The average cost of installing carpet throughout your home is around $1,597. You probably spent a lot of time as well deciding which color and material to go with.

Protect your carpet and your investment by taking good care of your carpet. Avoid these 10 common mistakes when cleaning your carpet and keep your carpet looking new for longer.

1. You’re Using the Wrong Products

Eventually, you will need to use a carpet cleaner to remove a stain from your carpet. Not all carpet cleaning products are created equally. Some carpet cleaners can cause discoloration or make the stain appear worse than it was in the first place.

When using chemical cleaners, always test a new carpet cleaning product out first. Apply the carpet cleaning product to a small test area in an area that isn’t really seen. If it causes discoloration then you know not to use that product in the future.

Everyone on the internet has advice on how you should clean your carpeting. There are lots of sites that give recipes for home remedies. Before you are tempted to try one of these, ask your carpet manufacturer what to use.

Your carpet manufacturer should have tips on their website about what cleaners are safe to use on your rug. This should be the most trusted source of information on how to clean your carpet.

Everyone’s carpets are a little bit different. Carpets can be made from different materials and therefore require different cleaners. Your carpet manufacturer has the correct information for your specific type of carpeting.

Carpet manufacturers usually also have a hotline that you can call with questions in case you don’t find the information you need on the website. If you are not sure if you are using the right products, ask your manufacturer to be safe.

2. You’re Scrubbing Too Hard

The most common mistake you make when cleaning your carpet is scrubbing too hard. It makes sense. If there is a stain or spill on the carpet, the first thing most people do is start to scrub.

When you begin to vigorously scrub your carpet, you may be doing more harm than good. Scrubbing forces the stain deeper into the carpet and the carpet fibers. Sometimes the stain can even wind up in the pad beneath the carpet. Vigorously rubbing also messes up the carpet fibers and then that one place in the carpet will never look the same as the rest of the rug.

Even if you use soft paper and cloth towels, it could still cause damage. Instead, gently dab the carpet with an absorbent cloth. Dabbing and blotting will absorb the stain and slowly lift it from the carpet. This is the best technique to lift a stain from your carpet.

3. You’re Not Vacuuming Frequently

Another common mistake you’re probably making when cleaning your carpet is ignoring maintenance. Get on a schedule of vacuuming twice weekly to prevent stains.

Waiting to vacuum until you have noticeable dirt and debris on your carpet is just allowing that dirt to build up. If you have pets or small children, you may want to consider vacuuming three times a week.

Dust and dirt add to the wear and tear on your carpet. You won’t be able to see it, but debris wears down your rug. If you wait to vacuum, your carpet could become dreaded.

Vacuuming lifts the dirt and debris from your carpet and helps keep it full and soft. It’s one of the best things you can do to prolong the life of your home’s carpeting.

4. You’re Not Using Rugs

If you are not using an area rug or runner in high traffic areas, you should be. An area rug is a large rug that covers most of the room. Some common places for area rugs are in the living room around the couch and underneath the dining room table.

A runner is an elongated rug that protects hallways and entryways. These rugs together can prevent everyday wear and tear to your carpet and keep them looking nicer longer.

The size of the rugs you will need will vary depending on the size of the carpet in your house. Be sure to choose the appropriate size that will cover all the high traffic areas of your home.

If you do not use area rugs and runner then you will probably have to replace your carpeting in the high traffic areas more frequently.

Rugs are a much more economical way to protect your carpet and make sure that it wears evenly throughout your house.

5. You’re Leaving a Stain For Too Long

There are many different types of spills: red wine, coffee, or pet stains can be some of the worst. The most common mistake when cleaning your carpet is to let a stain sit. Attack stains quickly as soon as they occur for the best results.

If the stain sits for too long, it can settle into the carpet and the carpet pad. Then you run the risk of this stain becoming permanent.

Inspect your carpet regularly to see if new stains pop up that you may not have seen before. Identify these stains and clean them immediately.

6. You’re Using Too Much Water

Water can be really helpful when cleaning your carpet. Just make sure you are not using too much water.

The right amount of water can help you lift stains, especially when it is used alongside a good carpet cleaner. However, too much water can damage the glue that holds your carpet down. It can also cause mold.

In some cases, using water will help the stain spread further over a larger area. For the best results when cleaning your carpet, use water sparingly.

7. You’re Using Deodorizers

There is nothing wrong with trying to make your carpet smell fresh and clean, however, powdered deodorizers can build up over time on your carpet. These deodorizers are often hard for a vacuum to clean up and can leave a gunky mess on your rug.

When you walk over the carpet, the powder gets pushed further into the carpet, making it harder to pick up. Also, many of these deodorizers do very little to actually clean your carpet. They leave behind a fresh smell, but just because they smell nice doesn’t mean the carpet is cleaned.

You may want to forego the powdered deodorizers and arrange for a professional carpet cleaning instead.

8. You’re Overusing Chemical Cleaners

A common mistake is overusing chemical carpet cleaners. Yes, they promise big results and some of them may even deliver but others can cause significant damage to your carpet or even your health.

When you saturate your carpet with chemical cleaners, it can damage your carpet and leave residue behind in the carpet and carpet padding. The CDC has linked certain respiratory illnesses to chemical carpet cleaners.

Think twice before using chemical carpet cleaners if you have children, pets, or a family member who is prone to asthma or allergies.

9. You’re Renting the Wrong Equipment

It sounded like a good idea to rent that carpet cleaner from the store. The price might have been part of the reason you rented it, but chances are, you are using bad equipment.

Rental equipment to clean your carpet is often poorly maintained. These machines can break down or work poorly.

Most of them just rub dirty water around in your carpet. Some of them use too much water. Some machines come with a cleaning solution that could be harmful to your carpet.

If you are going to rent a carpet cleaner, see if you have a reputable vacuum store in your area. These stores properly maintain their machines better than grocery stores or hardware stores.

Tell them what type of carpet you have and they should be able to match you up to a machine that will work perfectly for your needs.

Read the instructions for the machine first and follow them. This way, you know what you are doing with the new machine and you don’t do more harm than good while cleaning your carpet.

10. You’re Not Having Your Carpets Professionally Cleaned

Every once in a while, it is a good idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned. The service and equipment of a professional carpet cleaning service are unmatched by anything you can do on your own.

You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to have your carpets cleaned. There are many affordable carpet cleaning services. You just have to ask.

Getting regular professional cleanings will help your carpet retain its original look, color, and last a long time. Have your carpets professionally cleaned at least twice a year for the best results.

Apply These Tips When Cleaning Your Carpet

It’s easy to make mistakes when cleaning your carpet. There is also a lot of misinformation out there on the internet. Avoid these 10 common mistakes and prolong the life of your carpet.

If you are looking for a professional carpet cleaning service in the New York City area, give us a chance. We’ll prove to you why we are the number one trusted carpet cleaning company by families all over New York City. Call us today and schedule a service visit.