Routine vacuuming should be done frequently and this will help lengthen the time between cleanings. It is important to keep a close eye on the overall quality of your rugs. Please note that the mat is designed to hide dirt. So if your carpets look dark or dirty, call a carpet cleaning company you trust. Your best bet is not to let your rugs get to this point. When properly cleaned and maintained, the life of the rug is dramatically extended and can keep it looking its best for years to come.

Stain, spill, and stain removal should be part of your carpet cleaning. Some of these tips can also be applied in commercial carpet cleaning, fabric panel cleaning, and commercial upholstery cleaning programs.

Carpets and rugs can be a challenge to clean and remove stains. Professional carpet cleaning services can be expensive and difficult to fit into your schedule. Renting a carpet cleaning machine is a little cheaper, but you also have to buy the shampoo to put them on. However, you can make your own carpet cleaner, one that can be used in most rental machines, your own carpet cleaning machine, or just a bucket and sponge. You can clean the entire carpet, high-traffic areas, or just remove spots or stains.

Here’s what you need to know about do-it-yourself extraction cleaning:

· Remove furniture from carpeted area. If the furniture is too heavy, put a plastic film under and around the legs of the furniture.

· Vacuum thoroughly. This can have the biggest impact on the entire process!

· Follow the instructions of the machine carefully. Don’t add other chemicals or dilute it too much to try to make your cleaner stronger.

· Use only a cleaning solution that works with your pump.

· Start at the farthest point from the entrance and work backwards so you can exit when you’re done. Don’t clean yourself in a corner!

· Be patient and do not wet the rug too much. Extract as much water as possible. Don’t rush this step.

· Wait until the rug is dry before putting furniture back or walking on the rug. This step can take 6 to 12 hours.

· Ventilate the area. Open the windows if outside weather conditions allow, or turn the air conditioner to a moderate temperature (72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit). Never close off a room with a wet carpet. You want the fastest drying time possible, to prevent mold growth and allow for earlier use.

If you have light-colored carpeting and/or a house full of children or pets, you may want to purchase your own professional-style model designed for home use. Home cleaners can save you money in the long run compared to hiring a professional several times a year. Keep in mind, however, that the unit you purchase may not have the cleaning power that professional models do.

Most home carpet cleaning systems are water extraction units that are also known as steam cleaners. They work by injecting a solution into the carpet pile and then feeding the dirty solution into the machine. To avoid the hassle of dragging a hose around the house, opt for a model that doesn’t require a clean water connection. Also, choose the most powerful machine you can afford to ease the burden of dewatering. When using a steam cleaner, do not overly wet the rugs. Excessive moisture can damage the carpet backing and backing, causing shrinkage, fading and odor.

When you hire a professional carpet cleaning service, you can choose between steam cleaning and dry extraction cleaning. Each method, if handled by a qualified professional, will do wonders for dirty carpets. Professionals not only have far more powerful equipment than you’ll likely buy or rent, they also have far more experience with stain removal. Prices can vary widely for essentially the same service, so shop carefully.