Common Rug Problems

Fading

This progressive, irreversible degradation of color intensity is typically caused by excessive exposure to light, though it can also be caused by oxidizing gasses such as ozone and the application of external substances such as bleach. Regularly rotating your rug will keep its color from fading.

Severe Wear And Tear

Rugs will naturally begin to exhibit signs of wear with continued use. When this happens, it loses pile fiber and weight. Heavy foot traffic and furniture put on top of the rug are both to blame. Fortunately, you can extend the life of your rug through proper care. The best way to maintain your rug is to vacuum it at least twice a week and have it professionally cleaned once a year. Additionally, we highly recommend using rug padding to reduce the rate at which your rug wears down.

Shedding

In the case of new rugs, shedding is to be expected. You’ll see a few stray rug strands lying around the house or in the vacuum cleaner. This happens because the fibers are not securely linked to the underlay. Over time, these wayward fibers will come loose as people tread on the rug. This can be avoided by using a high-quality rug pad and light, regular vacuuming.

Foul Odor

When your rug starts to smell, it’s usually because of pet accidents and food spills. You can try cleaning your rug on your own, but the problem can worsen if you fail to dry it thoroughly. By hiring a professional rug cleaner, any foul odors can be properly removed and they will make sure that there isn’t any moisture left in your rug.

Moth Damage

For natural-fiber rugs, insects usually feed on contaminants found in the fabric. This can damage your rug. Several pests, including moths, feed on pet waste and food crumbs. You can keep your home free of moths by doing regular, thorough cleanings to eliminate any food sources that would lure them in.

Filtration

When a rug is covered with dust and dirt for a long time, this can form filtration lines. If this goes unchecked, it will be irreversible. This is also a clear sign that you should get your air-conditioning system cleaned by a professional, as dirt and debris from your ventilation ducts will only be circulated throughout your home.

Damaged Fringe

It is common for fringed rugs in areas of high foot traffic to undergo fringe damage. Other than constant use, other common reasons include pets and vacuums with brush agitation. Any heavy-handed rug cleaners that try to brighten your rugs with powerful bleaches can also cause permanent harm to the fringe.

Dye Migration

This happens when dyes bleed into each other, typically as a result of high moisture content. Pet accidents and oversaturating your rugs during cleaning are just a couple of examples of what might lead to color migration if left unchecked. In fact, pet urine is especially prone to cause this due to its high pH levels.

Dry Rot

Dry rot occurs when the rug’s structure and fibers turn brittle and deteriorate. This may be a result of excessive moisture. Sadly, once your rug has come down with this problem, it can no longer be repaired. This is why regular professional cleaning is so important; the experts can make sure to remove moisture before it becomes an issue in the long run.

Pooling And Shading

Pooling and shading happen when twisted or scratched fibers reflect light differently. Rotating motions over high traffic areas are common causes of this problem. Because carpet fibers are more reflective once dust and dirt have been removed, pooling and shading may become more visible after a thorough cleaning.

The Bottom Line

Rugs are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also come with potential issues. In this article, we discussed some concerns about common rug wear and tear. If you’re looking to maintain the cleanliness of your rug, the professionals at SaniClean Dry Carpet Cleaning can help. 

We have a quick and efficient dry rug cleaning method that can address common problems found on rugs and guarantee that your rug will be perfectly clean! Give us a call at (206) 590-7174 to learn more about our services.