Got a nasty carpet stain?  Don’t just spray and pray!  Learn tested tricks for removing all sorts of stains from carpets with Real Simple’s carpet cleaning primer Treatments for Every Type of Carpet Stain.  Find separate sets of tips for removing stains from both synthetic and natural fiber rugs.  Mix cleaning cocktails from common household cleansers (who doesn’t have vinegar or dishwashing liquid?) If you have children or are anything but the picture of grace, this article deserves bookmarking.

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?  Muddy footprints on your carpet!  Spring and summer months happily invite you to take advantage of the great outdoors, but the evidence of many trips in and out of your home is sure to show up on your carpets and floors.  Since the best defense is a good offense, place a doormat on the inside and outside of each exterior door to stop dirt in its tracks.  You can pick up simple doormats at any home improvement or discount store but for that little something extra, check out these personalized doormats to fit any budget, big or small.

If the sky’s the limit:  Personalized pineapple cast aluminum arched doormat, $136.  Free shipping from Outdoor Decor.

Cheaper than a service call from Chem Dry:  Monogrammed filigree coir doormat by Whitehall, $75.65.  Free shipping from Best Nest.

From Target (online only):  Respectability at a great price:  Half-round monogrammed doormat, $39.99.  Free shipping.

From Walmart (online only):  Kitschy personalized doormat in Martini Bar, Tavern, or Rock ‘n Roll Bar theme, $18.96.  Free site to store shipping.  Think basement entrance or fun hostess gift!

And we can’t forget the Green!  Ed Begley, Jr., eco Hall of Famer, has his own line of all-natural cleaning products.  You may spot them in a trendy natural foods or hardware store if you live in California–everybody else go to the Achoo Allergy site.  Begley’s Best Household Cleaner and Carpet Spot Remover, $6.25 for 24 oz bottle plus $6 shipping–ouch.  Seeing Begley’s goofy mug smiling at you from the bottle while you’re hunched over blotting a pet stain may lighten your mood enough to justify the cost.

Do you have any tried-and-true tips for cleaning your carpets? Please share them with the rest of us over at the forum!