Before you make the mistake of renting a carpet cleaning machine to save a few bucks, read on to learn why DIY machines may not be a good choice. DIY machines are heavy, awkward and messy. But more importantly they are not as effective as professional carpet cleaning and using them could result in problems.

Sometimes spot removal, especially if you are removing several spots at once, gives carpeting an inconsistent appearance. Here are the details about what causes this problem and what you can do about it in the future.

Chances are you have heard the well-intended but ill-advised suggestion to choose carpeting that hides dirt so there will be less vacuuming and professional cleaning required. This article explains why this is bad and potentially costly advice.

Dust mites can be found in virtually any home. Learn about the symptoms their allergens cause and how to reduce their numbers in your home.

For red wine spills, as well as many other types of spills, the spot removal method is pretty simple. Use dry, white, clean cloths or paper towels to blot the spill and absorb excess liquid. Moisten with water and repeat until the entire spot is gone. If this doesn’t work, use a manufacturer-recommended spot cleaner or try our DIY how-to.