As summer ends and the new school year begins, an empty house or apartment can seem like a dream until you notice all the filthy reminders the warmer seasons left behind. Dirty shoes, sticky fingers, excited pets, and congested gatherings can leave behind more than a few scuffs and messes. Counters, walls, and other surfaces can quickly be wiped down, polished, and disinfected so no proof remains. Bedding, clothes, shoes, and even pet items can be washed and sterilized. But your carpet still tells the story, and it’s quite the gossip girl. Ground dirt, pet accidents, beverage spills, and food crumbs can leave behind more than a bit of dirt and debris… potentially harmful pathogens and serious stains can form as well. Fortunately, there are some simple but effective ways of caring for your carpet and helping it regain its beauty through the fall season.