Want to know what area rug cleaning mistakes in Singapore? Many years ago, area rugs were used as a form of insulation in cold climates to keep rooms nice and warm. Today, area rugs are a crucial part of interior design. They are widely used, even in tropical climates, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room.

However, day-to-day life in a regular home includes children who track in dirt and spill food, pets who shed fur, and if nothing else, dust that accumulates and settles on rugs. Therefore, proper area rug cleaning and maintenance is key when it comes to keeping a clean and healthy home.

There are several ways you can go about getting your area rug cleaning done. One is to hire a professional cleaning service who will come over with their supplies and machinery and do the job. However, the much simpler and cheaper option would be to do it yourself.

While the process is quite simple, it’s important to make sure that you do not end up ruining your rug. Avoid these area rug cleaning mistakes, and you are well on your way to doing your area rug cleaning at a fraction of the cost of professional cleaning service!

1. WASHING AREA RUGS THAT ARE EXTREMELY DELICATE

Do not use this method to clean extremely delicate rugs like Persian rugs, antiques, or tufted high-pile rugs.

2. PICKING A SPOT WHERE THERE IS NO SPACE FOR WATER RUNOFF

Before doing anything, pick the right spot where there is space for the water to drain off. The last thing you need is your precious rug in a pool of dirty water.

3. VACUUMING ONLY THE SURFACE OF THE RUG

The first step in area rug cleaning is to thoroughly vacuum the rug to remove floating debris. Vacuuming both sides thoroughly will make the cleaning process a whole lot easier.

4. FAILURE TO TEST FOR COLORFASTNESS

The next step is to prepare a cleaning solution. Some prefer to purchase a dedicated carpet cleaning shampoo, while others may use anything from washing powder to dish soap, or a combination of products. Whichever method you use, it is important to always test for colorfastness. To do this, apply your cleaning solution onto a small portion of the carpet. Brush the rug to ensure that no color will seep out.

5. AGITATING POORLY

Agitation is a critical step in area rug cleaning. Professional cleaning companies have dedicated machinery for this, but unfortunately, this is where some serious elbow grease is needed if you are going the DIY route. However, if scrubbing away with a brush does not appeal to you, you can always opt for a drill brush where the drill would do the scrubbing for you.

6. LEAVING CLEANING PRODUCT RESIDUE ON THE RUG

The next step would be to rinse off the dirt and cleaning product. A high-pressure water gun would go a long way in speeding up the process. However, you could always use a hose and a squeegee to do the job as well. Whichever you use, ensure that you rinse off every last bit of the cleaning solution. Soap and chemical residue are like a dirt-magnet. Any floating dust particles will stick to soap residue making all your efforts in vain.

7. PLACING THE CARPET INSIDE BEFORE IT HAS DRIED PROPERLY

To avoid a moldy rug, ensure that you completely dry both sides of the carpet before replacing it. If you own a wet and dry vacuum, use the damp vacuum setting to vacuum both sides of the carpet. If not, sun-dry on both sides thoroughly to ensure every last bit of water has evaporated.

Avoid these 7 common mistakes the next time you do your area rug cleaning, and enjoy a fresh-smelling and wonderfully clean area rug!