Carpet Stains

Kids, dogs, and company can lead to stains on your carpets, but with a few basic stain removal tricks some of the most common carpet stains shouldn't cause you problems anymore!

1. Act quickly, blot - don't wipe, as much as you can. If there are solids, scrape them away. As you treat the area work from the outside in so that you don't spread the stain.

2. For older stains, mix together a couple of teaspoons of dish detergent, 3 teaspoons of white vinegar and a quart of warm water. Use the solution and a clean sponge to gently blot the stain away.

3. For a fresh spill, quickly blot as much as you can. Spray some white shaving cream on a cloth and scrub the stain with that! When it's gone blot the area with a cloth and clean water. (If you don't have shaving cream, try powdered laundry detergent, warm water and a soft brush on the spot. Repeat until it disappears.

Christmas Tree Time

Christmas is a great time of year with homes so wonderfully decorated and featuring beautiful Christmas trees. How do you make sure your tree will last through the holidays? When you pick your tree there are some things you should know to make sure it stays fresh for the season.

1. Shake the tree to make sure that the needles don't drop off. You can also run your hand down a branch, or reach into the trunk area and scratch the bark. If you can see green on the back side of the bark, this means it's fresh.

2. Before you put your tree up, cut a good two inches from the end of the trunk. This will ensure that the tree will be able to absorb the water in the stand and not dry out.

3. To preserve your tree, here is a great recipe. Mix together a gallon of warm water with 4 tablespoons of iron powder, (which you can pick up at most garden shops), 4 tablespoons of bleach and 2 cups of corn syrup. Once you have your tree in a stand, water with the mixture and use it until it is gone.

I hope these ideas keep your tree looking great through the holiday!