Most everyone would agree that it is necessary to regularly clean carpets and rugs to keep them looking good and keep one's home healthy. However oft times regular hovering isn't sufficient to keep things looking their best. Here are some hints from professionals for keeping carpets and rugs looking new yourself, as well as some tips for hiring a professional cleaner:

Hoover at least once per week. Whilst this may seem obvious, the vast majority of loose dirt and crime is removed with a good vacuuming.

Improve your hovering technique. Move the hover with the carpet or rug's pile direction to remove the surface dirt, then again against the pile direction to get at deeper bits.

Change traffic patterns. Moving furniture even slightly on a regular basis will help prevent carpet wear and soiling in high traffic spots. Rotating rugs will have the same effect.

Clean liquid spills quickly. Immediately after a spill, blot up the moisture with a paper towel or clean rag. Blot from the outside of the spill toward the center to keep the spill contained. Never rub the carpet to pick up the spill as this pushes the liquid deeper into the pile. Once fully absorbed, use a spot remover and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Act quickly on dirt and traffic stains, too. As soon as a stain becomes apparent, work to clean it with a spot or area cleaner as soon as possible. Leaving it to sit will force grime deeper into the pile making it harder to clean later.

Most carpet, rug and upholstery manufacturers recommend professional cleaning once a year. Unfortunately most individuals wait until they begin to see noticeable issues, but this may make cleaning and bringing the carpet back to looking new more difficult. Like any fabric, regular care and maintenance is important.

When looking for a professional cleaning firm, the first priority is to find a reputable name. The best way to do this is to ask for recommendations from family and friends (in some cases it seems one can find out who to avoid, rather who to hire). You can also check the internet or the local directory.

Check consumer review websites to see if the firm has good reputation. You can also check out Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) to see if the firm has been accused of any scamming practices.

Next is to get service quotes. Many firms will provide an initial quote online or over the phone. While this will provide an initial start, it is important to make sure the firm visits the premises to give a full estimate. Be sure the firm is fully indemnified against potential damage. The estimate should be complete and include all services to be provided. Also ask for a few customer references. If the firm is hesitant or cannot provide any, consider another firm.

Another tip for choosing a firm is to check the cleaning firm's training program and equipment. Don't assume just because someone has been in business for a long while that they are using the latest technology. When the representative is visiting to develop the estimate, ask for a detailed explanation of how they clean and what equipment is used.

Then it's time to make a choice and have the work done. Most are astounded at the difference a professional cleaning can make on the look of their carpets and rugs.

Author's Bio: 

For more information on carpet cleaning St. Just have a look at carpet cleaning Cornwall to see how to make the most of your carpets.