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Tip Store: Cleaning: Carpets and Floors

Amazing Self-Shining Floor Polish

I had purchased a fantastic product from Bunnings to Gloss up Vinyl flooring it's called Self Shining Floor Polish - Long Life (Brand) Here's a link https://www.bunnings.com.au/long-life-1l-self-shining-floor-polish_p4460498

I have used this product twice now and it really does make a difference to dull flooring. It is super easy to use as you just mop it on & leave it to dry for a hour.

The gloss coat lasts approx 6 weeks in our high traffic floor areas & I have only used half a bottle with 2 applications.
Contributed by Danielle Lewis, 21st June 2016

​Scratches easily Fixed, but Prevention is Better

​To get rid of light scratches which are when the top protective coat needs to be repaired I have successfully used wax sticks from Bunnings. Clean the area well to get rid of any dirt and grime. You can purchase wax sticks in the correct floor board colour and rub it over the scratches, so that it fills in the scratch. Then rub it with a piece of cardboard and scrape off any extra wax to leave with the floorboard. This should buff out the wax from the scratched area.  As always prevention is better than cure. Make sure all movable furniture has protective pads to the legs of chairs. Tables and dressing tables. With computer chairs make sure there is a protective mat to ensure they don't scratch the floor boards. Most of the preventive items can be purchased from the reject shop and the alike. 
Contributed by Priya Aingaran, 4th February 2016

​Polish away Scratches - or just Wait and Re-finish

​I have had some success using Vaseline on the scratches and polishing off with a soft cloth. That said, our floor polisher's advice was to wait until our youngest was 10 and unlikely to inflict further scratches and have them repolished! It is what he is planning to do in his own home. Since our youngest is only 8 months we have a way to go.
Contributed by Sarah Daetwyler, 4th February 2016

​Cold Tea or Coffee Restores Scratches

​We have polished wood floors and sometimes scratches occur. When this happens we clean the area thoroughly and then rub the scratch with strong black hot tea or coffee.
Contributed by Laurian Whyte, 4th February 2016

Two Ways to Keep Floorboards Nice

​Two options that I know of: the first is a walnut opened to expose the flesh and rubbed into the scratch.
The second is matching with a crayon, and filling in from there.
Contributed by Rosemarie Wheeler, 4th February 2016

​Clean Carpet and $405 Still in My Pocket

Approximate $ Savings: $405

​I was quoted $469 to clean 3 bedrooms (two are on the large size) office hallway 2 small rugs and 2 large rugs. When I was at Coles seen the Rug Doctor that I could hire a machine to clean the carpets. I thought well for $40 for 24 hours or $50.47 for 48 hours I might as well try it. I also bought 2 litres of cleaner which was $12 and an anti-foam solution so the total was about $64. And I am very impressed, it did a wonderful job, better than the last time I had professional do it. I will never pay for a professional again, especially with such huge savings. Next time I will hire it for 48 hours to give me more time. And I have to warn you guys it's a huge work out but very worth it, especially when saving over $400.
​- Contributed by Michelle Manson, 29th January 2013

​Carpet Freshener

​Approximate $ Savings: $20 per year

To give your carpets that just cleaned fragrance, find a sugar shaker or any container with a tight fitting lid that has holes in it. Fill to the 3/4 mark with bi carb of soda. Add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil and stir with a fork or skewer. Add another 10 drops and stir again breaking up any lumps. Let it stand for a few hours or overnight if you can to let the fragrance blend into the bi carb. Sprinkle over your carpets and let it stand for 1/2 an hour. Vacuum it up and your carpets will smell lovely. This is a chemical free cleaner - bonus !!
​- Contributed by Wendy Gower, 20th July 2011

​Economical Floor Cleaner

In a mop bucket or similar, use 1/4 cup cloudy ammonia (generic brand will do), 4 drops dishwashing liquid of your choice, and 4 drops eucalyptus or tea tree oil. Three quarters fill the bucket with hot water. Cleans and shines streak free on vinyl and bathroom tiles. You can also substitute dishwashing liquid and eucalyptus oil with a cap of woolwash. Works just as well
​- Contributed by Michelle, Gosford, 28th October 2009

​Clean Tiles with Elbow Grease

My kitchen tiles always look filthy. Unfortunately, my answer is a little elbow grease and a bit of bleach. Put the bleach in a squirt bottle (make sure you label the bottle!!) and spray directly onto the grout, leave for a moment and then use a scrubbing brush to remove the dirt then mop normally.
​- Contributed by Sally Heap, 1st July 2010

