. When washing rugs, however, there are some typical mistakes that individuals frequently do that can result in damage or poor cleaning. Here, we will discuss the common rug cleaning mistakes to avoid and how to fix them.

Using too much water or cleaning agents: Using excessive water or cleaning agents when cleaning rugs is one of the most frequent blunders made. This may result in the rug becoming oversaturated, which could cause mould, mildew, and fibre damage. Start by using a clean towel to blot off any extra moisture to remedy this. The rug should then be allowed to air dry in an area with good ventilation. Use just a little mild rug cleanser mixed with water and a fluffy brush or cloth to gently wash the damaged area if the rug still seems unclean.

Using wrong cleaning techniques: To prevent damage, different rug materials call for different cleaning procedures. The incorrect cleaning technique may result in fibre damage, colour fading, or shrinking. Determine what kind of rug you have and look out for the best cleaning methods for that particular fabric to address this. Wool rugs, for instance, might need different cleaning procedures than carpets made of synthetic fibres. If you’re unsure, always read the instructions provided by the manufacturer or seek professional advice.

Excessively rubbing or scrubbing: Rubbing or cleaning a rug excessively might cause the fibres to shred or matte. Instead, when cleaning rugs, be gentle. Immediately dab at spills or stains with a fresh, absorbing paper or cloth towel. Use a brush with soft bristles or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently agitate the fibres for thorough cleaning. To prevent destroying the pile, always wash in the opposite direction towards the rug’s top.

Allowing spills ignored for a long time: Spills are unavoidable in homes with children and/or pets, but stains don’t have to be. Don’t put off cleaning up spills, liquid or food-related. To stop liquid from soaking into the area rug’s fibres, blot spills right away with a gentle cloth or even a damp wipe. Additionally, food should be taken out as soon as possible to prevent it from sticking and getting stuck between the delicate fibres of your handcrafted rug. We advise checking your rug once every week to look for any new stains or missed accidents.

Using only DIY cleaning techniques: While DIY cleaning techniques might be fantastic for other home maintenance tips, they are insufficient for your carpet. The internet has no idea how old your carpet is, what sort of damage it has undergone, what conditions it is placed in, and much more. We advise using only approved cleaning agents or hiring a professional when washing the area rug at home.

Avoiding a cleaning service: While routine upkeep can keep your carpets in good shape, it’s also important to get them cleaned by professionals on occasion. Neglecting professional cleaning can cause stains, allergies, and grime to accumulate which are challenging to get rid of on your own. Consult a trustworthy rug cleaning company that specializes in the kind of rug you’re dealing with if you want to address this. They are equipped with the knowledge and know-how to thoroughly clean and repair your rug without creating any harm.

How To Clean Rugs Safely?

Prepare The Rug For Cleaning: Move all furniture or other items from the rug’s area before you begin washing. By doing this, you’ll have unhindered access to the whole space and shield it from harm. To get rid of loose dirt and debris, take the rug outdoors and shake it gently.

Vacuuming: To get rid of ingrained dirt and dust, thoroughly vacuum your rug using a vacuum with a brush attachment. Work your way from one end of the pile to the other, the opposite of the pile’s direction. Continue doing this until all the dirt is removed, then stop.

Clean Spills and Stains: To stop stains and spills from setting in, quickly clean them up. To soak up as much moisture as you can, blot that area with a fresh cloth or paper towel. Rub gently instead of rubbing, which could spread the mark or harm the rug’s fibres. Refer to the relevant stain removal instructions for the most effective cleaning approach for specific stains, such as liquor or pet accidents.

Choose the best cleaning technique: The kind of rug and its particular cleaning instructions will determine the cleaning technique you use. Usually, there are three widely used techniques:

1. Dry cleaning: suitable for rugs with natural fibres or those that are sensitive. Sprinkle baking soda or a dry rug cleaner over the rug’s area. After letting it sit for a specified amount of time, vacuum it up.

2. Steam Cleaning: Suitable for synthetic rugs with stains and deep-seated filth.  To set up the machine and use the proper cleaning solution, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. Making sure it doesn’t get oversaturated, thoroughly steam clean the rug.

3. Washing with hands: Gently stir the rug in the water while being careful not to rub or twist it too much. Completely rinse the rug, then squeeze out any extra water. On a flat surface, let it air dry or hang it with the right support.

Drying: Drying the rug completely after cleaning is essential to preventing the growth of mould and mildew. The rug can either be hung up to dry in an airy space or laid flat on a clean, dry surface. As it may cause fading, avoid direct sunlight. Before putting the rug back where it belongs, make sure it is entirely dry.

Routine Maintenance: Follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep your rug fresh and clean. To get rid of dirt and particles on the surface, vacuum the area at least once every week. Clean up spills and stains right away to stop them from settling in. To reduce slippage and save your flooring, think about placing rug mats under your rugs.

Conclusion:

Along with the common rug cleaning mistakes to avoid and how to fix them, here we have discussed how to clean rugs safely. It’s important to clean rugs properly to preserve their appearance and increase their lifespan. You can make sure your rugs stay in outstanding condition by avoiding typical cleaning blunders including using too much water, scrubbing harshly, skipping routine vacuuming, putting off professional cleaning, and utilizing the incorrect cleaning procedures. You may get a cleaner, healthier, and more durable rug by using the suggestions given. Always remember that it is advisable to seek advice from a qualified rug cleaner if you are unsure.