Unfortunately, it is true. Coffee stains and wine spills, footprints on your carpets or rugs, and muddy paws are all part of daily life. You can do your best to prevent them from happening, like asking guests to take off their shoes and buying a stain-resistant carpet. However, it is best to be prepared to deal with them when they do.

While regular vacuuming can remove dust and ground-in dirt from your carpet and keep it looking clean and shiny, spots and stains can cause damage that is beyond the scope of a vacuum. It is expensive to hire a professional for these types of problems. You could also invest in a portable or standing carpet cleaner. Carolyn Forte is the Executive Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. She explains how you can remove common stains such as red wine spills or food stains. You may also be able to use household cleaning products, some of which are already in your home.

Follow these steps to clean your carpet for most stains:

• Two empty spray bottles can be used. Fill one with cold water. The other bottle should be filled with 1/4 teaspoon of mild dishwashing fluid, such as Dishwashing Fluid Dish Soap, along with 1 cup of warm tap water.

• Spray the detergent solution onto an absorbent towel (not the carpet; you don't want to wet the carpet too much), and dab (don't rub!) Apply it to the area. Once the stain has dissipated, wipe it with a clean cloth. Continue applying pressure and blotting until you are satisfied with the results.

• Use the cold water to spray another towel. Then, use the towel to wipe the detergent solution off the carpet. Finally, dry the carpet with a clean, dry towel.

• A stack of paper towels can be placed on the area that's wet. Next, add a pot or vase to the top. "Overnight, the towels will soak up any residual stain deep in the carpet. In the morning, fluff the fibers with your fingers and allow it to air-dry," Forte says.

If the stain is not gone, try these steps again or a targeted carpet stain cleaner that claims it can remove the stain.

How to Remove Pet Stains from Carpet

Your four-legged friend may be adorable, but the urine and poop stains he leaves behind are not. You can remove pet stains by using a carpet cleaner with enzymes such as Bissell Professional Pet Stain Removing Formula. It will not only eliminate the stain but also kill odor-causing bacteria. This will ensure that your pet doesn't reseed the same spot. Use a damp cloth to rub the cleaner into the pile, and then blot the area until it is completely dry. You can rinse the area well with a damp, clean cloth. If necessary, you can mist the area with water. Blot the area and then cover it with a damp cloth for 12 hours. This will allow the enzymes to get more time to work. Take the cloth off, fluff your pile, and let it air dry.