Carpet is a great choice for floor covering for most people, and that fact is reflected in the sustained popularity it has enjoyed over the last few decades. Not only does it provide a feeling of cosiness and warmth, it helps to insulate your home, saving you money. Plus, it's a relatively cheap option when compared to other options. However, even the biggest carpet lovers would admit that carpets are harder to clean than their tile and hardwood alternatives. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep carpets clean and looking their best.

Take Necessary Precautions

Stains and dirt are the biggest threat to your carpets, and the simplest thing you can do is try to keep them away from your carpets. Make sure that people take their shoes off when they enter your home, and consider having tiled or wooden floor for areas where people are likely to be eating. You should also vacuum your carpets on at least a weekly basis, in order to clean up anything you may not have noticed. 

Know Your Stains

No matter how careful you are, your carpet is going to get stained at some point. You need to know how to remove the most common stains, as well as some general principles of what to do in case of a stain. For example, Persil explains how you should wait for mud stains to dry, then vacuum, then use detergent to clean the carpet. Coit explains how to remove common carpet stains in detail, such as vinegar and water for coffee stains, and isopropyl alcohol for ink stains. There are many books and resources that can teach you how different stains are removed, and it is always a good idea to keep some common stain-removers to hand, such as vinegar and alcohol.

Pay For A Professional Cleaning

People often only have their carpet cleaned professionally when it is visibly dirty or stained, but this is not always the best approach. Today recommends that you have you opt for professional carpet cleaning at least once a year, as this can extend the life of your carpet. Professional cleaners will be able to use the latest methods to lift the dirt out of your carpet and make it look infinitely better, even if you didn't notice it looking dirty. However, don't be afraid to call in the professionals if your carpet gets seriously stained. 

While carpets can seem more high-maintenance than other flooring options, they more than make up for this inconvenience with their comfortable feel and attractive looks. As long as you are careful with your carpet, vacuum regularly, know how to deal with accidents and have regular professional cleanings, then your carpet will look and feel great for many years.