by E K Stapleton

Created on: May 11, 2008   Last Updated: September 10, 2011

Carpeting can be a costly investment for your home, so taking extra measures to clean and care for it will help protect your investment. Proper care will prevent damage, extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking new. Knowing a few basic tips will help to keep your carpets clean and damage free for years to come.

Routine vacuuming

Carpets should be vacuumed on a regular basis, to remove dirt and dust trapped in the fibers. Although most household vacuums aren't powerful enough to remove debris deeply embedded in the base of the fibers and under pad, they still suck up a great deal of dirt and dust. You should invest in a high quality vacuum. It may be a little costly, but the results will speak for themselves.

Vacuum bags should be replaced regularly, to keep your vacuum working at it's peak performance. When vacuuming, extra attention should be given to high traffic areas. You may want to make several passes over these areas to ensure the removal of excess dirt build up. Area carpets can be used in high traffic areas, to protect your carpet. They can easily be washed or taken outside to beat the dirt out. There is an accessory you can buy for about twenty dollars, called a carpet groomer.Working it over the carpet lifts and loosens deeply embedded dirt, before you vacuum. It might be a worth while investment.

Dirt and dust also accumulate along the edges of the carpet. A crevice tool should be used to clean this area, along with the baseboards. Did you know you should wear socks or slippers in the house? The natural oils present on the bottom of your feet transfer to carpets and dirty them.

Stain removal

It is important to address spills as soon as they happen, to avoid a stain setting in. One key thing to remember is to blot, don't rub. Rubbing results in breaking down the carpet fibers and spreading the stain. Here are a few tips for stain removal. Remember to always use a white cloth to avoid transferring dye from a colored cloth to your carpet.

Food stains: Most food stains can be removed with shaving cream. Spray it on the stain and let it set for fifteen minutes, then rinse with a vinegar and water solution. Brake cleaner can be used on food stains as well. It contains the same chemical that dry cleaners use to remove stains from clothing. Dab a little bit on a cloth and gently blot the stain. Rinse with a mild soap and water solution. Never pour the brake cleaner directly on the carpet as it can dissolve the adhesive which holds the fibers in

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