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Carpets in need of a tune-up?

Quick fixes for new-looking carpets

• First, to really get it clean, sweep the carpet with a broom, which will make the nap stand up and loosen embedded dirt. Next, vacuum the carpet. Your carpet should show a noticeable improvement just from taking these two steps.
• IF you have pets and need help neutralizing strong odors, mix one-cup borax with two cups cornmeal. Sprinkle the carpet with this mixture. Let stand one hour, then vacuum. To freshen the carpet, combine three-quarters of a cup baking soda, two tablespoons cornstarch, and one quarter cup perfumed talcum power. Sprinkle on dry carpet, let stand five to 15 minutes, and then vacuum.

Spot-cleaning tips
DO

• Use a clean white, absorbent terry towel
• Blot or tamp the spot
• Pretest the carpet in an inconspicuous area
• Clean the stain from the edge to the center
• Apply cleaner to the towel
• Clean with modest amounts of cleaning solution
• Adhere to product safety guidelines and general instructions
• Remove the stain as soon as it is noticed
• Remove the dirty excess before cleaning
• Use cleaning compounds at lukewarm temperature

DON'T

• Saturate the carpet with cleaning compounds
• Apply heat or vigorously scrub the stain
• Leave the stain until later
• Fail to remove dried excess stain prior to cleaning
• Forget to pre-test the carpet or stain

Follow these tips, and your carpet will look good as new again in no time.

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