Carpets and rugs can last for years and may even go beyond their expected lifespan if you treat them well.
Cleaning rugs and carpets is relatively easy, thanks to the many cleaning solutions you can find online. However, cleaning is just one part of how to maintain them properly. You might have developed bad habits causing rapid wear and tear to your floor coverings.
So, if you want to stop ruining your rugs and carpets even more and avoid replacing them sooner than you expected, read on to learn the bad habits you should ditch so your floor coverings can last as long as possible.
Table of Contents
1. Eating & Drinking
One of the reasons why many homeowners rely on rug and carpet restoration services is because of stains and spills that come from food and drinks. This usually happens when you eat and drink over your floor coverings.
Even a tiny piece of food crumbs or wine stain can make your rugs and carpets look tarnished and old. So, it’s best if you prohibit eating and drinking in areas with carpets or rugs.
2. Scrubbing Too Hard
You’re mistaken if you think scrubbing your carpeting hard allows for thorough cleaning.
By scrubbing carpets vigorously, you are pushing stain molecules deeper into their fibers which causes premature deterioration. Aside from that, you may also end up damaging the carpet fibers altogether. This is especially true if you scrub them often, which causes the fibers to wear out quickly.
Instead of using a scrub, use a clean piece of cloth or sponge and rub it gently on the stains or marks on your carpet to avoid damaging it.
3. Walking With Your Shoes On
Walking with your shoes on inside the house invites different kinds of dirt, debris, and bacteria into your home. Aside from the potential health hazards that these things can cause, they can also cause irreparable damage to your rugs and carpets, ultimately affecting the aesthetic appeal of your house’s interior.
To avoid this from happening, implement a strict rule requiring everyone to leave their shoes, boots, or sandals before entering your house. Be sure to place doormats at all entry points in your home.
Although taking shoes off might be inconvenient for everyone, this ensures that mud and dirt are always left outside.
4. Not Vacuuming Regularly
Regularly vacuuming rugs and carpets can help extend their lifespan. A vacuum can remove the accumulated dirt and dust on the floor coverings. According to this FAQ, you should aim to vacuum your rugs and carpets at least once a week to help reduce signs of fading and deterioration. And if you have pets, you’ll need to clean your rugs and carpets at least twice a week.
If you want it to stay intact, you must be consistent in vacuuming your carpeting. Avoid cleaning your vacuum when you only notice dirt and debris on your rugs and carpets.
A considerable amount of dirt, dust, oil, stains, and debris are always deposited on your floor coverings on a daily basis. These things will seep into the carpet fibers, which causes your carpeting to look dirty and worn.
5. Not Cleaning Stains & Spills Right Away
Neglecting to clean stains and spills on rugs or carpets is a habit you must ditch. The longer you let these things stay on your floor coverings, the harder it’ll be for you to clean up the mess. As a result, you may end up using unconventional cleaning methods, such as scrubbing too hard to clean them up.
Ensure that you use the proper cleaning solution for stains and spills. Also, avoid over-saturating the stain with a cleaning product. The more you apply, the harder it’ll be for you to remove it. Leaving extra cleaner on the carpet will only attract dirt, making the stain more visible.
To avoid this, read the label first on the cleaning product you’re about to use and follow its instructions. Also, when buying cleaning products, ensure you know the type of rugs and carpets you own, so you can choose one that’s appropriate for them.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your rugs and carpets is a relatively easy thing to do. However, it requires you to have some basic knowledge and discipline to ditch the above habits that can cause harm to your valuable floor coverings. Also, remember to have them cleaned by a professional at least once or twice a year to keep them healthy and safe.
