Vacuum cleaning your carpet or rug on a regular basis is important. Since the fibres are woven in a tight interlock, dirt, grit and debris tend to settle on the base of the carpet. Make sure to use the suction attachment and not the beater brush, since it can damage the carpet pile and the fringe of the carpet.
In case of spills, first remove, as far as possible, any loose substance using a spoon. Then, immediately moisten a white cotton cloth with cold water,wring it out and place it on the fresh stain (do not perform these instructions if your product / material to be treated stains from water). Leave the cloth to dry completely, without lifting. Should the cloth become saturated, replace it (because a wet cloth cannot absorb any moisture). Do not dab or rub, as this may cause permanent damage to the carpet. If a stain still remains after dabbing with water, it can be treated by professionals or with "James stain spray" or any similar professional product.
Carpets and pets don't mix. Animal urine can damage carpets and rugs. You are left with problems like odour, discolouration of the dyes. Use warm water and vinegar combination to deal with the problem.
Keep your carpet or rug away from direct sunlight and rotate them periodically to minimise wear and tear.
Get your carpets cleaned by professionals once in a while to retain its delicate structure.