Go over each section of carpet at least two or three times since it takes almost five minutes for a vacuum to remove the optimum amount of dust and dirt.

2

Vacuum around baseboards and furniture that cannot be moved with an attachment. Move lighter-weight furniture and vacuum beneath it.

3

Empty the vacuum bag or canister when it is half full of dirt. If the bag or canister has a fill line printed on it, empty it when the dirt reaches this line.

4

Place furniture leg coasters beneath the legs of heavy furniture. These coaster prevent permanent deep dents on the carpet and pad.

5

Clean up spills immediately. Place an absorbent towel over the spill and apply pressure to soak up as much of the spill as possible. Do not rub it into the carpet. Blot the remaining stain from the carpet with a solution of 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of mild detergent. Rinse with clear water and blot dry. Vacuum once the carpet has dried completely.

6

Shampoo the carpet at least once a year, or up to twice yearly for high-traffic areas. Use a carpet shampooer machine with a shampoo formulated for carpets. Follow the instructions for the particular machine when cleaning. Allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it.

7

Deodorize carpets monthly, or more often if you have pets. Sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet in a thin layer. Leave the soda in place overnight and then vacuum it up completely. The soda absorbs the odors in the carpet.