A bright rug and plush furniture can make an apartment feel cozy — until dust and stains start to show. Cleaning is essential to keep them looking and smelling fresh.
For the first six months, clean a new rug only with a soft brush or a special broom. Only after the fibers have settled should you use a vacuum. Always clean the rug in the direction of the fibers, not against them.
In winter, lay the rug on clean snow with the fibers facing down. Beat it with a broom, flip it over, and sweep off the dry snow several times.
Restore color by wiping the rug with a cloth dampened with vinegar.
To remove greasy stains from the rug, make a paste of gasoline and potato or corn starch. Rub the paste into the stain, and once the gasoline evaporates, brush off the starch with a dry brush.
Ink stains are trickier. While the stain is still fresh, blot it immediately with paper, a cloth, or cotton to keep the ink from soaking deeper into the rug. Treat such stains with milk, lemon juice, or a strong vinegar solution.
Remove beer, cocoa, or tea stains with cold water mixed with glycerin (one teaspoon per liter of water).
Many specialized carpet-care products are available. For example, some shampoos clean, soften fibers, add shine, and refresh colors. Other effective cleaners exist for carpets and upholstered furniture.
Refresh soft furniture and rugs using synthetic cleaning agents. Apply a warm, foamy solution to the rug, scrub with a brush dampened in clean water, then blot thoroughly with a dry cloth.
For velvet or plush upholstery, wipe dust daily with a clean, dry cloth in the direction of the fibers, and brush or vacuum no more than once a week. Wipe leather or faux-leather furniture with a soft, damp cloth.
Dust soft furniture by covering the chair or sofa with a clean, damp cloth and beating it with a special stick. Open a window while you do this. Rinse the cloth when it gets dirty.
Dust polished furniture daily. Once a week, treat it with a special polishing product to refresh the finish, add shine, and give polished wooden surfaces water repellency.
Remove a mark from a hot cup or glass by sprinkling cigarette ash on the stain and rubbing with a cork. Or tie salt in a cloth, dampen it with a mixture of denatured alcohol and linseed oil, polish until shiny, then wipe with a wool cloth.
Some homeowners remove rugs during the summer to make cleaning easier. Before storing a rug, clean and dry it, treat it with a liquid moth repellent, roll it tightly, wrap it in paper, and place it in a dry location.
