5 Rug Cleaning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Rugs make great prized additions to homes- they provide comfort, color and texture to the living rooms. However, it takes more than a quick vacuum or a splash of cleaner to keep them clean and not damaged. Between simple mishaps and disasters of deep cleaning, most homeowners end up reducing the lifespan of the rugs they have by using the wrong cleaning methods. Knowing these pitfalls is the most important thing in ensuring that your rugs stay bright even after many years.
Use of the Wrong Cleaning Products
Homeowners usually commit one of the greatest errors of applying harsh chemicals or detergents that are not designed to be applied on rugs. Such products have the ability to remove natural fibers, make it discolor, them or leave sticky residues that attract more dirt. Particularly, it is the issue of the rugs of natural fabrics such as wool, jute, or sisal.
Alternatively, always check the labels on the products and buy cleaners that are safe for the fibers and dyes on the rugs. In case of doubt, refer to the UK's leading natural rugs specialist, who will suggest mild, environmentally friendly options that will preserve the quality of the texture and color of your rug.
Over-Wetting Your Rug
Deep cleaning is significant, but excessive water may harm rather than help. The surplus moisture leaks into the support and padding, causing the formation of mold, contraction of fibers and irregularities in the surface.
To prevent this, do not ever fill up your rug. Minimal water should be used in spot cleaning and it should be blotted dry using clean towels. In case of bigger cleanings, it is better to hire professional cleaners or use steam cleaning with delicate materials.
Disregarding the Significance of Vacuuming Direction
It is so common to think that you can vacuum your carpet in any direction and get a complete clean-up, which is not always true. The pulling or fraying of the weave of natural fibers can be caused by vacuuming across or against the weave. In addition, rough vacuum cleaning in which a heavy vacuum is used can pick up fibers, leaving your carpet looking old before its time.
The appropriate procedure is to vacuum against the pile of the rug. With high-pile or shaggy rugs, a suction-only with no beater bar is used. Vacuuming once or twice per week will eliminate dirt on the surface and will assist in keeping a fresh and even texture.
Forgetting about Regular Rotation and Sun Protection
Unless your rug is rotated, it will definitely fade and wear in uneven ways in a sunny spot or an area with heavy foot traffic. Ultraviolet light may lead to loss of color, particularly in natural-dyed carpets, and heavy traffic will squeeze fiber in one area and not in the other.
You should turn your rug two or three times every six months, so that it is evenly worn and exposed. Also, cover all windows with blinds/curtains to keep out the intense sunlight during the best time and window UV protective window films in case your rug is directly facing a large window.
Possessing to Remove Stains Immediately
One of the simplest methods to destroy an otherwise clean rug is to delay the process of removing the stain. Liquids such as wine, coffee and juice are absorbed easily in fibers and the longer the time they remain in fabrics, the more difficult they will be to clean. There are even some stain removal products that make the problem worse when applied to the material of the rug.
Always act promptly. Blot- not rub- wipe with a cloth towel to dry out surplus liquid and then treat the part. To remove hard stains, add a little bit of white vinegar to water or a pH-balanced rug cleaner. The first thing to do when testing any solution is to do it in a place where it will not be noticed, so that it does not change the color or texture.
Bonus Tip: Trust Professional Cleaning
Although it is necessary to take care of your house, it is possible to change the life of your rug by hiring professional help at least once a year. Professionals possess specialized tools and machinery that remove deep-rooted dirt and still maintain the integrity of the fiber. They also have an opportunity to reapply fiber protectors, which prevent future stains and wear.
Conclusion
Rugs are beautiful things that should be taken care of to continue appearing as beautiful as they were when they were bought. Simple tips to prevent typical cleaning errors such as over-wetting, harsh cleaning products, or treating stains too late, would make a permanent difference in the beauty and the hygiene of your home. Safe cleaning techniques, regular rotation, and professional assistance in needy situations will help keep your rug a piece that is comforting and stylish, and will serve as a focal piece in a few more years.
