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usage guidelines, including avoiding over wetting the carpet, avoiding too much detergent and letting it dry as quickly as possible, should get you a clean and fresh carpet. However, if the carpet in question is much stained or a delicate, valuable piece, then it would be advisable to get it cleaned professionally.

POST CLEANING:

In order to maximize the benefit of a professional or do it yourself home job, taking the following steps will help:

* Once your carpet is cleaned, open a door or window to let the air circulate and speedup the drying process. Ideally, a carpet should dry within 12 hours; any longer and you risk mildew and mold forming.

* Try to avoid using the carpet for up to 24 hours after it's been cleaned.

* Leave on any furniture protectors until the carpet has completely dried.

* Once dried, give the carpet a quick vacuum to pick up any dried detergent residue.

CLEANING FREQUENCY:

It's recommended that carpets should be cleaned at least once every 12-18 months. The frequency with which you want to clean your carpet would also depend on the type of carpet and the rug traffic, or frequency with which it's used. Other factors include how often it's vacuumed and the color of the carpet.

CARPET MAINTENANCE:

Assuming your carpet is regularly cleaned, there are still other things you should do to ensure its maintenance.

* Regular vacuuming: Carpets should be vacuumed at least once a week; in case of pets or children, twice a week.

* Spot cleaning: In the case of spilt food or liquid, the area should be treated immediately with a spot cleaner. Ensure that you test a small area to make sure the chemicals do not damage the carpet.

Proper care and maintenance can add years to a carpet's life.

Learn more about this author, Usha Krishnan.
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