A cleaning expert explains how to clean carpets the right way

It's true, but it's sad. Coffee stains, wine spills, and footprints on carpets and rugs are just part of everyday life. There are many ways to avoid these messes, such as asking guests to remove their shoes or purchasing a stain-resistant rug. But the best thing is to know how to eliminate them so that you can react quickly when they occur.

Spots and stains can be difficult to remove from carpets. Regular vacuuming is good for removing dust and dirt. You can either hire a professional to fix these problems or invest in a portable or upright carpet cleaner. Carolyn Forte, the Executive Director of Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, explains how to remove most carpet stains, including food stains, red wine spillages, and pet accidents, using traditional carpet stain removal products and household cleaning products. Some of these products you may already have.

These are the best ways to clean carpets of most stains:

• Fill two spray bottles with cold water. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid (such as dishwashing soap) with 1 cup of warm water.

• Spray the detergent solution on an absorbent cloth (not the carpet, as you don't want it to get too wet), and then dab (don't rub!) Spray the solution onto the affected area. Blot the stain with a clean piece of cloth until it disappears. Continue to apply and blot until the stain disappears.

• Use cold water to spray another cloth on the carpet. After drying, blot the area with a clean towel.

• Place a stack of paper towels on the spot that is wet. Then, place a vase or pot on top. The towels will absorb any remaining stain from the carpet over the night. Forte says to fluff the carpet fibers with your fingers in the morning and let it air dry.

If the stain persists, you can repeat the steps or use a targeted carpet stain removal product that claims to remove the type of stain.

How to Get Pet Stains Out of Carpet

The poop and urine stains that your four-legged friend leaves behind are not cute, no matter how adorable. Use a carpet cleaner that contains enzymes like Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Removing Formula to remove pet stains. This carpet cleaner not only removes the stain but also destroys odor-causing bacteria, which will prevent your pet's from reusing the same spot. Apply the cleaner to the pile using a damp, clean cloth. Blot as necessary until any remaining stains are gone. To give the enzymes more time to work, rinse the area thoroughly with a clean, damp towel. Then remove the cloth and fluff up the pile.