Berber carpet is a soft, loop-pile carpet with a unique texture that comes from the alternating of large and small tufts of carpet fibers. Due to its lush appearance, berber carpeting is a common choice for upscale and formal rooms. However, it requires a little different care than your average carpet, due to its unique construction. Adhere to these do's and don'ts when caring for your berber carpet, and it will stay looking great for ages.

Do: Have the carpet professionally shampooed.

Since the fibers of berber carpet fray easily, most home carpet shampooers cannot be used on this style of carpet. They'll cause too much friction and cause the carpet to look fluffy and disheveled. When you hire a professional carpet shampooing team, such as Pristine Cleaning Systems, they will have specialized equipment to use to prevent this fraying. The high-powered suction devices they use are also more effective at ensuring the water is removed from the dense carpet fibers than a home carpet shampooer would be. This helps prevent the damp carpet from molding and developing musty odors.

Don't: Rub back and forth when cleaning up spills or stains.

Rubbing back and forth will cause the berber fibers to fray and begin to look fluffy. Instead of rubbing, when cleaning up a stain, press down onto the stained area, giving the towel or sponge time to soak up the liquid. Tapping or blotting motions can safely be used, too. Most stains can be removed by blotting them with cold water and perhaps a little baking soda.

Do: Use a vacuum with powerful suction – but no brushes.

Since the fibers that make up berber carpeting are so dense, you will need a powerful vacuum to make sure everything it sucked up from within them. Look for a vacuum with adjustable suction, and use it on the highest setting. However, you do not want to use a brush attachment, since this will cause the carpet to fray.

Don't: Use a carpet stain remover without carefully checking the label.

Many, though not all, berber carpets are dyed with natural ingredients. As a result, many commercial carpet cleaners will stain or discolor them. Read the label of any carpet cleaner you're thinking of using very carefully before spraying it on your carpet – make sure it says that it's safe for berber carpet or for carpets colored with natural dyes. You might also want to test it on a hidden part of your carpet (such as under the sofa) before fully putting it to use.