Regular maintenance:
In high traffic areas, carpet should be vacuumed lightly every day. Three strokes with the vacuum cleaner over the area is considered light vacuuming. You should vacuum all rugs and carpets thoroughly at least once a week. Seven or more strokes with the vacuum is considered thorough. A thorough cleaning will remove sandy, gritty soil before it becomes embedded in the carpet pile and reaches the backing. Sand and grit have sharp edges that can cut the fiber and lessen the life of your carpet.

Professional carpet cleaning:
It is important to the life of your carpet to provide periodic professional care. Embedded gritty and greasy soil is not completely removed by vacuuming. A professional cleaning will remove soil that is impossible to remove with a vacuum. Soil is usually deposited evenly over the surface of the carpet and may cast a gray or yellow color. You may not notice the color change until furniture is moved. A gray or yellow cast on the carpet means a professionally cleaning is needed.

Cleaning methods:
Before you attempt a home or professional cleaning, be sure that you understand the specific recommendations of the manufacturer. Some cleaning chemicals or procedures may not be included in the manufacturer's cleaning guide and nullify the warranty.

One of the best methods of cleaning carpets yourself is with hot water extraction. This is an excellent way to clean moderately to heavily soiled carpet. In this process a solution of hot water and detergent is sprayed onto the carpet under pressure to flush out the dirt and soil. The solution is then extracted by a vacuum suction action. This method of cleaning carpets will require hot water extraction equipment, which can be rented. Easy to follow directions accompany the rental equipment. Renting hot water extraction equipment and doing the cleaning yourself is often less costly than having a professional clean the carpet.

Professional:
Using heavy duty equipment and special cleaners that are not available to the public, a professional can thoroughly remove embedded carpet soil. Carpets should be cleaned every two to three years or as recommended by the carpet manufacturer. Keep in mind some warranties may require proof of periodic professional cleaning.

Spills and stains:
Be sure to immediately clean up spills. Spills that are not treated begin a chemical reaction with carpet fibers, which makes it nearly impossible to remove. Some household products can cause permanent stains. Household products that cause permanent stains when spilled on carpet include insecticides, pesticides, disinfectants, iodine, mustard, oven cleaner, red Kool-Aid and plant food products. Certain chemical products such as bleach and drain cleaners, can permanently remove the color from carpet fibers very quickly. Be sure to protect your carpet from these types of products. Try to keep a spot and stain removal kit handy so you will be able to react immediately. Blot stains, never scrub stains, scrubbing can permanently change the texture of a carpet.