ust think that you’re in this situation for one second; you spill something on your rug, start panicking, and then grab the first cleaner you see, and start scrubbing fast. Then later, you look down and think… “Uh-oh. why does it look worse now?”
Yeah, rugs can be confusing sometimes. A lot of people end up making the same mistakes when they try to clean their rug in this kind of situation. So today, let’s have a real talk about the mistakes people make when cleaning their rugs—and how you can dodge them like a pro.
Why Do People Think More Scrubbing Means Better Cleaning?
Here’s the deal—scrubbing might feel like you’re doing something useful (kinda like stress-eating chips when you’re stressed), but it’s actually one of the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning their rugs.
Rugs aren’t made to be scrubbed hard. All that rubbing just pushes the mess deeper and can mess up the look and feel of the rug.
I had a friend who spilled red wine on his rug and went at it with a brush and hot water. The stain didn’t come out, oh no, that’s not the bad part, the worse is to come, he spread the red all over that place, like if you saw it at first you’ll think that it’s someone’s blood and what’s going on here, you know what I mean right?
Instead of scrubbing like you’re mad at it, grab a clean cloth and gently dab the spot. Just dab it—don’t rub.
How Come “Any Cleaner” Isn’t Actually Okay?
Okay, this one’s a sneaky mistake a lot of people make. They think, “Well, it says ‘carpet cleaner,’ so it must work on rugs too, right?”
Nope. Big nope.
Carpets and rugs are cousins, not twins. Rugs—especially handwoven or wool ones—can react badly to harsh chemicals. Some of these store-bought cleaners are like acid to a rug. They might bleach colors, cause weird textures, or make the fibers go stiff like overcooked spaghetti.
One time, we had a client in High Point who used regular bleach-based bathroom cleaner on her silk rug. Her bathroom looked clean, sure. But her rug? It turned into a crunchy rainbow pancake.
If you’re ever in doubt, just call a pro. Abu Rug Cleaning (yeah, that’s us—shameless but true) has been handling this stuff for over 35 years. We’ve seen it all and saved a lot of rugs with our Rug cleaning Service from chemical disasters.
What Happens When You Skip Vacuuming—or Go Overboard?
Now here’s a weird one: vacuuming can be both friend and foe. Wild, right?
Mistakes people make when cleaning their rugs include two extremes: never vacuuming, or vacuuming way too much.
Let’s break it down:
- If you never vacuum, dust and dirt get cozy deep in the fibers. That grime acts like sandpaper (yep, that again), slowly wearing down your rug every time you step on it.
- On the flip side, vacuuming too often—or too aggressively—can actually weaken the rug’s backing or even tear the fringe off. Especially if you’ve got a fancy antique rug or one with delicate edges.
Here’s a tip: Vacuum once a week using suction only (no beater bar), and avoid the fringes like they owe you money.
Oh, and pro tip from our team in Burlington? Flip your rug over every few months and vacuum the back too. It loosens the dirt hiding underneath and keeps the rug breathing easy.
Why Drying Fast is one of the mistakes people make when cleaning their rugs?
We get it. Wet rugs are gross. Nobody wants to walk on a damp, soggy patch of fabric for days.
But you know what? One of the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning their rugs is trying to dry the rug fast with heaters or a hairdryer. It might seem like a smart idea, but it can actually start a mess.
Too much heat or direct sun can shrink the rug, fade the colors, or make it look all weird and wavy. Imagine a rug that looks like it got cooked a little too long. Not exactly what you want in your living room.
We had a call from someone in Winston-Salem who left their damp rug outside “to air out.” It was July. The sun basically baked the thing like a tortilla. The blues turned gray, the reds turned orange, and the fringe? Toast.
Best move? Let rugs dry indoors, flat, and in a well-ventilated spot. If it’s still wet after a day or two, that’s your sign to call in someone who knows what they’re doing. (Hey again, Abu Rug Cleaning—we cover all over NC.)
How Do People End Up Ignoring the Real Problem?
Sometimes, the issue isn’t what you spilled—it’s what’s already living in your rug.
Yup, we’re talking about the stuff you don’t see. Old stains, dust mites, pet accidents, food crumbs from who-knows-when… it all builds up.
One of the most common mistakes people make when cleaning their rugs is doing surface-level cleaning and assuming the rug’s fine. But underneath? It’s like a tiny ecosystem. (And not the fun National Geographic kind.)
Especially in homes with kids, pets, or allergies, a rug can hold on to stuff that a quick vacuum or wipe-down just won’t fix. That’s why deep cleaning matters—not just to make the rug look better, but to keep your whole space fresher.
You’d be shocked at what we’ve pulled out of rugs in Mebane and Eden over the years. Cheerio crumbs from 2007. Dog hair from a dog that’s long gone.
Final Thoughts
In the end, cleaning your rug doesn’t have to be confusing. And no, you don’t need a PhD to get it right—just avoid the big no-nos.
And don’t forget about the tips that I told you.
- Don’t scrub like you’re fighting a dragon.
- Use the right cleaner.
- Be smart with vacuuming—gentle and balanced.
- Don’t rush drying—give it time.
- And don’t ignore what’s lurking below the surface.
If any of this hit a little too close to home, don’t worry. We’ve all made at least one of these mistakes. The good news? Now you know better.
And if your rug’s already been through the wringer, Abu Rug Cleaning is just a call away.
Because your rug deserves better than a bleach bath or a sunburn.
And hey—so do your feet.
And one last good news for you guys, if you feel your rug is falling apart or doesn’t look too good we have a Rug Repair Service that you can check out as well.
