Use Walk-off Mats Walk-off mats should be used at all entrances to absorb soil and moisture, and mats should be cleaned on a regular basis so they don't become sources of soil themselves,  especially during inclement weather. Sidewalks and entrances should be kept free of excessive dirt and substances which can be tracked into the home Occasionally Move Heavy Furniture Occasionally move heavy furniture to avoid excessive pile crushing. Put coasters intended for use with carpet under the legs of tables, chairs, and other furniture to help distribute the weight and prevent crushing the pile. Do not use chairs or appliances with rollers or casters on carpet without a chair pad designed for carpet. Continued use without a chair pad can cause damage to the carpet.  When moving heavy wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc.), prevent damage by placing a protective barrier of heavy cardboard or plywood between the wheels and the carpet. Avoid Direct Sunlight Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades, or awnings.   Use a Quality Pad Use a quality pad under your carpet,  particularly on stairs. Good pad not only gives better resilience underfoot, but it can also add to the life of your carpet. Some carpets carry warranties with specific   density and thickness requirements. Before purchasing your carpet pad, review your warranty. Use Area Rugs If you use area rugs over your carpet, be sure to remove and clean them regularly. Clean and restore the pile of the carpet   underneath. Be certain to check area rugs for colorfastness before putting them back over carpet, as the dyes in some rugs may bleed through to the carpet. After cleaning your carpet, remember to allow complete drying before replacing rugs.