6 Mistakes To Avoid on Carpet Cleaning And Rug Cleaning
You want to avoid a few mistakes when cleaning your carpets or rugs. These mistakes will prolong the amount of time it takes to clean your carpets or rugs, but they could also damage them in the process. Here are six of the most common mistakes people make when cleaning their carpets and rugs:
1. Not Vacuuming Enough
One of the most critical steps in carpet and rug cleaning is vacuuming. Before you start deep-cleaning your carpets, it’s important to vacuum them thoroughly. Make sure to vacuum thoroughly before you begin cleaning, and be sure to vacuum again after you’re finished to remove any leftover dirt or cleaning solution. If you don’t do this, your carpet or rug may end up with a lot of static electricity that can cause it to shed fibers. If you’re worried about the amount of dust and dirt that will come off during vacuuming, use a carpet and rug vacuum with a HEPA filter. This will remove all of the loose dirt and dust, which will make the cleaning process much easier and faster. You can see a range of vacuum cleaners for sale here if you are considering upgrading for a better standard of cleaning!
2. Not Preparing Your Carpets Before Cleaning
Carpet cleaning can be messy and difficult to get through, but if you take some simple steps before cleaning, the process will go much more smoothly. For instance, permanently remove valuables from carpets before you begin cleaning them with chemicals or steam. If you’re cleaning a wall-to-wall rug, cover it with a plastic bag before you start.
3. Not Testing Your Cleaning Solutions
You can buy pre-tested cleaning solutions that have been proven to work with certain types of carpets, but these products can be pretty expensive if you use them sparingly. It’s much more cost-effective to test your cleaners as part of the cleaning process and then use them. If you don’t know what type of carpet your rugs are made from, try testing the product on a sample first to ensure it will work for your specific needs.
4. Using the Wrong Cleaning Solution
If you’re going to use a cleaning solution, make sure you don’t use one that is too strong for your carpet. Some acids are hard on synthetic fibers and can cause them to break down, whereas detergents can be too harsh for wool carpets. Also, if you are using a solid ammonia-based product, be sure not to mix it with other products like mineral spirits or steel wool. Mixing spray cleaners with other products creates toxic fumes that could burn your lungs and cause breathing problems. Many people mistake using too strong of a cleaning solution when they’re cleaning their carpets or rugs. This can damage the fibers and leave your carpets or rugs looking dull and lifeless. Instead, opt for a milder solution that won’t damage your carpets or rugs.
5. Not Choosing the Right Cleaning Tools
When it comes to cleaning rugs and carpets, you need the right tools. Make sure to choose cleaning tools that are strong enough to move dirt and stains but soft enough to leave your carpet or rug in good condition. You should also make sure your devices won’t cause any damage if they happen to fall on a hard surface area. When scrubbing your carpets or rugs, be sure to use gentle motions. Cleaning too hard will damage the fibers and make it more difficult to remove all the dirt and stains.
6. Not Using Adequate Lighting
Cleaning a carpet or rug can be complicated if you don’t have adequate lighting. If possible, try moving furniture and turning lights on both in the room and in adjoining rooms to have an acceptable source of light when cleaning is complete. Spills and stains can be hard to spot in low light, so it’s best to have enough light to see where you’re cleaning. Never let your wet carpets or rugs dry in the sun. The sun’s UV rays can damage the fibers and cause them to fade. Instead, opt for a shady spot or use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
In conclusion, avoiding these six mistakes will help you clean your carpets or rugs more efficiently and prolong their lifespan. Vacuuming, using the right cleaning solution, scrubbing gently, rinsing thoroughly, drying in the shade, and using carpet protectors are vital to keeping your carpets or rugs looking new.
