4 Steps to Cleaner, Better-Looking Carpets
When was the last time you cleaned your carpets? While many homeowners will vacuum at least once a week, they have a habit of putting off deep carpet cleaning for years at a time. Over time, however, carpets accumulate dust, dirt, dander, bacteria, mold, and more. Anything you track in on the bottom of your shoes will inevitably end up in your carpet — even if you take care to remove your shoes at the door. That’s simply the challenge of owning carpets. Many allergen experts suggest that carpets should be deep cleaned at least once a year, depending on the severity of your allergies. For people with more severe allergies, a deep clean may be necessary about once a month. Just like washing your sheets and pillowcases once a week, it can be hugely beneficial when it comes to reducing symptoms related to allergies.
Pre-cleaning Before starting the deep clean, vacuum excess dust, dander, and other particles. This is crucial to getting the best possible results because it means slightly less work for the deep cleaner. Use a carpet rake or brush to help loosen up embedded particles as you vacuum. Cleaning There are different ways to deep clean your carpet, such as hot water extraction, steam cleaning, and bonnet cleaning. Bonnet cleaning is usually reserved for commercial purposes, while there are many hot water extractors and steam cleaners easily available to homeowners to either buy or rent. For the average home, a steam cleaner is a great choice and is easy to use. possible, turn on fans in carpeted rooms to help circulate the air. And don’t open any windows! Allergens will get back into the home and settle on the damp carpets. Grooming Once the carpets are dry, once again take a carpet brush or rake and run it over the carpets. This helps restore volume to the material that may have been lost due to foot traffic. Once the carpet has been brushed, vacuum it once again. You’ll be left with carpet that looks as good as new! Drying At the end of a deep clean, the carpets are usually still damp. You want to avoid walking over any damp carpet and, if
Of course, deep cleaning is also a great way to remove stains and restore your carpet’s original look and feel. This spring, as you clean your home and freshen things up, try these four steps to get your carpet looking great (and get allergens, dust, and bacteria out of your home):
BLISTERED ASPARAGUS WITH PEANUT-COCONUT SPRINKLE
INGREDIENTS
• 12 ounces asparagus, stalks trimmed • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 Fresno chile, deseeded and finely chopped • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated • 2 tablespoons peanuts, crushed • 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, toasted • Salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large skillet over
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chile, soy sauce, lime juice, agave, and ginger. Mix in peanuts and coconut. 4. Spoon over asparagus and serve. Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
BUTTERFLY DANDELION EASTER FOOL
HOAX MISCHIEF PASSOVER PRANK
RAINBOW SHOWERS
medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering.
2. Season asparagus with salt and sauté, tossing frequently until blistered, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter.
SPRING TAURUS
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