Rugs attract more than their fair share of dust and dirt. In addition to frequent vacuuming, treat them to a once-a-year deep-cleaning.
1. Vacuum rugs on both sides; tackle any pet hair with the brush attachment. The exception is shag rugs, which should only ever be vacuumed on the back side.
2. Take area rugs outdoors and beat them with a rug beater or broom handle.
3. Spot-treat stains—start with plain water and blot with a microfiber cloth. For tougher stains, use a 50-50 solution of plain white vinegar and water, but test for colorfastness first. Synthetics can be hosed down outdoors and allowed to dry; for wool and other delicate or natural fibers, it’s safest to schedule a professional cleaning.
4. Rotate rugs seasonally to prevent uneven fading and wear and tear.
Wellness
get off the grid
Make small habit changes to help curb your screen time for good.
1. Give yourself a daily limit—and then stick to it. Track your usage via apps.
2. Avoid technology for the first half hour you are awake and last hour before bed; plus, instill a no-phone rule at mealtimes and employ the do-not-disturb-while-driving function in the car.
3. Engage with a newspaper, book, or magazine rather than reading online media.
4. Instead of logging on to social media, spend that time on a favorite hobby.
5. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it—your brain knows it’s there even when the phone is off.
Martha Must
After the last bloom fades, I repot epiphytic orchids that have outgrown their containers so they will continue to thrive. I carefully remove the plant, loosen the roots (clipping off any dead or shriveled ones), and repot with fresh orchid bark mix.