​Pick Up Pet Hair Instantly

Are you a pet lover, but hate the constant battle with removing hair from your prized fabric covered furniture? Well, stress no more! Simply put an old rubber glove over a clothes brush, dog brush, old hair brush or hand brush then work over the furniture. You will see the hair instantly collect in a pile making it easy to remove. No need to get the vacuum out either. You can also use this to remove pet hair from clothing.
​- Contributed by Roz, Murray Bridge, 20th May 2010

​Carpet Fresh for Less

Approximate $ Savings: $4.50 per vacuum

​ Add a teaspoon of peppermint essential oil to a cup of baking soda to sprinkle over the carpet before vacuuming. It freshens even old nylon carpets, and the house smells lovely for days. (In winter, eucalyptus also helps when there are colds or flues in the house.)
- Contributed by Andrea-Ja, Mt. Wellington, 26th January 2009

​Easy Towelling Steam Mop Heads

Approximate $ Savings: $20 or more

For anyone that has a steam mop, you would all know how pricey the replacement towel like covers can be. Rather than paying out lots of money when yours look too grotty to use simply grab an old bath towel that has seen better days (I have a collection of these that I use for bathing the dog and general cleaning) and use one of the carpet cleaning fabric heads as a template (the ones that you clip onto the machine itself rather than the elasticised ones). I made some today and now have 7 new cloths out of one regular sized bath towel. The cheapest I have been able to find replacement cloths (and these were only the microfibre type carpet cleaning ones not the towelling type) was $20 for 5 on eBay plus postage costs!). I can now clean till my hearts content and replace my cloths more regularly and not have to worry about the expensive replacement costs.
​- Contributed by Colleen, Parafield

​Re-Using Vacuum Bags

Approximate $ Savings: $24 I use my vacuum cleaner bags twice. I buy a box of five bags. I take the fluff out of the bag with old kitchen tongs and then reuse the bag.
​- Contributed by Glenys, Tumby Bay, 2nd April 2010

​Catch More Dust

Dampen the bristles of a broom before sweeping and you will collect a lot more dust and fine particles.
​- Contributed by Angie, Angle Vale, 23rd April 2010

​Old Fashioned Carpet Cleaner Does the Job

I am a stay at home Mum and I do housework every day. I like to keep the carpets clean, but it is such a pain to get the vacuum cleaner out every day. A few years ago, my husband bought me a carpet sweeper and I haven't looked back. It is great for a quick pick-up every day and will keep your carpets looking good. I still use a vacuum cleaner, but once a week only now!
​- Contributed by Julie, Newington, 26th March 2010

​Homemade Carpet Spot Cleaner For short Pile Carpet

Approximate $ Savings: At least $6 per bottle

​ My carpet cleaner generously gave me this tip for cleaning my carpet (short pile) instead of trying to sell me an expensive bottle from his business. Ingredients: 1L water 3 tsp white vinegar 3 tsp woolmix (any kind) Instructions: Mix together and put in a spray bottle and spot clean away!
​- Contributed by Natasha, Mendooran, 6th January 2010

​A Little Eucalyptus Oil and a Gentle Rub

I used to have a hard time removing scuff marks from our vinyl floor until I was told by my Mother in Law about eucalyptus oil, a little on a cloth and not even too much rubbing and they were gone! Hope it works for you, some supermarkets sell it.
​- Contributed by Jennifer, Mt Cotton, 14th December 2009

​Get a Clean Sweep a Second Time

Approximate $ Savings: $13-20 Extend the life of your vacuum cleaner bags. When the bag is full, instead of throwing it out, carefully unstick and fold back the glued up end, empty out the contents (into the compost bin or worm farm), fold it back up along the existing lines, and staple it tightly back together. This gives you one more use out of each bag, saving you the cost of a new packet of bags which is usually $10-20 for a packet of 3-5.
​- Contributed by Shari, Glenrowan, 22nd July 2009

​Goodbye Carpet Stain

Approximate $ Savings: $10 If you spill something coloured on carpet (i.e. red wine, Coca Cola, cordial, beetroot etc) immediately sprinkle salt on the stain so the whole stain is covered. Leave overnight. The next morning the salt will be the colour of what you spilt as it draws the colouring out! Vacuum up the salt and goodbye stain!
- Contributed by Tarynn, Lara, 11th November 2008

​ Note: Use caution as the salt may take the colour out of the carpet along with the stain.

