Rugs are more than just things to walk on; they make your home more comfortable, colourful, and unique. Taking care of your rug will not only prolong its lifespan but also keep it looking great, whether it’s Hallway Runners, a Kitchen Rugs, or a cosy Living Room Rugs. Washing is an important part of rug care, but many homeowners don’t realise that they are making mistakes that can damage their rugs instead of cleaning them.
This guide will show you the most common mistakes people make when washing their rugs. We’ll talk about common rug materials like polypropylene and polyester, as well as common backings like gel back, rubber back, and jute back. If you don’t make these mistakes, your rugs will last longer and your home will be cleaner and healthier.
Using the Wrong Tools to Clean
People often use bleach or other strong chemicals on rugs, which is a bad idea. These may seem like they work for stains, but they can:
- Make patterns and colors less bright.
- Weaken the fibers in rugs, especially those made of polyester or polypropylene.
- Damage to gel or rubber backs can cause cracks or peeling.
👉 Instead, use a mild detergent or a cleaner that is safe for carpets. Mixing white vinegar and water is a simple home remedy that can clean spots without damaging the material.
Cleaning the Rug Too Often
You don’t have to wash rugs as deeply or as often as you do clothes. Washing too much can:
- Make the rug not fit right.
- Weaken the backing made of latex or gel.
- Make fibers less able to last for a long time.
The best way to keep your rugs clean is to vacuum them often to get rid of dirt and dust. Only wash them when you really need to, like when you see stains, smell something bad, or need to do a deep cleaning for the season
Not Paying Attention to the Rug Material
Various rugs are made in different ways. For instance:
- Polypropylene Rugs are strong and water-resistant and can be washed gently, but they can melt or change shape when they get too hot.
- Polyester Rugs are soft and don’t get stains, but scrubbing them too hard can hurt their pile.
- If you leave Jute Back Rugs wet, they might get mouldy.
- Non Slip Rugs with rubber or gel backing may crack if they are placed in an overheated dryer.
Tip: Before cleaning, always check what the rug is made of and follow the care instructions that are right for the fibers and backing.
Avoid Soaking the Rug with Too Much Water
Excessive soaking in an attempt to clean the dirt in the rug is ineffective and counterproductive, as the process usually causes more harm than good.
- Water is easily absorbed by the jute backings, which can promote the growth of mould and mildew.
- Sustained exposure to moisture causes the gel and rubber backings to become loose and peel over time.
- Excessive moisture can also cause a rug to lose its shape by making the rug heavy.
👉 Instead of soaking the rug, a damp scrub or low-water cycle wash is more effective
Scrubbing Too Hard
It’s tempting to grab a brush when faced with a stubborn stain. Unfortunately, this will:
- Cause damage to rugs made from polypropylene and polyester.
- Ruin and make the pile fuzzy and matted.
- Make the colour, vibrancy and pattern design less strong.
👉 Blot, don’t scrub stains. Instead, use a soft cloth, sponge, or a soft-bristle brush to lift the stain.
Using Hot Water
Heat is not a friend to synthetic rugs. Using hot water can:
- Melt or bend polypropylene fibers.
- Damage gel and rubber backings.
- Some rugs vanishingly shrink, making them fit improperly.
👉 The right way to wash rugs is to always use cold or lukewarm water. This will keep the fibers and backings safe.
Putting Rugs in the Dryer
Dryers can save time, but they can also ruin rugs:
- Under high heat, gel and rubber backs can crack or peel.
- Rugs can get smaller, curl up, or lose their grip on the floor.
- The fibers might get rough and frayed.
👉The best way to go about it: Put your rugs in a shady spot and let them air dry flat. Put them on a drying rack or hang them outside, but don’t let them get too much sun to keep them from fading.
Not Remembering to Vacuum Before Washing
Another common mistake is washing a rug without first vacuuming it. If there is still dust, pet hair, or crumbs on the rug, they can:
- When mixed with water, it turns into mud.
- Stop washing machines from working.
- Make cleaning less useful.
Tip: Always vacuum your rug well before washing it to get rid of any loose dirt.
Putting the Washing Machine in the Wrong Setting
Some of the settings on a washing machine aren’t safe for rugs. Aggressive spin cycles can:
- Hurt soft backs.
- Make the rug not look or fit right.
- Make the fibers rough.
If you can wash it in a machine, use the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water.
Not Keeping Up with Regular Maintenance
The biggest mistake isn’t washing, but waiting too long. When rugs stay dirty for months, stains and smells build up, which makes them harder to clean.
To keep your rugs looking new, vacuum them often, spot clean them, and wash them thoroughly every now and then.
How to Take Care of Different Types of Backings:
Rugs with Gel Back:
- Don’t use too much water.
- Let it air dry.
- It’s a good idea to wash gently.
Rugs with a Rubber Back:
- Don’t use hot water or heat.
- Do not use harsh soaps.
- Wash them gently to make them last longer. They are great for hallways and kitchens.
Rugs with a Jute Back:
- Don’t get wet.
- Wipe up spots with a wet cloth.
- Keep them dry to stop mould from growing.
It doesn’t have to be hard to clean your rug, but if you do it wrong, it might not last as long. You can keep your Washable Rugs looking new by not making common mistakes like using hot water, scrubbing them too hard, washing them too much, or using harsh chemicals.
Before you clean your hallway runner, carpet runner, or Dining Area Rug, always think about what it’s made of and what it’s backed with. Rugs made of polypropylene and polyester with gel, rubber, or jute backs are strong, but they still need to be cared for properly to last for a long time.
Rugs can make your home look better and feel better. They will last a long time and make your space look better if you take care of them.
Leave a Reply