I started having regrets around five minutes after purchasing my fabulous white shag rug. How was I going to keep this piece of art safe from the labrador, not to mention my rambunctious seven and nine-year-old boys? So I consulted Living With My Home and got some great advice.

Now, although carpeting varies in price, quality and texture, they all have something in common: They're subject to wear, tear and stains ranging from wine spills to grease spots to pet pee! Here's how the experts say to care for your carpet so it stays in good condition.

DO: Vacuum

The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends vacuuming the areas that receive frequent footprints more than twice a week. These include entrance ways, stairs, hallways and (in most homes) the walkway to the kitchen. And the entire carpet should be vacuumed at least twice a week.

If you have children or pets, they'll track in dirt and mud. As soon as you notice it, vacuum the area slowly, going with the direction of the pile and then reversing the direction.

DON'T: Let Your Vacuum Get Out of Shape

Inspect your vacuum cleaner regularly, keeping the brushes clean and in good condition. Check the vacuum head, belts and hoses for any rough edges or obstructions. Don’t forget to check the bag level: According to most manufacturers, the vacuum becomes less efficient when the bag is more than half to three-quarters full.

DO: Bring In The Pros

You may want to hire a professional occasionally to do a thorough deep-cleaning. Ask family, friends and neighbors for references, and then check with the Better Business Bureau before asking the professional to come to your home to inspect your carpet and give you a quote.

DO: Consider the Carpet Type

Jack White of restoration and cleaning company Rainbow International says, “Most carpets manufactured today in the U.S. are totally synthetic.” The most popular fiber is nylon. It's resilient, so it “will bounce back when walked on. It cleans easily, and protective coatings have been formulated that make nylon carpet very stain-resistant.”

The ideal for most homes? “A 40- to 60-ounce nylon carpet with a 6- to 8-pound cushion is a good carpet for most residential installations,” according to White. To take advantage of the protective coating on the typical carpeting, act promptly to clean up food spills. “Blot the spill immediately with water and an absorbent cloth. If you use a paper towel, make sure there are no prints on it, as the colors might bleed onto the carpet,” White cautions.

DON'T: Think That Water Will Solve Everything

Some stains—mustard, pet stains, hair dyes, candle wax, some food dyes, furniture stains—can't be removed with just water and a cloth. In these cases, you might need the skills of a professional cleaner.

DO: Troubleshoot With Care

The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends using the "Spot Solver" on the institute’s Web site to learn how to tackle your particular stain. Before following the directions, pre-test the spot-removal agent in an inconspicuous area to see if it harms the fiber or dye.

After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, choose another cleaning solution.

After you've chosen the correct cleaning solution, put a small amount on a white cloth, let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently work it in, moving from the outside edge of the spill to the center. Don't scrubbing; use a blotting motion.

After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed.

Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid re-soiling if the solution isn't completely removed. Apply a 1/2-inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area. Weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue changing paper towels as needed. A dry, absorbent cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time.

DON'T: Have a Coronary When Your Pet Pees

Instead, blot damp areas with plain white paper towels as soon as urine is detected. Apply a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent (non-bleach and non-lanolin) with 1 cup lukewarm water. Don't use automatic dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent.

Absorb moisture with paper towels, rinse with warm water and repeat the application of detergent. Continue rinsing and blotting with the detergent solution and water as long as there's a transfer to the toweling or improvement in the spot.

Follow the detergent application with a solution of 1 cup white vinegar to 2 cups water. Blot dry. Apply a 1/2-inch layer of paper towels to the affected area. Weigh down with a flat, heavy, non-fading object. Change paper towels until completely dry.

DO: Replace Your Carpet Every 10 Years or So

Carpet warranties cover up to about 10 years, according to Carpet and Rug Institute. The life of a carpet depends on the type of carpet and its makeup, but usually lasts 10 to 12 years.

We recommend Floor Coverings International for all of your flooring and carpeting needs. Contact your local FCI for a free consultation and estimate.

[Main Image: iphotostock.com]