Prompt attention to spots and spills is essential. No carpet is stain proof, although many are stain resistant, which allows time to act.
Remove as much of food spills as possible by scraping gently with a spoon or dull knife.
Absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by blotting repeatedly with white paper or cloth towels.
Always blot; never rub or scrub abrasively, as a fuzzy area may result. When blotting, work from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the spill.
Always follow up with water to remove detergent residue that may become sticky and cause rapid re-soiling.
Draw out any remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the spot and weigh them down with a heavy object that will not transfer color, such as a plastic jug of water.