RUGS Care of Rugs. — Before sweeping, rugs should be removed from the room and thoroughly cleaned before they are returned to the floor. If rugs are caught by the ends and shaken they soon tear out and unravel. A better way is to hang them on a line and beat them with a carpet beater.
Or lay the rug on O. clean floor and sprinkle table salt over it. Sweep it hard with a broom until it is clean; turn it and sweep the other side the same way.
If rugs must be beaten indoors lay a damp cloth over them. If they are very much soiled, rinse the cloth in hot water and repeat until the rug is' clean.
To Lay Rugs. — To prevent rugs from curling at the corners fasten under each corner a triangular bit of corrugated rubber. Let these extend or 9 inches along the rug. Bore several small holes in the rubber and sew through holes in the fabric. This not only keeps the rugs in place but makes them last longer.
Or sew dress stays or whalebone under the corners to keep the rug from curling.
Or turn the rug upside down and apply a liberal coat of cold flour paste with a brush to the corners and edges. Let the rug dry flat on its face, and when dry turn it over, and the weight of the paste will keep it in position.
Care of Oriental Rugs. — Oriental rugs, if genuine, are in fast colors, and the top or right side is practically indestructible. The threads at the back, however, are very easily dam aged. Hence Oriental rugs should al ways be beaten on the right side. When beaten they should be hung on the line or laid over grass or other soft surface.
If much soiled, they may be washed or scrubbed by means of a stiff brush with soap bark dissolved in boiling water, and afterwards wiped off with a clean sponge and dried with a dry cloth. In winter lay an Oriental rug on the porch or other flat surface out of doors, sprinkle it with snow, and brush it off with a stiff broom or heavy whisk broom.
To Brighten Colors.—Slightly mois ten salt with kerosene. Sprinkle this over the rug and sweep it off. Kero sene will leave no greasy effect. The dirt will soon pass off and the colors will be freshened.
Or substitute corn meal for salt.