Keep your carpet looking like new by vacuuming regularly, quick spill clean up, and the occasional professional cleaning. Preventing dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great start to keeping your carpets clean so they last for years to come.

VACUUMING By far vacuuming is the simplest and most efficient way to keep your carpet clean. Something as simple as vacuuming can also have the largest impact on the air you breathe. By removing loose soil while it is still on the carpet's surface will prevent dirt from being ground down into the carpet pile. Dirt and debris act like sandpaper under your carpet fibers. By regularly vacuuming you can not only keep your carpet clean but you can have an affect on its wear and life.

How to vacuum
When vacuuming, use slow and repetitive front-to-back motions in an overlapping sequence, move slightly to the left or right about every four strokes. A quick once over with your vacuum won't do much. Don't ignore corners and crevices where dust build up.

Top-Down cleaning saves you the step of vacuuming twice. Dust blinds, windowsills and furniture first then vacuum away the fallen dust.

Remember to remove and replace or empty vacuum bags when they are half to two-thirds full.

How often should I vacuum? 
You should vacuum at least once a week. However, the more foot traffic you have over your carpet, the more you should vacuum to maintain your carpet.

• daily in high-traffic or pet areas.
• twice weekly in medium traffic-areas.
• weekly in light traffic areas, using vacuum attachments at carpet edges.

CLEANING SPOTS AND SPILLS With today's stain-resistant carpet, treating spots and stains has never been easier. The key is to act quickly! The longer you wait, the higher the chance that the spill will become a permanent stain.

Absorb Spills Quickly
Blot liquids with a dry, clean cloth or PLAIN WHITE paper towels. Start at the outside of the spot and continue blotting in towards the center to keep the stain from spreading. Continue until the area is barely damp. Semi-solid spills like food, may need to be scooped up with a spoon first. DO NOT SCRUB OR USE A BRUSH, these methods can damage the carpet, resulting in fraying of the carpet fibers and changing the texture of your carpet.

Treat the Spot or Stain
When using a carpet cleaner, make sure to follow the products directions carefully, always pre-test any cleaner on a hidden area of your carpet. It is best to apply a small amount of cleaner to a white cloth and work in gently from the edges to the center of the stain. Blot! Do not scrub, and NEVER use a brush. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove the spot. If you do not have carpet cleaner handy, try one of the below homemade remedies. 

• Use plain water, surprisingly plain water can work better than some carpet cleaners.
• Use a detergent solution. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a clear (nonbleach, nonlanolin) dishwashing liquid with one cup of warm water. NEVER use laundry detergent.
• Use a white vinegar solution. Mix one cup white (not red or cider) vinegar with one cup of water.
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STOP DIRT IN ITS TRACKS
Prevent dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great start to keeping your carpets clean.

• Use matts - Indoor and outdoor matts or runners can quickly reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.
• Take off your shoes - Save wear and tear on your carpet by taking off shoes before entering your home.
• Change your air filters - Regularly change air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as recommended by the manufacture's directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filer, the less that fall on your carpeting.

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING OF YOUR CARPET If you find your carpet does not look like it used to, it may be time for a deep cleaning. Hiring a professional is the safest and fastest option. Most manufactures recommend deep cleaning your carpet every 12 to 18 months (Be sure to check your carpet warranty for particular requirements your carpet may have).

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

• "How long have you been in business?"
• "What formal training is required of your cleaning technicians?"
• "Do you vacuum before deep cleaning the carpet?"
• "Do you have a list of references?"

Be careful of any company that contacts you by phone or that advertises a cleaning policy by the room. Room sizes vary and charges should be based upon the total area to be cleaned. 

Don't accept quotes over the phone, have the cleaning representative come to your home for an inspection and to determine the type of cleaning method most suitable. Have them inspect for problem spots or extremely soiled areas.

Obtain a written agreement before any work is completed, including any additional charge they have for furniture moving, or pre-treating stains.

You should also get a written statement of the guarantee their company offers.