Cut pile, loop pile, plush, shag, velvet, embroidery are all examples of some of the available carpeting, upholstery and tapestry choices, each with their own unique benefits. Unfortunately, they all come with a similar problem: the potential to cause a health hazard wherever they are installed because they all trap dust, dirt, moisture and odors, providing the perfect breeding ground for mites and various bacteria, including potentially life threatening mold spores. Routine sweeping and vacuuming definitely helps. Professional cleaning at regular intervals is essential – but only if you take heed to the recommendations below. Professional carpet cleaning, if not carried out responsibly and by a reputable firm that you have researched thoroughly, can be almost as harmful as leaving the problem unattended.

1.Admit you need to take better care of your carpets, rugs, tapestries and upholstery. Having your carpets, rugs, tapestries and upholstery professionally cleaned once every twelve to eighteen months is not a matter of choice, it's a matter of health; it's a matter of protecting and lengthening the life of your investment in your home and office furnishings.

2.Prevention is worth an ounce of cure – tip #1: If you don't already have one, buy a welcome mat for each entrance to your home or business and encourage it use. A mat will act as a receptacle for large particles and dirt and other materials that may have attached themselves to the soles of your shoes.

3.Prevention is worth and ounce of cure – tip #2: Prevent the pile of your carpet from being crushed and worn before its time by putting a throw rug or small carpet in front of especially heavily trafficked areas, like in front of your favorite chair.

4.Commit to sweeping or vacuuming once a week. Vacuuming will remove superficial dust and dirt. Vacuum all surfaces – sofas, chairs, wall hangings, rugs, throw rugs, and of course, carpets – thoroughly using back and forth movements.

5.Move the furniture. Moving the furniture to vacuum will allow you to get to hard to reach spots. Adjust furniture placement – even an inch or two every time you vacuum – will allow the spots crushed by furniture legs to recover.

6.Treat spots immediately. It's true. If you don't treat a spill as soon as it happens, it's likely to set and become a permanent, or much harder to remove, stain. Stay away from chemical treatments which may damage your carpet. Start with cold water. In most cases, a little baking soda will do the trick.

7.Know your carpet. Before you buy your carpet, ask these questions: Has it been treated with moth repellant? Is it soil resistant? Does it require dry cleaning? How long is the warranty and what does it cover?

8.Have your carpets professional cleaned at least once every twelve to eighteen months, more often for high-use areas. Don't take our word for it, check you carpet manufacturer's recommendation.

9.Know what deep cleaning method is right for your carpet. It has been proven that the most efficient way to clean, disinfect and sanitize carpets, rugs, tapestry and upholstery is the high-powered water extraction method, especially when carried out using truck mounted water extraction equipment. Truck mounted cleaning systems are self contained powerful units that are typically installed on vans. This is the only way that these machines can be transferred to any site. Truck mounts act like a portable washing machine for your carpets, cleaning with the power of steam and then extracting the water with dynamic pumps. The process is quicker than many other traditional processes and does not leave any chemical residue behind. Only clean, fresher smelling, newer looking results.

10.Find a professional carpet cleaning company that knows what to do and how to do it. Don't be afraid to use your newly gained knowledge to demand that the person who cleans your carpets knows even more. Ask questions, research cleaning methods and check customer satisfaction levels. Insist on steam cleaning with the proper equipment or you may find yourself with a carpet that looks clean on the surface, but due to inefficient drying (a by-product of low quality, low-powered steam cleaning) is actually breeding mold beneath the surface.

Carpets, rugs, tapestries and upholstery are common elements in virtually all human environments. They add beauty, comfort, style, warmth. They effectively buffer sound, and protect underlying floor surfaces, and even protect you, to some extent, if you or a loved one happens to slip or fall. Whether you bought your carpet at the supermarket or it is a family heirloom, protect your investment and your family. Have your carpets professionally cleaned using high-powered water extraction machines (steam cleaning).