Vacuuming every 2-3 days, depending on traffic with a CRI-approved (Carpet & Rug Institute) vacuum. Visit www.carpet-rug.org for more information.

Cleaning with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to re-soil more quickly.

Deep clean your carpets every 12-18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime. Restaurants and other high traffic/heavily soiled spaces should be cleaned every 2 months

Use these strategically near high-traffic doors

If you can hear sand being vacuumed from your carpet for more than a few seconds or there is more debris on your carpet than the rug, you may need a larger surface mat

You can save wear and tear on your carpets by asking everyone to take off their shoes before entering your home. If such a request is too demanding or uncomfortable for your guests, make sure they wipe their feet well on a floor mat to reduce debris in the treads of their shoes. This will help remove particles that can cause friction on carpet fibers.

Change your air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as recommended by the manufacturer's directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the fewer that fall onto the carpet.

For many of us, pets are an extension of our families. While pets are wonderful, they are no strangers to making messes and leaving behind that distinct pet odor. When pets lay directly on the carpet, oil & dander will saturate that spot making restorative cleanings almost impossible. Try placing a mat or dog bed over your pet's favorite spot to avoid direct contact with your pet's fur and oil.

Moving your furniture often can help prevent permanent carpet indentations that are noticeable and mat down carpet fibers. Using furniture coasters can make moving furniture easier.

There are temporary and permanent protectors on the market:

• A permanent protector, like Microseal, can be applied after cleaning (before cleaning is fine but wait 4 days to allow cure time) and will protect your fibers permanently without the need to rake it into the carpet. You will NOT need to reapply after each carpet cleaning, as this product permeates the fibers. The initial cost is higher, but due to the permanent nature of Microseal, this protector will be cheaper per sq. foot after multiple cleanings
• Temporary protectors are readily available on the market and should be applied AFTER professional carpet cleaning, This product will need to be raked into the carpet after application to allow fibers to be evenly coated and since it's a temporary product, it must be reapplied after each professional cleaning for best results. The initial cost is cheaper than permanent protectors but will eventually have a higher cost per sq. foot as it needs to be reapplied each time
• Both categories of carpet protectors are designed to repel stains and give the homeowner extra time to clean up before the spot becomes permanent. No product is able to stop all stains but each product has its own benefits and will aid in prolonging the life and appearance of your carpet or fabric