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The Carpets

All carpets do not need to be taken up; those which do not, can be loosened at the edges, the dust-brush pushed under a piece, and a clean sweep of all the dust can be made. Then, wash the floor thus swept, with strong soap-suds, and spirits of turpentine after. Then, tack the carpet down. The odor is soon gone, if you open your windows, and you can feel safe for this summer, at least. Upholstered furniture can be treated to the same bath, if applied with a soft, clean cloth, and the colors will receive no injury. But before using it, brush the cushions with a stiff hand-brush and a damp cloth, so as to take away all the dust. A good way to clean straw matting after it is laid, is to sprinkle corn-meal over it, or damp sand, and sweep it thoroughly out.