Spring Cleaning Shortcuts

Carpeting and Rugs: Long Version (continued)

Wool and Silk

These rugs prefer a vinegar solution to a standard shampooing. Vinegar preserves carpet dyes in these materials rather than stripping them away. Test first in an inconspicuous spot.

Tools

• Vacuum
• Spray bottle filled with 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water
• An old towel (washed a lot, so fibers won’t shed)
• Broom or baseball bat
• A helper

Steps for Wall-to-Wall

1. Vacuum thoroughly.

2. Spray the vinegar solution on a two-foot area. Blot with a towel, applying pressure with both feet. Move to another area, repeating until you have covered the entire rug. Open the windows.

Steps for Area Rugs

1. Follow step 1 of cotton and synthetic area rugs.

2. Bring rugs inside; vacuum both sides.

3. Follow step 4 of cotton and synthetic area rugs.

4. Follow step 2 of wall-to-wall.

Time investment: For a 15-by-15-foot carpeted room, a morning, plus drying time. For area rugs, about an hour per rug, plus drying time.

Rather hire a pro? Some charge by the square foot; others, by the room. Expect to pay about 30 cents per square foot of rug.