New flooring represents a substantial investment. The proper steps will make sure it stays attractive for years to come.

Place walk-off mats at all entrances
Walk-off mats should be used at the exterior of all entrances to absorb the soil and moisture. They can help trap the excessive dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that would otherwise be tracked into the home. Mats should also be cleaned on a regular basis so they don't become sources of soil themselves.

How To Clean Your Carpet After A Spill

1. Immediately scoop up as much of the spill as possible. Then blot, do not rub, area with clean white cloths to remove excess moisture. Use a wet/dry vac if spill is large.

2. Apply warm, not hot, water to stained area and blot with white cloths. Repeat until no stain is evident on towels. If stain remains on carpet, make a solution of 1/4 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent to 1 cup warm water. Using a clean white cloth, apply the solution to the stained area, and let soak about 15 minutes. Rinse with clear warm water and blot to remove excess moisture. Repeat until all detergent is removed to avoid resoiling.

3. Absorb any remaining moisture with layers of white paper towels weighted with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. When carpet is dry, vacuum or brush the pile to restore texture.

♦Reappearing Stains: After drying, if the stain reappears, it may be because some of the stain remained deep in the pile and wicked up to the surface. If so, repeat step 2.

Please follow these steps first, then look for your stain key

Typical Non-Food and Non Beverage Stains

1. Immediately scoop up as much of the spill as possible. Then blot, do not rub, area with clean white cloths to remove excess moisture. Use a wet/dry vac if spill is large.

2. Apply warm, not hot, water to stained area and blot with white cloths. Repeat until no stain is evident on towels. If stain remains on carpet, make a solution of 1/4 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent to 1 cup warm water. Using a clean white cloth, apply the solution to the stained area, and let soak about 5 minutes. Rinse with clear warm water and blot to remove excess moisture. Repeat until all detergent is removed to avoid resoiling.

3. Absorb any remaining moisture with layers of white paper towels weighted with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. When carpet is dry, vacuum or brush the pile to restore texture.

Reappearing Stains: After drying, if the stain reappears, it may be because some of the stain remained deep in the pile and wicked up to the surface. If so, repeat step 2.

Cleaning Procedures

Key ("BCS" refers to "Basic Cleaning Steps" reviewed on table above)

A. Follow BCS No 1. Then apply dry cleaning solvent (available at a hardware store or the cleaning aisle of your supermarket). Follow instructions and precautions on container. Then follow BCS No. 2 and No.3.

B. Follow BCS No. 1 and 2. Then apply solution of clear, white, non-suds ammonia (2 tbs. to 1 qt. water). Blot with clean white cloth or paper towels. Repeat BCS No. 2. Then BCS No. 3.

Note: For Blood stains, all ingredients must be cold.

C. Follow BCS No. 1, 2 and 3. Then apply solution of white vinegar (2 tbs. vinegar to 1 qt. water). Blot with clean white cloth or paper towels. Repeat BCS No. 2 Then BCS No. 3.

D. Follow BCS No. 1 and 2. Then apply solution of white vinegar (2 tbs. to 1 qt. water) and blot. Next apply solution of clear, white, non-suds ammonia (2 tbs. to 1 qt. water) and blot. Repeat BCS No. 2. Then BCS No. 3.

E. Freeze area with ice cubes. Shatter gum with blunt instrument. Vacuum up pieces. Follow BCS No. 3.

F. Test nail polish remover on an obscure non visible section of carpet to see if removes carpet color. If not, apply remover and blot. Repeat if necessary.

G. Follow BCS No. 1, 2 and 3. If stain remains, apply dry cleaning solvent (follow instructions and precautions on container). Repeat BCS No. 2. Then BCS No. 3.

H. Vacuum thoroughly. If needed, follow BCS No. 1 through 3.

Note: If these procedures do not work for you, consult a professional carpet cleaner.