Common Rug Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Frequent vacuuming can keep rugs looking good most of the time. However, every now and then, they need to be cleaned. If you are performing your own rug cleaning, you need to avoid these common cleaning mistakes.
Getting the carpet too wet
Over-saturating a rug can make the backing wet. And in some cases, it may never dry properly, which can result in mold and rot setting in. Getting the top fibers too wet can also be damaging, especially for wool, which results in discoloration.
What to do instead
Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean rugs. If there is water dripping from the cloth or sponge, then it is too wet. If you accidentally get the rug too wet, blot the area using either a dry towel or a paper towel.
Scrubbing instead of blotting
Scrubbing rug fibers can often damage them, especially if you use brushes that have hard bristles. If scrubbing untwists the fibers, the rug could end up fraying. Scrubbing can also force dirt deeper into the fibers. Making it even harder to clean.
What to do instead
Marks on rugs must always be blotted with a cloth or sponge. Gentle rubbing is acceptable. However, if the mark fails to lift, never resort to scrubbing. Instead, call in a professional. Note: never use a colored cloth, or it may transfer color.
Using the wrong carpet cleaner
The wrong cleaning solution can often cause irreversible damage to your rug. For example, some cleaners can only be used on synthetic rugs, while others are designed for natural fibers such as wool.
What to do instead
Make sure you know what the rug is made of; this makes it easier to find a cleaning solution that suits it best. If you are not sure, use a mild, all-purpose cleaner, but do some research beforehand.
If you would like to make an appointment with a professional rug cleaning company, please contact A Plus Carpet Cleaning at (209) 614-1674 now if you live in the Modesto, CA region.