DIY Risks
Why Home Cleaning Can Cause More Damage Than You Think
We often hear, “Can’t I just clean it myself?” And we get it—online tutorials and off-the-shelf rug sprays make it seem easy. But the truth is, rugs—especially handmade or natural fiber rugs—are not built for DIY cleaning methods. Over the years, we’ve seen many rugs come into our shop in worse shape after an attempted home cleaning than they were to begin with. Here’s why professional cleaning is essential—and what can go wrong if you try to do it yourself:
1. Over-Wetting Leads to Dye Bleed, Mold, and Structural Damage Using too much water is one of the most common mistakes.
Rugs—especially wool and silk—are very absorbent. When too much moisture is introduced and not properly extracted or dried: Dyes can bleed into each other, permanently damaging the design. Mold and mildew can grow inside the foundation of the rug. Wool can shrink or harden, ruining the rug’s texture. Cotton warps and loses tension, causing ripples or uneven wear. At Bob’s, we control moisture very carefully using water-based cleaning methods, followed by proper drying under natural sunlight and airflow.
2. Chemical Cleaners Can Destroy Natural Fibers
Most store-bought rug shampoos and stain removers are made for synthetic carpeting—not delicate handmade rugs. These products may contain:Bleach-based agents that strip color and weaken fibersSoaps that leave residue, attracting more dirtFragrance-loaded sprays that mask odor but do not remove bacteriaEven "natural" or DIY recipes (like vinegar or dish soap solutions) can do more harm than good—especially when they soak into the foundation and aren't rinsed out completely.We use neutral, fiber-safe solutions specifically made for natural materials like wool, silk, and cotton—completely free from harsh chemicals.
4. Incomplete Drying Traps Odors and Bacteria
Without proper drying, moisture stays locked deep inside the rug, especially in thick or tightly knotted pieces. This results in:
-
Lingering smells that get worse over time
-
Bacterial buildup that leads to fiber breakdown
-
Warped or buckled rugs as moisture affects the backing or foundation
Our drying process uses elevated airflow and direct sunlight exposure to fully remove moisture—preventing odor, shrinkage, or structural problems.
5. You May Not Know What Your Rug Needs
Every rug is different. What works for a synthetic machine-made rug might destroy a hand-knotted wool piece. And rugs often hide their problems—until it's too late:
-
A tufted rug may start delaminating (the backing separating from the pile)
-
A silk rug may bleed or fray with any liquid
-
An antique tribal rug might be held together by tension alone, and break if disturbed
We evaluate every rug based on its construction, fiber, dye type, and condition before we clean it—something no online guide or DIY cleaner can offer.
In Short:
DIY rug cleaning often causes more damage than it fixes. What looks like a simple stain can become a permanent scar with the wrong product or technique.
If you’re not sure what to do—or even what kind of rug you have—just ask us. We’re happy to give you guidance, with no pressure to commit. We’d rather help you prevent damage than repair it later.
📞 Call or text us at 704-905-3200
📍 Or stop by during drop-off hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM
