1: Have your carpet professionally installed. Make sure that the installer uses a power stretcher. 2: Vacuum 2 to 3 times a week. 3: Avoid being barefoot. The oil from your feet can build up on the carpet over time and act as a magnet for dirt. 3: Avoid wearing dirty shoes in the house. Dirty shoes can track in dirt, oil, and other unwanted things in your home. 4: Clean stains as quickly as you can and only use products made for cleaning the carpet. 5: Always use professional carpet cleaners. I have seen everything from the carpet being stained to being soaked, causing delamination. Not removing all the shampoo from the carpet will make the carpet sticky. 6: Scotch-guard your carpet when you get the carpet cleaned.