Although vacuuming regularly will remove surface dirt from area rugs, it’s best to enlist professionals for more aggressive treatments to get rid of stains and allergens embedded in fibers. From using the wrong products to scrubbing too hard, there are several ways do-it-yourself rug cleaning methods can do more harm than good. Here is a brief guide to a few care techniques that should be avoided.

3 Common Rug Cleaning Practices That Will Ruin Your Investment

1. Excessive Scrubbing to Remove Spots

If you see a wet spot on the rug, you might be tempted to vigorously scrub the area to dissolve the spill. Excessive scrubbing could cause the particles to spread and create an even larger stain. Scrubbing the rug with abrasive cleaning products could also fray the fibers. To prevent the moisture from spreading, blot the area lightly with a towel to soak up the liquid before applying chemicals. 

2. Saturating Stains With Bleach

Bleach is a powerful hydrogen peroxide-based product that’s often used to remove grime from bathroom and kitchen surfaces. When removing dirt from fabric, however, the chemical also dissolves pigment. Soaking dark rugs with bleach should be avoided, as it will discolor the fibers. If you need to remove a stain from a white or beige rug, make sure to dilute the bleach first. One cup of bleach should be paired with a gallon of water to prevent damage when cleaning a rug.

3. Not Allowing Enough Drying Time

After you deep clean a rug, it’s important to wait at least a few hours before walking on the floor covering or placing furniture on top of it. If the fibers don’t have ample time to air-dry, water could get trapped in the knots, fringe, and other parts of the rug. The moist conditions could cause mold to form, which could compromise the health of everyone in the space.

If you need experienced professionals to care for the rugs and carpets on your property, America’s Best Cleaning & Restoration Services in La Crosse, WI, is available to help. The technicians will remove carpet stains, provide pet odor removal, and do anything else needed to improve the quality of your flooring and keep germs out of your space. To schedule rug cleaning in La Crosse County, call (608) 782-6995, or visit them online to learn more about their services.