Vacuum regularly.  The amount of traffic your carpet receives will determine how often vacuuming is necessary. Vacuuming a few times per week reduces the dirt that is likely to end up in the roots of your carpet. Spot cleaning is also an essential part of keeping your floors clean.

Stain treat immediately. Always blot spills. Rubbing can wear at the fabric and set the stain. Use white paper towels or a neutral-colored towel, so that you don’t compound the problem by transferring dye. Also, remember to continue blotting the area until it’s almost dry and then vacuum it. Water left in the carpet can lead to mold and bacteria problems.

Try a specific stain-removal method. Club soda works for coffee stains and red wine; salt for mud, and wine; cornstarch for grease and the iron and transfer method for candle wax. If necessary, try a small bit of dishwashing soap mixed in with water, but beware – soap can be extremely hard to remove from carpet and can lead to dark spots.

Make your own deodorizer. If you like to deodorize your carpets, avoid chemical-laden options and make your own with baking soda and a few drops of essential oil. If you need a starting point, try this recipe from the Organic Authority.

Call the professionals. Some cleaning products can actually make a stain worse if not used properly. Professionals are trained in the science behind removing stains, and will know which cleaning method to use without damaging your carpet.