The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1892-08-20
CARE OF CARPETS.
A Manufacturer Tells How Floor Covering
May BE Preserved.

Because carpet is put on the noor
and is made to walk on, that Is no rea-
son why it should be neglected or
abused" said a manufacturer OF line
carpets, to a group OF visitors, who
were admiring the beautiful designs
and fine quality of workmanship which
the establishment was turning out
although you may say that it Is good
for the trade, yet it always hurts my
feelings to see really handsome carpet
misused. Think many people are care
less about them, because their atten-
ton has never been called to the sub
ject, and they do not realize that lit
tie careful management will make a
great difference in the wear of all floor
coverings. The ordinary carpet lining
is absolutely worthless as protection
from the sand and grit which works
through the carpet, and it really does
more damage than all the other causes
put together. The carpet itselfis, to some
extent, open, at least will allow the
finer particles of sand to pass through
it. OF course, these collect on the
smooth surface Of the paper-lining and
can go no farther. Here they remain,
and every step taken across the carpet
is just 50 much steady grinding ON the
back. In body Brussels this 10 mat
ter of great Importance, as in this grade
of goods the wool Is woven through and
appears on the back Of the carpet OF
course, all the grinding cuts the wool
loose and wears IL out, and when sweep
ing-day comes, the housekeeper won
ders why her carpet is all sweeping to
pieces and blames the manufacturer.
"For this reason, carpet should fire.
quently be taken up, especially in local
files where sand aboundA Indeed, fine
grit and dust discolor and wear all car
pets very seriously. A carpet to give
the best satisfaction should be taken
MP at least once In six months and thor
oughly beaten to free 1t from gritty
particles which lodge in the woven
back of the fabric. 1t may then
be relaid and thoroughly cleaned
with naphths or soap-suds, de-
pending on circumstances. If there
are sticky spots. they must be removed
with water. AN grease spots may be
treated with the naphtha- To do this
to the best advantage, take pan con-
tanning a quart or so Of naphtha, and,
with q scrubbing brush, go RAPIDLY
over the carpet, q small piece at time.
As fast as it Is scrubbed have an as
sistant ready with soft cloth to alb
sorb whatever of tho fluid may be pos
siblc. Then cover the clean part close
ly with cotton cloth or an old COM
Portable. This II done in order to pre-
vent too rapid evaporation, which
might cause streaks-
''As the work advances the cloths
may be drawn away gradually, leaving
the clean part exposed TO the air. Two
sheets or comfortables will be quite
enough for this purpose. II spots ap-
pear after the carpet has once been
gone over, repeat the process where
necessary.
ut is often the case that grease
spot will be removed from the extreme
outside of the fabric, but will almost
immediately strike through again as
soon a. tho surface is dry. Several ap-
plications might be necessary to effectu-
ally remove such soiled spots. In case
It is necessary to use soap-suds, II
should be applied in as small quanti-
ty rs may be required to take out the
sickness. Candy or other sweets
make spots which naphtha will not re.
move. If there are NO spots at all on
The carpet, merely naphtha bath will
brighten the colors amazingly, and pays
well for the trouble.
'When IL Is not thought necessary tc
take the carpet from the floor, q thor.
ough brushing with suds or naphths
will improve its appearance very
greatly. When coal fires are used,
1t II well to take the utmost
pains that no particles of coal
are dropped on the carpet, even though
they may be picked mp at once, the
dust from them being almost certain to
leave a mark; and II stepped on and
crushed, the particles make most dan.
gerous sort of grit, as tho sharp edges
win cut the body Of the goods ont very
quickly. Large rugs should be placed
in front of stoves and CRATES, and when
ashes must be taken up. thick paper
or piece of oil cloth will do to spread
In front of the stove. This will be q
great safeguard. A little care and
prudence will make more difference in
the durability of carpet than the
thoughtless and careless are willing to
admit. Indeed, think 1t not too much
TO say that one-third Of the injury to
floor coverings is due wholly to care
lessness and indifference IN. Y.
Ledger.
Pet Beaver