Carpet cleaning does not always have to mean renting an expensive steam cleaning machine, though this does need to be done every six months to a year. Unfortunately spills and stains happen more than twice a year, so those things need to be taken care of as soon as they happen. These are some easy cleaning tips that will help you keep your carpet looking nice between cleanings.

Spot cleaning tips for carpet

The best way to keep your carpet looking great in between deep cleanings is to make sure you clean up any spills immediately. There are several commercial carpet cleaning solutions out there, but you can actually clean many spills or stains with things you probably already have in your home. Every homeowner should have white vinegar, baking soda, ammonia and lemon juice in their home. These simple products can clean almost any spill on your carpet. For example, a mixture of vinegar and water can be rubbed on stains then blotted with a white paper towel. To make sure that you get the carpet pad clean as well, put a layer of paper towels on the spot, then put a book over it and let it sit over night. There are many other carpet cleaning tips available on-line that cover specific stains.

Deep cleaning tips for carpet

The best way to deep clean your carpets, honestly, is to hire a professional carpet cleaning service. You can use a steam cleaner or rent one, but these will not get your carpets as clean as hiring someone will. The problem with store bought steam cleaners is that they often leave a soap residue on the carpet, which actually makes carpets dirtier, because dirt then sticks to the residue. These machines are good in a pinch, but one of the best deep cleaning tips for carpets is to hire a professional.