​A Different Carpet Cleaning Solution

Approximate $ Savings: $300 a year or more

I have 2 small children and my apartment is carpet in most rooms including the dining and living area. You can imagine the state of my carpets with 2 kids!!! Each year I spend approx $300 on cleaning the carpets and now, thanks to my friends idea I won't be spending this at all. What I now do is get a warm buck of water and morning fresh detergent, get my mop and mop the carpet. Believe it or not the stains come out. I was getting really stressed about the carpets looking so stained but now I mop them away at least once a week.
- Contributed by Antonella, Moonee Ponds, 6th November 2008

​ Note: Be careful not to soak the carpet if you try this cleaning method. Carpets should not be soaked with liquids as it could lead to permanent

​Easy Sweep for Floors

Approximate $ Savings: $200+

To clean floors that are covered in vinyl or tiles, I get an old pair of pantyhose and cover an old broom. Usually, the pantyhose will cover the broom 3 to 4 times and this is ideal because it catches all the dirt and prevents the broom's bristles from scratching the floor. It takes many, many months of use before the pantyhose needs replacing.
​- Contributed by Dee, Winthrop, 4th November 2008

​Steam Clean for Sparkling Floors

I use a steam mop to clean my floor tiles but it left a dull finish on my tiles. After reading about the benefits of cleaning with vinegar I thought I would try using vinegar with my steam mop. I was hesitant to put the vinegar into my steam mop, however, I now dampen the cloth that fits onto my steam mop with a good slurp of vinegar and mop as usual. It leaves the house smelling fresh (much better than before) and also leaves the tiles streak free.
​- Contributed by Tammy, Bligh Park, 29th September 2008

​White Eliminates Red!

There is nothing worse than an red wine spill on your lovely carpet, loungesuite or favourite tablecloth. We all know how hard it is to get out and chances are there will be a shadow left. If you are quick you can try white wine to clean up a fresh red wine spill. The results will be amazing, no red stain and no shadow.
​- Contributed by Clare, Queanbeyan, 6th August 2008

​Removing Stubborn Spills on Lino

Approximate $ Savings: 1 hr + $2-$5 per bottle (depending on brand chosen)

​First spray the area with multi purpose spray and leave for 5-10 minutes. Simply mop over area as usual or wipe away with paper towelling if pushed for time. No elbow grease required. I do this every time I mop the kitchen now and it saves me so much time and effort. I even switched to the home brand multi purpose cleaner and it works just as well and saves me a bit extra at the checkout :)
​- Contributed by Stephanie, Kinross, 8th June 2008

​Old Fashioned Floor Wax to the Rescue

Old fashioned floor or bees wax should get scratches out. Just apply with a soft cloth. Let it dry for an hour of so. Use a polisher to buff up (borrow one from a relative). My aunt used to spray Mr Sheen on her floors then polished. Floors look fantastic and cost very little in regards to expense and environment. Just a little energy required. My mum used to get us kids to help apply the wax during school holidays for a little pocket money. We used to have competitions on who could polish the most floor space.
​- Contributed by Sonia, Mitcham, 19th January 2008

Boot Polish Is The Answer​

You can get scratches out of a polished floor by using boot polish applied to the mark with a soft cloth and they will disappear. The polish will need to match the colour of your timber.
​- Contributed by Silvana, Mullumbimby, 19th January 2008

​Oil the Marks

Try rubbing the area with O'Cedar oil and a soft dry cloth. It can really tone down the look of scratches. It works well for furniture too. You can use o'cedar oil on your polished boards on a regular basis. O'Cedar sell a swivel mop that you use dry with a little oil for sweeping and buffing your boards. I have saved money on these products by shopping around. Bunnings were much more expensive than the supermarket. Also, I purchased a new cheaper mop that I dedicated solely for use with my O'Cedar oil and this worked just as well as their rather expensive mop.
​- Contributed by Jackie, Pascoe Vale, 18th January 2008

​Clean Just About Anything From Carpet

Approximate $ Savings: $32

​ When we moved into a rented house there was a very large patch of red wine on the white carpet and nothing would get rid of it. One of the girls I worked with told me to try Spray 'n Wipe. So I bought a bottle and started working on the stainin small patches around the outside and within a couple of days it was gone and never came back. I have used it on allsorts of marks and have found it fine with all colours of carpets. When I worked at a hotel guests had used spray tan while lying on the carpets, the owners were going to get the cleaners in to clean it till I told them about Spray 'n Wipe. They tried it and it was gone with in a short time.
- Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, 5th January 2008

