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Sometimes, it seems as if your carpet just loves to attract every stain or kind of dirt under the sun. And it is usually the sun that brings them to your attention. Here are a few useful tips to beat the dirt.

1. PREVENTION: Place strong mats or a foot scraper outside your entrances, preferrably with an amusing caption or eye-catching picture woven in. Chances are, feet will be wiped and dirt stays out - some of it.

2. HALLWAYS: Lay a strong mat down, trapping dirt before it gets into your living room. You can then take the mat outside and beat it!

3. MUDDY PAWS AND FOOTPRINTS: Well, animals are notorious for ignoring "Please Wipe Your Feet" signs. Be patient, let it dry, then vacuum. Stubborn marks should be attacked with carpet shampoo.

4. CHEWING GUM: Never mind how it got there, give it the cold treatment. Hold an ice cube on the gum till it freezes, then pick it off. I did this successfully when I got chewing gum on my coat.

5. SCORCH MARKS AND BURNS: Try to get the burnt fibers loose by rubbing them with the edge of a coin. Or trim them off carefully with nail scissors. In a very old book of tips, I found this: "Rub burn mark vigorously with the cut surface of a raw onion." I imagine you will need to wash with something fresh-smelling afterwards. If all else fails, try a little creative furniture arranging.

6. BEER STAINS: Get these boys out by washing them in soda water.

7. CIGARETTE STAINS: Put some milk on the stain and leave it to soak and dilute the brown. Rub the area with a raw potato, wash with carpet shampoo.

8. CURRY, SAUCE AND GRAVY: These should be banished with the help of lemon juice and water.

9. FRESHEN UP: Sprinkle your carpet with plenty of bicarbonate of soda, leave it for 15 minutes, then vacuum. This has double advantages; it helps to prevent pests like mites and insects AND helps to neutralize odours.

10. HAIR AND FUR: Wear rubber gloves, get down and sweep your hands far and wide. This will pick up hair, fluff and fur. Especially useful for pet owners.

11. COLOUR UP: I just did this with a faded Axminster rug and it works. Get a solution of one part malt vinegar to two parts boiling water. With a clean cloth, rub into the carpet. Not a job for the faint hearted, but it really does bring the colour up and it uses up loads of calories.

12. BLOOD: ALWAYS use cold water. Keep sponging till it is gone, then shampoo as usual. Never warm or hot water, this will 'set' the stain.

13. SHAMPOO: Use your favourite tried and tested brand, as late in the day as possible, or when a room can be left un-used. That will give it time to work and dry off.

14. VACUUMING: Always do this back and forth, like you were mowing a really neat lawn. Go over each section three times. Before you vacuum, use a hand brush at edges and corners, sweeping this into the middle.

If all of these seem like hard work, you could call in professional carpet cleaners, but this can be costly. With these tips, and a sense of purpose, I know you can clean that carpet. I hope they have been of some help and maybe, even saved you some money.

Learn more about this author, Dolores Moore.
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