Spot clean + pretreat stains Give the stain a firm blotting using one of the following: club soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or a dish soap (such as Dawn Dish Soap) and water will usually take out most stains and spots. (More on specific types of stains below.)

How often should you clean your carpet? Carpet manufacturers typically recommend deep cleaning carpets every 12 to 18 months, says Mock. "Hot water extraction is the most common method used. You can hire a professional, or you can purchase or rent a cleaner from your local home improvement store to DIY."

Baking soda is the go-to solution for bringing your carpet back to life. Not only does it clean, it also kills bacteria, refreshes the pile and removes odours. Apply plenty of baking soda to completely cover your carpet then use a stiff brush to work it in, rubbing it in different directions.