​Do It Properly To Get It Clean

From Shannon Lush's advice (and it works): First of all, you must identify all the urine. Hire a UV light from a chemist. Turn the light on (at night) and all the urine stains will show up bright yellow. Circle them with chalk for further treatment. Turn the lights back on and wash the stained areas with white vinegar on a tightly wrung out cloth. Damp only, not wet.
​- Contributed by Sharron, Willetton, 11th September 2007

​Homemade Piddle Remedy

3 parts water and 1 part vinegar takes out annoying dog piddles, so I'd try that on cat urine. natural and won't hurt your wood or carpeted floors.
​- Contributed by Sally, Canada, 11th September 2007

​Warm Soapy Water

​I found that washing areas with warm soapy water helped clean up the mess of animal accidents and spraying cheap neat vinegar or lemon juice helped neutralise the smell. I also found that putting a saucer with residual ammonia smell detracted from repeat offenders.
​- Contributed by Belinda, Bayswater, 11th September 2007

​Spray with Biozet

Fill a spray pump with water and add 1 teaspoon of biozet washing powder (shake to dissolve). Spray the affected area with the mixture and pat dry, stubborn cat smells may need a second go (but this method always worked for me and I had 3 male housecats). Plus you can always use the powder for the washing as well!
​-Contributed by Kellie, Cranbourne, 11th September 2007

​White Vinegar is the Only Thing That Works

I have found the only thing that really gets rid of the cat urine smell is white vinegar. When my cat did it on the carpet I immediately blotted up as much as I could with kitchen paper and then poured on neat white vinegar. The vinegar will neutralise the urine and next day I wash the whole area with hot water and a splash of washing up liquid with a drop of eucalyptus oil. Seems to work really well.
​- Contributed by Meliza, Ormitson, 11th September 2007

​Cleaning Up After the Cat

My mum had the same problem when her cats were elderly. She used to sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on top and leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it up. Then scrub the area with standard carpet cleaner. Then, leave an oil burner burning in the same room for a few hours with water and a few drops of Eucalyptus oil. This will remove any unpleasant feline smells.
​- Contributed by Zoe, Runaway Bay,11th September 2007

​Mark Your Territory with Vinegar

If your cats continually use the carpet instead of the litter tray spray the offensive area with vinegar and to stop the cat returning to that same spot sprinkle the area with pepper. The method has worked in our house.
​- Contributed by Carolyn, Rockingham, 11th September 2007

​Streak Free Floors

Approximate $ Savings: $5.00 If you have shiny white tiles that always have swipe marks left on them after mopping with bleach or disinfectant or other cleaners, don't use them. The best product you could use that doesn't leave swipes and makes the tiles shine is white vinegar in hot water.
​- Contributed by Tracy, Redland Bay, 15th June 2007

​Soda Water To The Rescue

Approximate $ Savings: priceless

​Like anyone who entertains, has a family or just lives life normally, spills and stains can appear from nowhere. This is a definite remedy for red wine spills, cordial/soft drink, tomato sauce, medicine & other liquid spills on carpets, clothing, manchester, fabric lounge suites, table cloths etc.

​For spills on the floor/carpet

​If any bulk is visible, remove gently with a spoon / spatula. Saturate the remaining stain with "Soda Water" (home brand works wonders...) and place an old tea towel or cloth over it. Tread on the cloth to work through the soda water and to remove the majority of the stain. Empty the remainder of the bottle on the stain and leave overnight and make sure that no one can walk on it.

