When your carpet acts as a focal point in your home, you'll need to do what you can to keep it clean. Although using a carpet cleaning service periodically is helpful, there are steps you can take too. With some carpet cleaning tips, you'll enjoy a fresher looking floor throughout the year.

Banish hairs and crumbs using a lint roller 

Sometimes even the best vacuums may fail to grab every visible bit of hair and dust. To overcome your frustrations, break out a lint roller and get to work. Lint rollers attract difficult-to-vacuum items, including gatherings of hair. 

Remove difficult stains using an iron

From substances that cause deep staining to the spillages you miss, finding a stain that won't move on your carpet is frustrating. Mix one cup of vinegar with three cups of warm water. If the stain isn't dry, wait until it is. Then, vacuum it to remove some of the larger particles. Apply enough of the vinegar and warm water solution to the stain to soak it. Allow the solution to work its magic for five minutes, apply a towel, and then iron the towel. In most cases, this will result in the fabric absorbing the stain, leaving your carpet looking clean again.

Combat foul smells using essential oils and baking powder

Although it's possible to buy carpet deodorisers from supermarkets, it's just as easy to make your own. Get a cup of baking powder and add a few drops of essential oil to it. Lavender is often popular, as it has a longstanding history of bringing pleasant smells to otherwise smelly floors. Scatter the mixture over your carpet and leave it for five minutes. Vacuum it up, and you should enjoy a fresher-smelling floor. Try repeating the process once a week to maintain a fresh aroma.

Freeze away gum using ice cubes

One of the biggest carpet cleaning challenges anyone can face is gum. Once it works its way into the fibers, it's often difficult to remove. To make life easier, freeze it using some ice cubes. Wait for the gum to harden, then lift it away using a blunt knife or a spoon.

When you use easy carpet cleaning hacks throughout the year, you'll enjoy yours for longer. When the time comes to enjoy a deep clean, consider renting a rug cleaner or hiring a professional. Make it a part of your annual spring cleaning efforts, so you can enjoy a property that always smells and looks fantastic.