When properly maintained, your carpet will improve the look and feel of your home interior. However, many homeowners don't know how to correctly clean their carpeted floors, which can result in stains, damage, or premature wearing. Learn more about some common cleaning mistakes below to keep your floor looking new.

What Carpet Cleaning Errors Should You Avoid?

1. Waiting to Clean

After a spill, your carpet will soak up the mess. If you let the stain set before trying to remove it, the liquid will absorb deep into your carpet fibers and into the padding beneath, resulting in permanent marks and even mold growth.

2. Scrubbing Stains Too Hard

Many homeowners believe in vigorous rubbing to remove stubborn stains. While that might seem logical, the discoloration will only go deeper into the carpet. Hard scrubbing can also damage the fibers, causing them to twist, fade, or fray. Instead of scrubbing, try to blot the spill, gently removing it.

3. Forgetting to Test Your Cleaning Supplies

Many different materials make up your carpet fibers, and each material requires a particular cleaning agent and procedure. For this reason, don't buy the most potent product with a one-size-fits-all approach. Spot test your cleaning solution before committing to cleaning the entire surface.

4. Over-Wetting the Spill Area

Over-wetting happens when excessive water soaks into the carpet's base layer. If the padding gets wet, it'll be hard to dry it, and you'll risk mold and mildew growth. When cleaning, never add additional water. Instead, use a damp towel and apply pressure on the spot until it absorbs the liquid.

5. Never Calling a Professional

As time passes, your carpet will accumulate dirt, debris, odors, and various stains. For that reason, carpet manufacturers recommend yearly professional cleaning. With the proper equipment and expert knowledge, they'll make sure your carpet looks just as good as the day you bought it.

If your carpet is beyond repair, purchase a new one from Thayer Decorating Center in Oregon County, MO. Also serving clients throughout Hardy, Cherokee Village, and Ash Flat, AR, these flooring specialists have a variety of flooring options to ensure there’s one that’ll fit your home decor. Visit their website or call (417) 264-7773 for more information about their products.