​For cushion covers, table cloths etc

Empty a bottle of "soda water" into a laundry bucket or sink. Place cover/table cloth in liquid and ensure all area is covered Soak overnight. Wash as per normal or simply hang out in the sunlight to dry. It is guaranteed that by morning even the best red wine will be gone forever from your treasured possessions.
​- Contributed by Kellie, Calamvale, 7th September 2007

​Softener Floors

I also used turpentine, for wooden floors, and it really made them shine. I now use fabric softener, no-name cheapest, and it works very well, gathering all dust and leaving a shine..no stickiness or smell.
​- Contributed by Lillian, Ringwood, 3rd June 2007

​Homemade “Magic Mop”

My mother and grandmothers all used the same home-made hard floor cleaner - one third BROWN (not Malt) Vinegar, one third Turpentine with a few drops nice smelling essential oil and one third Linseed oil mixed up together in bottle. Pour enough into a tin or bucket to soak a good mop in and just swish over the floor as needed.
​- Contributed by Cathrene, Milsons Point, May 2nd 2005

​Super Mop Saves Time and Energy

I have found a wonderful product called either "Magic Mop" or "Super Mop" from a discount store. It cost $6.00 and is a micro fibre cloth that Velcro's to the bottom. You can either use it dry to sweep floors or wet it and use it to sweep and mop at the same time. It only took me about 15 minutes to do four rooms when it usually takes an hour to sweep and then mop. You don't need any detergents either, just wet with water, squeeze out a little and off you go.
​- Contributed by Sian, Mackay, April 14th 2005

​Steam Clean Your Own Carpets and Upholstery

Instead of hiring professionals to steam clean your carpets and upholstery, try doing it yourself by hiring the portable cleaning unit at most Coles/Woolworths - You can clean everything from your car to rugs and ALL your carpets, not just one room as hire period is 24hrs for a cost of $29.00.The crucial tip here of course is to not purchase the cleaning products that go with machine hire. Instead, buy front loader liquid in large pouch for around $3-4 opposed to the $25plus from hire. Works brilliantly and you could easily split costs again by teaming up with a neighbour and both clean in turns!
​- Contributed by Arabella, Clayfield, March 10th 2005

​Household Carpet Cleaner

I was sitting waiting at a doctor's appointment the other day when two ladies were having a discussion about cleaning up the mess after one had bled on her new trousers. She said she used vinegar to clean the spots on her carpet. I said “vinegar?” and didn't believe her. After trying a number of different carpet cleaners I thought to myself what have I got to lose so I went home and soaked a cloth in vinegar and wiped the old stains of my carpet. To my amazement it really worked. With some I had to scrub a little hard but old stains came off. I told a few friends and they couldn't believe it either.
​- Contributed by Tracy, Queanbeyan, March 1st 2005

​Easy Dirt Pick-up

Instead of using the dirt scoop with your banister brush, which always leaves some dirt behind, use a sheet of newspaper wet on one side. All the dirt goes onto the paper fold the dirt into the paper then wipe wet mark from floor with the outside of the same paper.
​- Contributed by Patricia, Yanchep, March 1st 2005

​Recycle Expensive Vacuum Bags

Paper vacuum bags can be very expensive, so I recycle the ones I have by using metal food tongs to empty the bag out once it is full. This way, I can re-use the bag up to three times before having to replace the bag. I have hung a pair of tongs next to the outside rubbish bin so that they are always on hand, as the tongs are also good to use for emptying out the bin of any items stuck to the bottom without getting my hands dirty/smelly.
​- Contributed by Kaye, Dianella, March 21st 2005

​Cleaning Wooden Floors

I read Cheapskates Style cleaning - Tuesday 1st August 2006 - tip from Sharon Elliott about cleaning wooden floors with kerosene. I would just like to advise readers that using kerosene actually takes off the gloss /shiny surface leaving the floor dull.- Contributed by Carolyn, West Ryde, October 19th 2006

​Cleaning Floors

​I have been washing my wood and tiled floors simply and environmentally friendly for years and after reading about Cath's water saving ideas I realised that this method also uses very little water. I have a 600ml water bottle with holes punched into the cap. Put a small of methylated spirits OR white vinegar into the bottle then fill with cold water. Put cap on tightly and sprinkle over vacuumed floors and wipe over with clean dry mop - no rinsing and no streaking whatsoever. Always brings a shine to my floors! - Contributed by Julie, Dingley Village, October 2nd 2006

​Cheap Carpet Cleaner That Works

I moved into a new home with beige carpet and the first week we were there my husband came home with grease on his shoes and walked from the front door through the entire house before he noticed what had happened. I had off cuts of the carpet at the front door so I tried to clean the mat first. I bought quite a few brand name cleaners that only spread the grease then I phoned my sister who told me an old wife's remedy. Get a small spray bottle and three-quarter fill with warm water; add 1tbsp of cloudy ammonia and 1 tbsp of Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid. Shake it up and stand to cool. When cool you can spot clean the stain by spaying directly onto it and working it into the stain the blot it up with paper towel or you can spray it onto a clean cloth and wipe away surface stain. Please try this on a hidden spot for colourfastness of your carpet as I have only tried it on my carpet. I have yet to find anything that it won't get rid of, even old stains and marks.
​- Contributed by Janette, Wallan, June 22nd, 2006

