by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: February 18, 2009

Carpeting is a very vital part of many homes. Without it, the floors underneath could become scratched, worn out, or just be plain cold on your bare feet. Unfortunately though, regardless of the color or style of your rugs and carpet it won't stay new forever and must be cleaned.

There are many fabulous products on the market that specialize in cleaning soiled rugs and carpet. In today's thrifty economy though, shortcuts are often a necessity. There are many common household products that can not only remove tough stains but also save you a lot of money in the process.

The first thing to try on about any stain is hot water, soap, and a little bit of scrubbing power. Saturate the spot and then scrub it with a scouring pad, old toothbrush, or a sponge. If this doesn't work, try one of these simple methods listed below.

Delicate fabrics can be tricky.

If you have a rug or carpeting that is delicate but easily stained, try cleaning it with shampoo. Dab the shampoo onto it gently but be sure to saturate the stain. Once the stain has been saturated, rinse it thoroughly. After you have cleaned your delicate rug or carpet, consider moving it to an area of your home that doesn't get a lot of traffic so that it stays clean and in good shape.

How do I clean up pet accidents?

If you have an indoor pet, you know that accidents happen. When these times come, have a bottle of club soda ready. Sprinkle the club soda on to the stain and wipe it dry with a paper towel. If this doesn't work, try adding a little salt to some warm water. Use a sponge to wipe it up. As a last resort, you can even try using a little ammonia. Just apply it to the area and wipe it up as you did with the other products.

What about just plain old accumulated dirt or mud?

For rugs that have dirty spots on them, use a little bit of shaving cream. Apply it to the area and let it set for a few minutes. After it has had time to set in, scrub the area, rinse it out, and let it dry. For mud, allow it to harden and then brush it off. If this doesn't get it all, use a soapy water solution to clean it up, let it dry, and then brush off any access mud that has surfaced.

How do I clean out fruit stains?

Fruit is delicious but can be messy. This is especially true for berries and fruits that are full of juices. Try to treat the stain as soon as possible with boiling water. Use a spray bottle to apply it evenly to the stain and dab it up with a paper towel.

If this doesn't work, try using a fresh lemon. Squeeze the juice on

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