These tips and shortcuts can help you keep your flooring -- from wood to carpet -- looking its best.

Wood floors are valued for their beauty and longevity. They can last for generations if properly cared for. Though extremely durable, polyurethane finishes are difficult to repair if damaged. Blemishes can be spot-repaired in the following three steps.

First, gently rub the damaged area with fine (220-grit) sandpaper. Don't cut into the wood itself. Going too deep makes color-matching difficult: It strips off wood fibers that have changed color with age or stain.

After sanding, wipe away dust that could become trapped in the touch-up coat. Wipe well with a commercial cleaner formulated for polyurethane; these products contain ingredients that evaporate quickly so the moisture won't affect the floor.

Brush on the polyurethane (use the same finish that's already on the floor) with a foam paint pad, and then thin out the edges with a dry brush. Work outward from the center. Where the old surface wasn't sufficiently sanded, some new finish may peel. A water-based finish will dry clear, while an oil-based polyurethane will appear lighter at first but will darken with age. If the floor was stained, you will have to restain the sanded patch before applying polyurethane.

Camouflage with wax sticks (available at hardware stores). They come in many different shades. Wood-stain markers (also at hardware stores) can be used for touch-ups.

Remove minor ink, pet stains, and water marks with fine steel wool.

Cover the area for five minutes with a plastic bag filled with ice, and then scrape with a spoon or credit card. Follow with a commercial cleaner for polyurethane.

Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with a commercial cleaner for polyurethane.

Gently scrape away char with a putty knife, then spot-repair as you would for blemishes.

Carpet adds wonderful color and texture to a room. But carpeting can't take care of itself. Follow these steps to keep it looking great.

Spills should be attended to as soon as you notice them. Blot up liquid spills with clean white cotton towels or with white paper towels, which allow you to gauge when the stain stops pulling away. Never rub because this will push the spill into the pile and cause fibers to mat.

If the stain is persistent, dilute the spot with seltzer or club soda.

Continue blotting by pressing down with the heel of your hand or with your foot with dry towels until the area is nearly dry.

Mix your own spot-cleaning solution by diluting a few drops of clear (not creamy looking) dishwashing liquid in water. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per quart. Apply to the stain, being careful not to saturate the carpet. Blot gently, then rinse with clean water and blot again.

Clean spills on synthetic carpet promptly using the Carpet Stain Removal Method. If the area discolors, there's probably a sticky spill residue that has trapped soil. Clean by misting the area with warm water and blotting with a clean white cloth.

Clean spills on wool carpet by misting with tepid water and blotting using the Carpet Stain Removal Method. Never use ammonia or any other alkaline cleaner, which can damage wool.

Blot spills promptly; plant fibers such as coir, hemp, jute, raffia, and sisal are less stain-resistant than synthetics or wool, even if treated to be water-repellent. Use the Carpet Stain Removal Method and make sure damp areas dry quickly by using a fan or hair dryer set on low heat.

The sooner you can get to a pet stain, the better. Pet urine left on carpets can permanently alter the dyes in carpet fibers, especially beige ones. Blot fresh stains as soon as you detect them with a clean white cloth. After absorbing as much moisture as possible, apply a solution of 1/4 teaspoon clear dishwashing liquid mixed with 1 cup tepid water; blot with another dry clean towel. Continue alternating with a soapy towel and a clean damp towel until the stain is gone. For stale stains or persistent odor, call a professional carpet cleaner.

To disguise a small burn, cut off blackened pile.

Cut some carpet fibers from a discreet corner; anchor with superglue into burned spot.

Trim top to even it out.

Scrape up dried candle wax with a spoon.

Cover remaining wax with white cloth or paper towels; iron on low heat.

Remove material when wax is absorbed.

Finally, green equals clean. Natural products from Martha Stewart Clean are effective at removing dirt, stains, and streaks while protecting surfaces and fibers, and they're priced for your budget. Effective. Responsible. Safe.