Keep your hard-earned finer things looking fine — and cut down on costly professional cleaning services — with vigilant vacuuming and dry spot cleaning. When they need more attention, give them a gentle bath or a wipe-down, but always check the labels first, or ask the manufacturer to make sure that water and your fabrics mix.

Upholstery

If there’s a “W” on the care tag, upholstery can be cleaned using the steps that follow. Otherwise, play it safe: Consult a pro.

Step 1: Add two capfuls of Woolite or a neutral-pH dish soap to a bucket of cool water. Dip in a sponge, wring it out well, then rub a thin layer of the solution onto each cushion, starting with the dirtiest side.
Step 2: Balance the cushions against one another or a wall to dry. Put colorfast towels or white paper towels between points where pieces touch, leaving as much surface area as possible exposed to the air.
Step 3: Clean the body of the sofa or chair, wringing the sponge out well so you’re using as little liquid as possible. To prevent mildew growth, let all the pieces air-dry completely before reassembling.

Lamp Shades

Connie Rakower of New York City’s Just Shades recommends this bath for fabric shades (for velvet or silk, see a professional).

Step 1: Gently roll the shade from side to side in a bathtub filled with a few inches of lukewarm water and two capfuls of Woolite. Use a sponge or a rag to distribute the solution evenly over the shade.
Step 2: Run a damp cloth or a sponge over the shade inside and out to rinse off the solution, then blot gently with a colorfast towel (droplets can leave water spots).
Step 3: Set the shade on its bottom rim on a clean towel placed on a flat surface and let it dry completely. Reaffix it to the lamp — and see things in a new light.

Mattresses

It’s true (and truly icky): Dust mites live and breed in mattresses. Vacuum cleaner to the rescue.

Step 1: Wash your mattress pad in hot water every two months. (If you don’t have one, you should get one. Mattress pads, especially the antiallergenic variety, significantly inhibit mites’ proliferation.)
Step 2: Using your vacuum’s wand or upholstery attachment and a high setting, carefully go over the entire surface of the mattress, paying special attention to indented or buttoned areas, where dust lodges.
Step 3: Every other time you vacuum the mattress, flip it over and rotate it so the head moves to the foot. And vacuum newly exposed sides, too. This cuts down on uneven wear and helps keep mites at bay.

Rugs

Use this routine to minimize dirt buildup between deep cleanings, which should be left to the professionals.

Step 1: Place the rug facedown on an old (clean) sheet and vacuum thoroughly; if your vacuum has a beater bar, flip it to the lowest setting. Turn the rug over and vacuum the top side.
Step 2: Using a sponge or a clean towel dampened (not saturated) with plain water, gently blot any dirty areas several times. Alternate with a dry towel to keep moisture to a minimum.
Step 3: Work carefully over the damp areas with a soft, clean carpet brush to raise the pile and expose the fibers to the air. The agitation dries them and lifts any remaining dirt.