Keep it clean
Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Style/225317/
Quick cleaning According to the May issue of Shopsmart, sometimes nothing less than a thorough deep-cleaning job will do. But if time and budget won’t allow such a major project, you can still banish grit and grime. Choose from the best way or the fast-and-cheap way to handle spring-cleaning jobs.
AREA RUGS Fast and cheap: Vacuum rugs and their pads on both sides. Rotate the rugs to even out wear. Best: Hire a professional rugcleaning service. Always professionally clean handmade rugs. Some professional cleaning services have spring specials. If you’re having rugs cleaned, ask the same service if it can also take care of your draperies and blinds. See if you can get a deal that includes free pickup and delivery. WINDOW BLINDS Fast and cheap: Slip on some soft cotton cleaning gloves, turn the slats down, and let your fingers do the dusting. Turn the slats up and repeat. Best: If the blinds are greasy, fill the tub with warm water and dish liquid and carefully submerge them; rinse, but keep the roller mechanism dry. Re-hang the blinds and allow them to air dry. If the slats are wood, bypass the bath and use a nonwax furniture polish.
UPHOLSTERY Quick and easy: Vacuum the whole piece, including corners, crevices, and all sides of the cushions. (You’ll need a canister vac with tools. ) Best: Have a professional cleaning service remove stains and steam clean with water and detergent or dry-clean. When searching for an upholstery, rug, carpet, or windowtreatment professional, get an estimate and check references. WALL-TO-WALL CARPET Fast and cheap: Push all the furniture to the center of the room so that you can vacuum under and behind everything that’s usually in the way. Best: Consult the carpet manufacturer’s brochure or Web site for tips on cleaning. Heavily soiled carpets need thorough cleaning. You can rent the equipment you need or call in a pro.
CURTAINS Quick and easy: Pull a nylon stocking over the brush attachment and vacuum away dust without sucking up any tassels. Best: Follow the instructions on the fabric-care label: In many cases you can machine-wash curtains in cool water (on the gentle cycle ) and hang them to air dry. If made out of more than one fabric, curtains should be professionally cleaned to avoid uneven shrinking or bleeding. To find a cleaning pro, contact the Restoration Industry Association at (800 ) 272-7012; or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, at (800 ) 835-4624.