As you are reading through your credit report make a list of all the items that are out of date. Items such as adverse information that is older than seven years, paid tax liens, bankruptcies that are older than ten years, and credit inquiries that are older than two years should not be on your current credit report.

Next, look for incorrect information such as incorrect name, address, phone number, birthdate, accounts that are not yours, incorrect account histories (accounts showing a history of late payments when you paid on time), any closed accounts that are listed as open, and any account you closed that doesn't say "closed by consumer."

Cleaning up credit will also need to include adding positive credit marks. Paying credit card balance to 30 percent or below your available credit limit will add positive marks to your overall credit score. If you don't qualify for a regular credit card because your score are too low, then get a secured credit card by paying a deposit of a couple hundred dollars.

After cleaning up your credit (if you have really bad credit to start with), it usually takes about two years to rebuild your credit so that you won't be turned down for a major credit card or loan