Many homeowners have carpets or rugs in their living rooms and bedrooms. While these materials are soft underfoot and can look beautiful, they can also be more difficult to clean than hard floors. The good news is that there are many cleaners, machines and companies out there that can help keep your carpets clean. Unfortunately, making a mistake can damage your rug, sometimes beyond repair. Take a look at some of the things you should not do when cleaning and caring for carpets and rugs.

Don't Use All-purpose Cleaners

At least, don't use all-purpose cleaners without reading the label first! While all-purpose cleaners are usually great for floors, counters, bathrooms and walls, they can damage carpets. Always read the fine print and if in doubt, call a reputable carpet-cleaning company like New Way Carpets for advice as to whether a particular chemical is appropriate for your carpets.

Don't Forget to Do a Patch Test

Even if you are sure that a particular chemical is safe for the type of rug you have, you should still always do a patch test. Spray a bit of the chemical in an area that is not normally seen, such as in a corner or under a large piece of furniture. Leave it on for as long as you would when actually cleaning the carpet, then rinse or wipe it up. Wait 24 hours, then check the patch. If there is any discoloration or the carpet strands seem stiff or different than they were, do not use this on the rest of your rug.

Don't Overuse Your Chemicals

If you think that more chemical than recommended is better, you're mistaken. Just use the amount recommended on the bottle of carpet cleaner. Also, if you are supposed to dilute the chemical, use the ratio provided on the label; using more cleaner than necessary can actually damage your carpet. Also, it's more difficult to remove, and you can end up with soapy residue left behind.

Don't Neglect to Dry Your Carpets Well

If you live in a humid region, you are going to need to run your air conditioning or swamp cooler if you use a method of carpet-cleaning that makes the rugs wet. Allowing them to sit damp for several days can cause mold to grow. Don't overwet them to begin with, and don't replace furniture until they are completely dry.

Don't Scrub Vigorously

If you have a stubborn stain, go over it several times patiently and gently. Scrubbing can tear some of the carpet fibers, which makes a carpet look flattened or bumpy. Also, this reduces the lifespan of your carpet.

Don't Let Stains Sit

You might see a stain and decide you'll get to it in a few weeks, when you have time to clean the entire carpet. Don't do this! The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it will be to remove it Instead, spot-clean that area even if you plan on washing the entire rug in several days or weeks.

Don't Forget to Regularly Call in Professionals

While spot-cleaning and occasional DIY shampooing are both good habits to get into, nothing really replaces the professional services of carpet and rug cleaners. The pros have the equipment and products needed to get your rugs deep-down clean. They also know how to properly clean special fabrics, like Persian rugs or wool carpets. In addition, if you have pet stains or other spots that are difficult to treat yourself, it's best to call in someone who really knows what they're doing.

Taking care of your carpets can take more time and effort than caring for hard floors, but you will be rewarded by having a soft, warm place to put your feet and an attractive addition to your living areas. Taking care of stains promptly by using the proper techniques and chemicals for the job will keep your rugs looking their best for as long as possible.