How to care for your carpets between professional cleanings

Vacuum more than you think

Twice a week in busy areas, slowly, with overlapping passes. Change bags and filters often.

Stop dirt at the door

Mats inside and outside every entrance catch sand and road salt. Shoes off helps even more.

Deal with spills fast

Blot, don't rub. Use cold water first. Avoid store spot removers that leave soap.

Stairs, hallways and entrances

These areas take most of the traffic, so they wear and soil first. Vacuum them twice as often as bedrooms, use a runner or mat at the top and bottom of stairs, and have them professionally cleaned even if other rooms can wait. Cleaning traffic areas before they turn gray prevents the permanent wear pattern.

Control humidity

In basements, a dehumidifier helps prevent musty smells. Move furniture occasionally so the same spots don't crush.

Around Long Island

Winter road salt is the big one inland, in towns like Hicksville, Plainview and Centereach; near the water in Oceanside and Babylon, it is sand and humidity.