The Rural Voice, 1997-06, Page 56Home Decorating
Quick, cost-efficient tips for cleaning
By Patti Robertson
While in the midst of spring
cleaning, I realized that I use many
quick and cost-effective techniques
for laundering various items within
my home. These tips I am delighted
to share with you with the hope it
will alleviate some of your spring
cleaning hassles...
When washing semi -sheer
draperies there is no need to remove
all the hooks. Simply remove the
panels from the rod, loosely gather
together the pleated top and insert it
into the body part of a pair of
pantyhose. Now, use the legs to wrap
around the neck of the pleats and
secure tightly. Fill your washing
machine with cold water and Ivory
detergent for delicate fabrics. Swish
on gentle cycle for one minute, then
turn machine off and let panel soak
for at least 15 minutes. Turn machine
back on and resume gentle cycle to
end. Remove the pantyhose and hang
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damp draperies back up onto rod and
allow to air dry. ViolA! Just like the
day they were installed. If, by some
chance, a few wrinkles occur, use
your steaming tea kettle to steam
away the creases.
I always experiment with the
cleaning of
various
decorative
accessories
before I make a
recommendation
as to the safest
procedure for
cleaning.
A while back
I had a client call
to say the dry
cleaners had
refused to clean
her toss cushions
unless she
removed the
fillers. This, of course, is a
bothersome task! (Apparently the
fillers can explode if dry cleaned).
Knowing, there must be a simpler
solution, I went to work on my own.
Here's what works!
With a soft brush and stain
remover (even a toothbrush will
work) spot clean the heavily soiled
areas of your cushions. Now, fill your
washing machine with cold water and
at least one-quarter cup of Ivory
liquid detergent. Add the cushions,
(two at the most) and swish one
minute. Tum machine off and let
soak for one-half hour, turning the
cushions after 15 minutes. Check for
release of stains. Possibly treat areas
in need once again and then turn
machine on and complete the cycle.
A little vinegar in the rinse will elimi-
nate soap buildup. Remove cushions
immediately, fluff up and lay flat on a
sweater rack to dry. You may need to
turn cushion a few times to speed up
the drying time. Just like new! Of
course it's wise to test a swatch of
any fabric first to ensure washability.
I enjoy using linen napkins, finger
towels, doilies, tablecloths and lovely
old pieces of lacework but to wash
these treasured pieces by normal
New tricks for
old cleaning
problems
means can soon lead to the
deterioration of the piece in short
order. The best solution is to "boil"
them clean! Start by spot treating the
soiled areas (Laundry Miracle by The
Soap Factory works wonders). Now
place the piece(s) into a large kettle
of hot water and Ivory Snow Flakes
(approximately 1/2 cup). Bring the
water to a gentle boil and literally
boil away the soil. Use a long,
wooden spoon to lift up and inspect
your progress. Once cleaned, gently
rinse your cottons and linens with a
little vinegar in the rinse water.
Works every time! Just don't go out
and leave the pot on boil as I did. I
came home to a charred mass of
napkins. But that's another story.
Silk plants and arrangements are
amongst the biggest dust collectors in
our home. Soon that lovely, real -
looking plant takes on a faded drab
look. But once again the solution is
quick and easy. For green plants of
all sizes, start by covering your
bathroom floor with towels or plastic
sheeting. Turn your shower on to a
tepid temperature and set your silk
plant directly under the gentle spray
and wash away the dust. Let the plant
drip dry on the covered floor. I have
found certain "leaf shine" products
can be used on either real or artificial
leaves and this application effectively
restores the original lustre. Good as
new!
As for silk arrangements, fill your
sink with tepid water and a scant
amount of Ivory liquid. If you are
nervous about dismantling your
arrangement, just remove one flower
head at a time. Swish in the water and
return to its stem. For those more
daring and with a flair for design,
remove all the florals and greens,
swish in the solution, dry on a towel
and reassemble to your liking!
With so much going on in our
busy lifestyles it's always of value to
find a shortcut. If you have any quick
and easy tips and tricks you'd like to
share, please drop me a line at Classic
Interiors.°
Patti Robertson operates Classic
Interiors in Wingham.