Area rugs are more than just floor coverings; they add warmth, personality, and texture to any room. However, maintaining their beauty and longevity requires proper care. While cleaning your area rugs at home might seem cost-effective, many homeowners make common mistakes that can damage their rugs over time. Understanding these pitfalls can save you from costly repairs or replacements.

At Costikyan, we specialize in professional area rug cleaning and rug padding services, ensuring your rugs remain pristine. This guide highlights common mistakes to avoid when cleaning area rugs and offers tips for proper care.

Mistake #1: Skipping Regular Maintenance

Neglecting routine maintenance is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Dust, dirt, and debris accumulate in rug fibers, leading to wear and discoloration. Regular vacuuming is essential to prevent dirt from embedding deeply into the rug.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Vacuum your rug at least once a week, using a low-suction setting for delicate materials.
• Shake out smaller rugs outdoors to remove loose dirt.
• Rotate your rug every few months to ensure even wear.



Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Not all cleaning products are safe for rugs. Harsh chemicals or inappropriate detergents can strip natural oils, cause discoloration, or weaken fibers.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire rug.
• Use mild, pH-balanced cleaners explicitly designed for rugs.

Mistake #3: Over-Wetting the Rug

Excessive water during cleaning can lead to long drying times, mold growth, and damage to the rug’s backing. This mistake is particularly harmful to rugs with natural fibers or intricate patterns.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Use minimal water and blot rather than soak stains.
• Avoid fully immersing your rug unless explicitly recommended for its material.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Stains

Allowing spills or stains to sit for too long can result in permanent damage. Many homeowners mistakenly rub the stain, pushing it deeper into the fibers and spreading the mess.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth.
• Use a gentle stain remover, working from the outside to avoid spreading.
• For stubborn stains, opt for professional cleaning to prevent further damage.

Mistake #5: Using Excessive Force

Aggressively scrubbers rugs may seem effective, but it can fray fibers, distort patterns, and weaken the rug’s structure.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Be gentle when cleaning or removing stains.
• Use soft-bristle brushes or sponges for delicate materials.

Mistake #6: Neglecting Rug Padding

Many homeowners overlook the importance of rug padding, which protects the rug and the flooring underneath. Rugs are more prone to slipping, bunching, and wear without proper padding.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Invest in high-quality rug padding services to keep your rug securely in place.
• Choose padding tailored to your rug’s size, material, and the type of flooring in your home.
• Replace worn-out padding to maintain its effectiveness.

Mistake #7: Cleaning Without Knowing the Rug’s Material

Different rug materials require specific cleaning methods. Treating a silk rug like a synthetic one, for example, can result in irreversible damage.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Identify your rug’s material by checking the label or consulting an expert.
• Research cleaning techniques suited to your rug type.

Mistake #8: Drying Rugs Improperly

Improper drying can lead to odors, mold, and mildew. Hanging rugs in direct sunlight may fade their colors while drying them flat on a surface can trap moisture.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Air-dry rugs in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Use fans to speed up the drying process.
• Avoid laying wet rugs on hardwood or carpeted floors to prevent damage.

Mistake #9: Skipping Professional Cleaning

While home cleaning is essential, it’s not a substitute for professional care. Over time, dirt and allergens accumulate deep within rug fibers, requiring specialized equipment to remove them.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Schedule professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months, depending on usage and foot traffic.

Mistake #10: Not Protecting Rugs from Furniture

Heavy furniture can leave indentations on rugs or cause uneven wear. Dragging furniture across rugs can also tear or distort fibers.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Use furniture pads or coasters to distribute weight evenly.
• Rearrange furniture periodically to prevent permanent indentations.
• Invest in durable rug padding to protect both the rug and flooring.

Mistake #11: Failing to Address Odors

Rugs can absorb odors from pets, spills, and smoke. Masking the smell with sprays doesn’t solve the underlying issue.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Use baking soda to neutralize odors; sprinkle it on the rug, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it off.
• For persistent odors, consult professional cleaners like Costikyan.

Tips for Proper Area Rug Care

Now that you know what not to do, here are some best practices for maintaining your rugs:

Vacuum Carefully

Use a vacuum with adjustable suction settings to avoid damaging delicate fibers. For fringe edges, avoid vacuuming directly over them.

Spot Test Cleaners

Always test cleaning solutions on a small area to ensure they won’t harm the rug’s material or colors.

Protect High-Traffic Areas

Place runners or mats in high-traffic zones to reduce wear on larger rugs.

Use Rug Pads

Enhance your rug’s durability and comfort with professional rug padding services.

Rotate Regularly

Rotate your rug every few months to prevent uneven wear from sunlight and foot traffic.

Why Choose Costikyan for Rug Care?

At Costikyan, we have decades of experience caring for rugs of all types and materials. Our team offers expert cleaning, restoration, and padding services to ensure your rugs remain beautiful and functional. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Tailored Solutions: Whether you need stain removal, deep cleaning, or specialized rug padding services, we customize our approach to meet your rug’s needs.
• State-of-the-Art Techniques: We use advanced equipment and eco-friendly products to achieve outstanding results.
• Preservation Expertise: We treat every rug with the utmost care, from heirloom pieces to modern designs.
• Convenience: Keeping your rugs clean has never been easier with our pickup and delivery services.

Conclusion

Cleaning area rugs at home can be daunting, especially if you’re unaware of the common mistakes that could damage them. By avoiding these pitfalls and following best practices, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your rugs. However, professional area rug cleaning services are indispensable for optimal care.