SPRING. TIME FOR MATS AND CARPETS

Te Ao Hou, October 1958, Page 62

SPRING. TIME FOR MATS AND CARPETS It seems that housewives have that Spring feeling and like the birds, want to set their houses in order. One of the awkward problems that some of us face up to in Spring is how to clean dingy or stained floor coverings. As a starting point, here is an actual query concerning hearth rugs. The enquirer writes, “I have a white mohair rug which is used as a hearth rug. It is about two years old and now has a decidedly yellowish tinge and has lost that lovely clear shine it had originally. There are no stains on it. I did try rubbing French chalk in a few months ago, and it helped a little, but not enough. I would like to be able to freshen it up.” This problem faces many of us after a winter of fires. The hearth rug may not be mohair, but the same cleaning method applies to all. First shake the rug thoroughly to get rid of any coal dust or dirt embedded in the backing. When you shake, remember to have the mat folded in half, so the strain won't loosen the ends, which is not only unsightly, but also quite dangerous. After shaking the rug, go over it with a vacuum cleaner or brush to pick up all the bits that have been loosened. If you run the cleaner diagonally you will avoid that annoying rucking up that occurs when you vacuum up and down in straight lines. Do the back of the rug too, so that it will be thoroughly clean. Next comes what may be called a dry shampoo. At all costs you must avoid getting the backing of a rug or carpet wet. It makes dark stains, takes out the sizing, may make the colours run, and generally spoils the appearance. Shampooing with a detergent is preferable to using soap, as rinsing is easier and there are not the same harmful effects from leaving traces of detergent as there are when soap is used. So add about I teaspoon of detergent to a pint of warm water—or use the proportions suggested on the packet or bottle. Whisk it up to a stiff froth with an egg beater. It is the foam you use for cleaning, so add more detergent if you do not get a stable foam the first time.