Regardless of who you might be, or how clean and fastidious you happen to be, there is likely to be times when you get spots on your carpet. Spots happen. Drinks drip or get spilled, shoes carry in debris, dust collects, children have accidents. So, what should you do when you have carpet spots? Getting your carpets cleaned can be really expensive, #not to mention# that the frequent cleaning can break the carpet down, and shorten its lifespan.

This #is a# #look at# how you could clean carpet spots #on your# own without calling on the professionals:

Deciding on a cleaner - Every carpet is different and so every cleaner should be as well. You do not #need to# buy an expensive machine #to clean# your carpet, a bucket and a rag could be just as effective, but #the product# #you use# #to clean# the carpet should be selected carefully. Oxyclean is a great option for nearly any carpet, plus the directions for mixing it for carpet cleaning are #on the# packaging. Bissel also make some great carpet cleaner products.

Test your cleaner - The best way to protect yourself from problems with your carpet spots is #to test# #the product# you propose #to clean# it with on a remote place. If you happen to possess closet for example, test the carpet inside it instead of #in the# centre of the room. This will likely help you recognize #if you# are likely to have an issue such as dying the carpet or bleaching it. Once #you have# tested it, #and found# it #to be# fine, move to step 3.

Clean the stain #as soon as# possible. If you #get a# spot on your carpet, do not leave it for long. The sooner you clean it, the greater the results are likely to be. So, #if your# child spills juice, clean it straight away.

Pretreat - Just like with clothing, stains on carpet will lift easier if you give #the product# a chance to work. So pre-treat the carpet, and come back to it a couple of minutes later.

Don't over-soak the carpet. Water and soap are a great tool because they collect and attract dirt. If you use too much water and soak your carpet, it might actually end up dirtier than it had been before. So, do your best to not over soak the floor. Use a vacuum of some kind to suck up excess water.

Make sure that the carpet is completely dry before anyone walks on it. #If you# let people tread on your carpet right after #it has been# cleaned, the stains may return, or you might get new ones. Think of it similar to a new baby, if #it is# exposed to something right after cleaning, #it is# more likely #to get# dirty #and make# it worse. So, if need be, block the room off.

#Having a# spray bottle with carpet spot cleaner on hand to fight stains immediately is a shrewd idea. In addition, you may want to keep a box of wet wipes on hand.