Carpet Cleaning Tips

Vacuum your carpet at least once a week, even if it doesn't look like it needs it. The dust, and dirt, gets ground into the carpet and will slash the fibers. Have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year (every 4 months is preferable) Hire someone or do it yourself.

Always try to remove carpet stains as soon as possible. You have a better chance

at removing the stain than if you wait longer. Never use ammonia or soap on carpets because they contain alkalis, which harm the fibers and fade the colors. Use a clean cloth, such as a towel, to soak up liquids. Use a spatula to scoop up semi solids. Sponge the area lightly with water, or a soapless lather cleaner. Do not rub too hard. Start cleaning at the outer edge of the stain, then work inward. Don't use too much water. You can use a hair dryer or electric fan to help dry the area when done.

Kids leave a red lollipop to melt on your carpet? Or a popsicle? Remove the food item, then sponge with warm water. If this doesn't work, take a teaspoon of very mild detergent (like ivory snow or dreft) and mix in a 1/2 pint of water. Sponge this on with lukewarm water.

Cigarette burns: Clip the ends of the blackened tufts. Rub the spot with water and a soapless cleaner.

Have grease stains on your carpet?
Shake some cornstarch over the grease stain and let set there overnight or at least 8 hours. Vacuum.

BLANKETS

Put 2 heaping tablespoons of borax and 1 pint of soft soap into a large tub of cold water. Make sure all is dissolved before putting in blankets. Let the blankets set in the water for about 9 hours. Next, rub and rinse..Do not wring out! Hang to dry! You can use this method with your machine or by hand. But, make sure you use delicate cycle. This method is also good for washing your woolens and flannels. Save a little money on your dry cleaning!

Miscellaneous tips for cleaning

-     Use cotton buds dipped in eau de cologne to remove the ballpoint pen ink marks/stain from the fabric. Rub the area with the eau de cologne and later wash it with soap and water.
-      Put an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator and freezer to get rid of stale odour.
-     Regular cleaning of the refrigerator/freezer (every week) will not only help to keep track of your required grocery in terms of meat/vegetable, fruits requirement for the family, it will also eliminate stale odours. It will also prevent the various preserved food items such as jam, jelly, mayonnaise etc from getting expired.
-     To remove the coffee and tea stains, rub the stained area with a cloth dipped in glycerine and then wash it off.
-     Remove the deodorant stains using equal quantity of vinegar and water. Rub the stained area with this solution followed by sponging the stains with warm water and little detergent. Finally rinse with cold water and dry.
-     To remove the blood stains, make a paste of water, corn starch, corn meal or talcum powder. Apply this paste on the stained area and let it dry. Later brush it off.
-     To remove Crayon marks especially on the painted walls, use a toothpaste or a cloth soaked in ammonia to clean the area. After that clean it with water and let it dry.
-     To clean the dirty windows, add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar in small bucket of water. Wipe the window glass with this mixture and dry it off with old newspapers.
-     To clean the candle wax from carpets, rugs or sofa upholstery, put a paper over the dried wax and run a hot iron over it. The paper will absorb the hot wax. Alternately one can also remove the wax by softening the wax with a hair dryer and wiping it with old newspaper or paper towels.
-     To clean combs and brushes, soak them in soap water overnight. Clean them with a toothbrush later, all the dirt will come out easily. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and hot water to clean the brushes and combs.
-     Mix one part Ammonia and 3 parts water and store this mixture in a spray bottle. Use this mixture to clean windows, electrical appliances, and kitchen counter top/slab.
-     To clean the toilet bowl, pour a cup of white vinegar and sprinkle a handful of baking soda in to the bowl. Leave it for 20 minutes and then clean with a toilet brush.
-     To soften your clothes, make fabric softener at home by mixing 1 gallon of vinegar and a few drops of lavender oil. Shake it well before using.