​To Remove Rust Stains from Ceramic Floor Tiles

For the tiles sprinkle bicarb over the tiles, then splash with vinegar and rub with a nylon brush. Rinse with hot water. For the stand if it is cast iron, loosen the rust with vinegar then scrub with a wire brush. Apply a rust converter, which will produce a hard surface that you can repaint. Once done put sticky tape over the metal feet and it will not leave a mark on your tiles again.
​- Contributed by Wennita, Toowoomba, July 18th, 2006

​Clean With Cold Tea

This hint is from an old recipe book of my Mums. To clean furniture: Clean before polishing with a cloth rung out in cold tea. A good polish is a mixture of equal parts mineral turps, vinegar and raw linseed oil. Use a soft cloth. I haven't used the polish but wooden furniture comes up beautifully when you clean it with a cold tea mixture!
​- Contributed by Mary, January 22nd, 2003

​Cleaning Floors

Even though I sweep the floors twice a day and mop every second day I still scrub my floors with hot water and a 1/2 cup of ammonia every 3 months. You have to do it by hand and need to wear gloves but it does surprise you what does come off the floor. You will need to rinse the floor a couple of times after but what a difference you can see. Some will need to wear a face mask, but once done it will make cleaning easier.
​- Contributed by Robyne, March 25th, 2004

​Gleaming Floors

A cup of vinegar poured into your mop water will make your kitchen floor gleam. On no-wax floors that have dulled it brings out the shine. On waxed floors it helps cut through years of wax build-up, leaving the surface bright.

Versatile Buckets

​Instead of buying a mop bucket (which takes up a lot of room) I use my small wastepaper bins as mop buckets. I rotate them, that way they all get washed automatically after I use them. It also keeps them clean and smelling nice.

​Cheaper 'Swiffers'

​If you like to use the ‘Swiffer' type of floor mops, you may find that the replacement cloths are quite expensive. If you like to use the ‘wet cloths, especially in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry, try this little tip. Attach an old face washer to the bottom, and fill an old spray bottle with bleach and water. Then just spray the floor and wipe with the cloth attached to the mop. It works GREAT!!

Easy Floor Cleaning

​If you have polished floorboards, or lots of vinyl or tiles, this one's for you. Instead of buying the expensive refills for your Swiffer mop/broom cut the legs off old lycra/spandex leggings. Cut the legs to fit over the head of the Swiffer and away you go. You should get four washable, re-usable cloths from an adult pair and two from a children's pair of leggings.

​Carpet Cleaner

An essential item in my laundry cupboard is Powdered Borax. I have saved our carpet from stains a number of times using this product. We have had red wine, red grape juice, smelly carnation water etc. spilt on our carpet. Each time I have a spill I mop up the excess moisture with a cloth then sprinkle with powdered borax. Leave until dry then vacuum up. Once vacuumed you wouldn't even know there had been a spill. It is cheap and available at the supermarket in the laundry aisle.
​- Contributed by Cheryl, Scoresby

​Remove Candle Wax from Carpet

To remove candle wax from carpets, try this. Using a cool iron, place paper towels over the affected area and iron the paper over the wax. Repeat until the paper no longer becomes opaque. Use fresh paper if necessary.
​- Contributed by Frances, Bayswater

​Wine/Grape Drink or Other Spills on Carpet

​Pour on salt to absorb all the fluid. Let it dry completely ( 1 or 2 days ), then just vacuum away.

​Carpet Stains

​Put 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for 5 minutes or so, then clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water. Try ordinary Windex window cleaner to remove simple stains from carpet or car floor mats.

​Spilled Wax

​Place a paper towel over melted wax on the sofa/carpet, then iron - the wax will melt into the towel.

​Upright Cleaners

​Use an upright vacuum cleaner. Uprights are so much easier to get out and put away that you will be inclined to vacuum more often because it s not ‘too much trouble to get it out. Regular vacuuming helps to keep carpets in tip top shape. Another hint: get that family into the habit of taking their shoes off before they come inside. It will save so much dirt being tracked onto your expensive floor coverings.