om 32 - Friday, April 3, 1987 - North Shore News SPRUCE UP UPHOLSTERY ming’ s the time to clean carpets AS SPRING cleaning time ap- proaches, don’t forget about your carpeting and upholstery. After all, they represent two of the most expensive investments you’ve made in your home. And dull, dingy carpets and upholstery can ruin the appearance of an otherwise lovely house. Even so, many homeowners go about. traditional spring cleaning chores like washing their windows and walls without considering a thorough cleaning of their carpets and upholstery. Dirt, mud, snow and salt, have been tracked in. Woodburning stoves and heating units leave a heavy residue of dirt. In addition, homes are closed tight during cold winter months, leading to an accumulation of dust and odors. They may not be notic- ed right away, but they build up. As spring nears, the frequent rain often causes new problems like the browning of carpeting, resulting from-excessive dampness. According to cleaning com- panies, professional carpet clean- ing is needed this time of the year. This should reach deep into the carpet fibers and remove the dirt and spots. Vacuuming alone isn’t enough. A vacuum removes surface dirt and should be done twice weekly, more frequently in high traffic areas. But no matter how often or how thoroughly you vacuum, soil ac- cumulates. This dulls the color of the carpeting and builds up in the fibers. Sand, gravel and mud tend to settle deep in the carpet. Along with greasy particles from cooking, smoking or tracked-in asphalt, . they’re very difficult to -remove and can damage the carpet fiber or color. A professional steam cleaning is the best way to remove the soil and restore the color. People aren’t aware of the dramatic differences this type. of cleaning can make on carpeting...and upholstery Experts caution about do-it- yourself carpet cleaning methods. Many of these methods leave a res- idue of soap which can actually at- tract dirt. This is harmful to the long term life of the carpeting. If you have used this method in the past, steam cleaning is the best way to remove the residue. Steam cleaning extracts ground- in dirt, which has been foosened or dissolved by highly effective detergent solutions. Not everything: should be left to the carpet cleaner, though. The homeowner has some respon- sibilities, too. They include vacuuming regular- Make a million IN THE '70s, homeownership was seen as a solid investment and the best.edge against inflation. Now that inflation has been tamed, homeownership, though still a good investment, is increas- ing in value at a much slower pace than in the ’70s. The road to a fortune in real estate these days, apparently, is to write a best- selling book about making a million in real estate in the °70s and conducting seminars shout it in the "80s. ly and thoroughly, protecting high-traffic and entrance areas, covering arms of upholstéred fur- niture, and removing stains and spots promptly. Draperies “Boucle Sheer fabrics baskets! North Shore Wicker 1229 Welch St. North Van. 988-4108 _ BLINDS AND SHEER __ FABRIC SALE Covers, Feathered Pillows a : | Capilano Draperies 1641 Lonsdale, N.V. paper mache animals Just in time for Easter. Choose from geese, rabbits, giraffes, rhinos, parrots on swings, tiger, pigs and an assortment of animals direct from Thailand. Check out our big selection of Easter The reward will be a more beautiful home for many years to come. And less money from your pocketbook for new carpeting and upholstery. Vertical & Horizontal Binds 25% off 988-5621 Ginger dar 1480 Marine Dr, North Van. 388-7328 DRY CLEAN YOUR CARPET WHY? Our exclusive purification process * Short drying time leaves your carpet OZO-FRESH’ onaing RECOMMENDED BY © Removes difficult dirt * No shampoo residue * Stays cleaner longer Book Your Spring Cleaning NOW: , CARPET MANUFACTURERS