Posts

Rug Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

/in /by

Rugs add warmth, color, and comfort to any room, but keeping them clean can be a challenge. While it’s important to maintain rugs regularly to preserve their beauty and longevity, there are common mistakes that many people make during the cleaning process. Avoiding these pitfalls can help ensure your rugs remain in great condition for years to come. Here are some rug cleaning mistakes to avoid:

Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
One of the most common mistakes is using inappropriate cleaning products on your rugs. Harsh chemicals and bleach can damage rug fibers and fade colors. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and use cleaning solutions specifically designed for the type of rug you own. For natural fiber rugs like wool or silk, opt for gentle, pH-balanced cleaners.

Over-Wetting the Rug
Applying too much water to your rug can lead to a host of problems, including mold and mildew growth. When cleaning, use minimal water and ensure the rug dries completely afterward. Over-wetting can also cause dyes to bleed and fibers to weaken, compromising the rug’s structural integrity.

Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Waiting until your rug looks dirty to clean it is a mistake. Regular maintenance, including vacuuming and spot cleaning, is essential to prevent dirt and debris from becoming embedded in the fibers. Vacuum your rugs weekly to remove surface dirt and prevent buildup. Address spills and stains immediately to avoid permanent damage.

Using Improper Vacuum Techniques
Improper vacuuming can damage rug fibers. Avoid using vacuums with aggressive brush rolls on delicate rugs, as they can cause fraying and wear. Instead, use a vacuum with a gentle suction setting or a handheld vacuum for more control. Always vacuum in the direction of the rug fibers to prevent damage.

Ignoring Professional Cleaning
While regular home cleaning is important, professional cleaning is essential for maintaining your rug’s longevity. Many people neglect to have their rugs professionally cleaned, which can lead to a buildup of dirt, allergens, and stains that home cleaning methods can’t fully remove. Aim to have your rugs professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.

Scrubbing Stains Aggressively
When a stain occurs, the instinct might be to scrub it vigorously. However, this can push the stain deeper into the fibers and damage the rug’s texture. Instead, blot stains gently with a clean, white cloth, working from the outside in to prevent spreading. Use a mild cleaning solution and blot until the stain is removed.

Avoiding these common rug cleaning mistakes will help keep your rugs looking their best and extend their lifespan. By using the right cleaning products, practicing regular maintenance, and seeking professional cleaning when needed, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of your rugs for years to come.

How to Care for Fine Rugs

/in /by

how to get dents out of rugs

If you know how to care for fine rugs, you can enjoy them for a lifetime—and beyond! Persian, Oriental, antique, and handmade rugs require regular maintenance to keep them looking beautiful as they age. By following a few basic care routines, you can protect your fine rug’s value and enhance its beauty for many years to come. These rugs may even become family heirlooms that not only you, but your children and grandchildren will treasure.

Environmental Considerations

Fine rugs should not be exposed to constant direct sunlight, damp environments, or excessive heat. Keep rugs in climate and humidity-controlled rooms to prevent rot and decay, and use blinds or curtains to prevent sunlight from gradually fading the vibrant colors of your rugs. Never place your fine rug too close to a fireplace or heat source, as constant or excessive heat can cause drying-out and weakening of the natural fibers.

Vacuuming

Fine rugs should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt, debris, and microscopic mold spores and other toxins. If the regular maintenance is not done, contaminants will build up over time to give your rug a dirty, yellowed, or dingy appearance.

Stains

Stains and spills do happen, but it is imperative that you do not use any cleaning agent on your fine rugs that might damage the fibers or bleach out the colors. If you have care instructions from the manufacturer or merchant, follow the directions for spot cleaning. Many stains can be tackled with a mixture of water and mild dish soap. But when in doubt, call in the experts!

Insects

Some insects like to burrow in and/or eat the natural fibers in fine rugs. In particular, moths can be a nuisance since they like to lay their eggs in the close-knit fibers. When their larvae hatch, they will go to work devouring your rug. To prevent this disaster from happening to your rugs, stay on top of regular vacuuming and don’t leave your fine rugs in dark storage areas without double-layer plastic protection.

Protect the Back

We don’t often think of rug backings as something that needs to be protected. We’re more interested in the beautiful top side of the rug—the part we can see! But the bottom of your rug can become damaged from wear and tear, too. To protect the backs of your rugs, make sure they are placed on smooth floor surfaces—never on rough-hewn stone or brick, for instance. You can also use non-slip mats underneath your rugs to both protect them and keep them from sliding out of position, bunching up, or causing a tripping hazard. Five Step carries Duo-Lock rug pads to prolong the life of your rug and prevent unwanted movement.

Professional Cleaning

Fine rugs should be sent to a professional rug cleaner every five years or so. At Five Step Carpet Care, we give your Persian and Oriental rugs a luxurious spa treatment and return them to you refreshed and revitalized. Learn more about our rug-cleaning process.

 

We would love to be your trusted source for fine rug cleaning! If you live in the Asheville, NC area, give us a call at 828.237.3237 or drop us a line today!