Are you searching for a way to keep your carpet looking newer and lasting longer? A dirty carpet wears out faster, aggravates health problems and makes a home less attractive. Regular cleaning of a carpet helps preserve it and creates a fresher, healthier home. The following carpet cleaning tips will make certain that carpets beautify a home and last a long time so that you get every penny out of your new carpet.

Tip #1: For best results, ask for a free consultation and estimate from a professional cleaning company. They know what to use and how to make carpets look their best.

Do-it-yourself carpet cleaners should know about these handy carpet cleaning tips.

Tip#2: Choose a warm, dry day to clean the carpet. A humid or rainy day will cause to the carpet to take longer to dry. Move all the furniture off the carpet before cleaning it.

Tip#3: Have these supplies available: dish detergent; clean sponges or rags; two buckets, one for the cleaner and the other for the rinse water; lots of clean towels.

Tip#4: Don't wear shoes while cleaning the carpet. Wear clean socks to keep dirt from getting tracked onto the carpet.

Tip#5: Always check for color smudging or lightening by putting a little of the cleaning solution on a small section of the carpet away from the heaviest traffic area.

Tip #6: Use a simple mixture of dish soap and warm water to clean a carpet -- about a half cup of liquid soap to every gallon of water.

Tip #7: Apply the mixture with a clean rag and use a brush to reach all the fibers.

Tip #8: Rinse the soapy carpet with a sponge or rag dipped in warm water.

Tip#9: Use lots of clean towels to blot up the rinse water. Rubbing can smear colors and breakdown fibers. Turn on some happy music and dance on the towels to have fun blotting up the water.

Tip#10: When the carpet is dry, put in a clean vacuum bag and vacuum the carpet to pull out any leftover dirt and fluff up the carpet.

Stubborn stains like blood, pet urine or red wine are cleaning challenges and require special cleaning techniques. Blot all stains as soon as possible. Don't use hot water on blood stains. Rinse them with cold water first. Then use a thin paste of baking soda and cold water to clean the stain. Peroxide can also be poured directly on the blood stain and then rinsed out after it stops foaming. Pet urine should be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner made for that purpose. Pet supply stores can recommend a good product. Blot, don't rub red wine stains with a mixture of a few drops of dish soap and a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Use lots of water to rinse the cleaners out of the carpet.

Using these carpet cleaning tips will help homeowners protect their carpets and get the full value and enjoyment from their carpets for many years.