Because of the economic recession, homeowners are watching every penny they spend and are trying to make their big-ticket items last longer. Buying new carpet for a home is a huge investment, and wise homeowners will take the steps necessary to keep their floor coverings looking great, longer. Here are some tips.

--Move the Furniture

If you go into a senior citizen's house, you may have noticed that the carpet is worn in a distinct path tracing the residents' walking patterns. Avoid this pitfall by moving your furniture from time to time, which will naturally cause family members to take different paths. This simple step will help your carpet to wear out much slower.

-- Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum

Ground-in dirt is deadly for even the strongest carpet fibers; a weekly vacuuming job simply won't be enough to counteract the effects of a week's worth of use. You should definitely vacuum high-traffic areas each and every day, while maintaining your weekly schedule for other areas.

-- Keep dirt out

Of course, it's impossible to keep all dirt out of the house, but you can keep people from tracking it in across your floors. You can institute a "no shoes in the house" policy for family members, and if you want to be really draconian, you can insist on it for guests as well. Most visitors won't mind! Keep good, thick welcome mats at each entrance to your home as well.

-- Take care of spills immediately

Simple spots and stains are not so simple anymore if they are left unattended. Dyes from foreign materials can seep into the fibers themselves and become permanent eyesores. Spots should be removed immediately using all-natural products such as vinegar. Avoid harsh chemical spot and stain removers as they will weaken fibers.

-- Use area rugs whenever possible

Some traffic areas in the home such as hallways are always susceptible to high levels of wear and tear no matter how careful you try to be. Consider using area rugs with high-grip rubber backings to cut down on damage to carpet fibers.

-- Have your carpets cleaned at least once a year

Whether you need a Utah carpet cleaning professional or one in Florida or Wisconsin, make sure you choose a good one who will treat your carpets with expertise and an eye for their long-term care and durability.