Avoid These 4 Common Mistakes: The Risks Of DIY Oriental Rug Cleaning

Posted on: 13 January 2023

Do-it-yourself, DIY projects can be a great way to save money, but when cleaning your Oriental rug, it is essential to know the risks. This article will delve into the potential risks of DIY Oriental rug cleaning and discuss what should be avoided.  

1. Using Harsh Chemicals

One of the biggest dangers of DIY oriental rug cleaning is the use of harsh chemicals. Many store-bought rug cleaning products contain chemicals that can damage your rug's fibers. 

These chemicals can cause discoloration, fading, and even weakening of the fibers, leading to a shorter lifespan for your rug. Instead of harsh chemicals, a professional oriental rug cleaning service will use a pH-balanced solution that is safe for your rug.

2. Using Damaging Brushes

Another thing to avoid is using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or power brush. These attachments can be too rough on the fibers of your oriental rug and can cause damage, especially if the rug is old or delicate. Vacuum cleaners with suction only are recommended, or a professional cleaner that uses specialized equipment.

3. Drying Improperly

If a rug is not dried correctly after cleaning, it can lead to mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew thrive in warm and humid environments, and if your rug is not dried properly, the moisture can become trapped in the fibers, providing the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can not only damage the rug, but it can also create an unpleasant musty odor and can be a health hazard.

In addition to mold and mildew growth, improper drying can lead to discoloration and fading. Dye migration can occur when there is still moisture in the rug fibers, and the dyes can bleed into each other, causing discoloration.

4. Avoiding Stains 

Some types of stains, such as pet urine or red wine, require special attention and may need to be treated with specific cleaning solutions. 

These types of stains can be challenging to remove, and if not treated properly, they can cause damage to your rug. Pet urine, for example, can cause discoloration, weakening of the fibers, and foul odors if not treated promptly.

A professional cleaner will use special cleaning solutions to neutralize the odor and remove the stains caused by pet urine. They will also use specialized equipment to extract the urine and moisture from the rug fibers to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Similarly, red wine stains can cause discoloration and be challenging to remove. A professional cleaner will use specialized cleaning solutions that can break down the tannins in the wine and remove the stains without damaging the rug fibers. They will also use specialized equipment to extract the moisture and stains from the rug fibers.

In both cases, professional cleaners will also assess the rug's condition, age, and materials before proceeding to ensure that the cleaning solutions and methods used are safe and appropriate.

For more info, contact a company like Master Cleaners.

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