With the holidays just around the corner, you’re probably anticipating lots of time spent with family and friends. It’s the perfect time of year for happiness, cheer, and plenty of food and drinks. But what’s not so perfect is a dirty carpet! And with the company you’re expecting, there are bound to be some spills and stains happening.

It’s tough to keep your house looking great when there is company during the holidays. Luckily, there are some ways to keep your carpet cleaner for a longer amount of time while you have holiday parties and gatherings.

Carefully plan your holiday menu. You want to avoid as many spills as possible in order to protect your carpet, so be sure to serve appetizers such as tapas, finger foods, and hors d’oeuvres that can easily be eaten in one bite. Also serve wine in seamless glasses to prevent them from tipping over on your carpet.

Request that your guests take their shoes off. This is especially important if you have guests over during inclement weather that involves slush and snow. If your guests are family, they can definitely bring their own slippers.

Know what your carpet is made of. Different carpet materials need different types of care. Wool fibers are different than synthetic. And depending on what your carpet is made of determines how a stain will react. Keep in mind that natural fibers absorb more moisture than man-made fibers, which means that the carpet will take longer to dry.

Act quickly if a stain occurs. The most importantly thing to remember is to tend to the stain as soon as you can. If you take immediate action, most stains can be eliminated. While no carpet is completely stain-proof, the longer you wait, the worse the damage will be.

Use the blot and treat method. Be sure to quickly absorb the spill with a dry, white cloth. Blot the stain until it is barely damp, but do not scrub the stain. Next, treat the stain with a good carpet cleaner or baking soda. Be sure to pre-test the cleaner on a hidden area of the carpet first.