If your carpet is new, you need to start enforcing one rule, the no shoe rule. Nothing will wear out your carpet faster than bringing the outdoors in on the bottom of your shoes. Place a mat at each entrance. Encourage all family members to wipe their feet and remove their shoes before stepping foot on the carpet. If you enjoy the feeling of wearing shoes indoors, purchase some house slipper (the word "house" should make it clear that these slippers are never to be worn outside), and keep them by the door mat you use most often. If something does get on the carpet, the faster you act the better the outcome. Have a carpet cleaning kit handy. Make sure that you keep rags, carpet cleaning solution, a scraper, and a soft bristle brush handy. Start by using the rag to soak up as much of the spill or pick up as much debris as possible. Then apply the cleaner. Use the brush to scrub away the stain. Make sure that you wash away all cleaner as the cleaner itself can be a dirt magnet. Use the soft-bristled brush to restore the fibers to their original texture.

Do not think that your vacuuming is in vain. Vacuuming is your best defense against carpet stains. In fact, carpet manufacturers suggest that you vacuum your carpet daily. Other home cleaning experts say that vacuuming based on the number of people living in your house is the best thing to do. Make sure that you keep your vacuum well maintained, meaning you should clean all parts of it regularly. There are a number of smaller things that many people try in order to keep their carpets looking nice, here are some of their suggestions:

• UV rays from sunlight can age carpet and even make lines in the carpet over time. Closing the blinds before leaving the house every day can help your carpet looking vibrant, especially if it is a darker color.
• Do not use dishwasher detergent to clean carpet stains. Dishwasher detergent often has chemicals in it that can bleach your carpet. Dishwasher detergent can also be very difficult to completely remove from the carpet, making whatever spot you used it on a magnet for dirt in the future.
• Pet stains can be the worst, not only are they smelly but you can spot a pet stain a mile away. Remove the stain as was indicated above and then apply a solution of two tablespoons of white vinegar to one quart of water to neutralize the odor. After letting it sit for a few minutes, blot up all the extra moisture.
• If you spill nail polish on the floor, it is ok to use nail polish remover but only after you have tested its effects in the carpet by using a scrap piece of carpet or by testing on a less noticeable area. Nail polish removers can discolor some carpets.
• Cigarette burns on carpet can actually be sanded away with sandpaper. Any burnt fibers that remain can be cut away with a pair of scissors.