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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How Do I Remove Stains from Carpet?

A. Food stains can be the most difficult to remove from carpet - Foods typically contain 'acid dyes' (like Kool-Aid) which are the same dyes used when the carpet is first dyed.

If the carpet is fairly new, contact the warrantor (Monsanto, DuPont, Scotchgard, etc.)

Always start with cool water and blot (don't rub). Looking at the other responses, all of their suggestions MUST be rinsed thoroughly or your carpet will resoil in the cleaned areas rapidly.

Try ammonia and water (3 tbl - 1 cup warm water) Do NOT use vinegar!

If you've GOT to try something, try a product like Wisk Free laundry detergent. One of the problems with laundry detergent is the 'optical brightners' they add to make clothes look brighter. All this is a clear dye that reflects UV light - however if you use that to spot clean you could get 'lighter' areas on your carpet. Wisk-Free says it doesn't contain dyes so it might not contain that brightener. Try it on a scrap first and let it dry, then take it outside and see if you see any difference. What you're really trying to get is the enzyme cleaning action so check the ingredients for an enzyme cleaner.

As always RINSE THOROUGHLY after cleaning. Have a clean, white cotton towel and a cup of cool water - pour and blot several time. Then blot until nearly dry. Place a dry white towel on the area (or plain (without print) paper towels) on the area and weight it down overnight.

Q. Why are custom window coverings so expensive?

A. It's true that custom window coverings cost more than ready-made or made-to-measure products. But they add greater value to your home than any other type of product. They are specially designed for each particular window. Similar to the way that fine clothing reflects your unique personality, custom window coverings are the ultimate expression of your taste and style.

And they don't have to be as expensive as you think. Many decorating products stores offer shop-at-home decorators who will come to your home, measure your window and suggest window coverings that enhance your existing color scheme and the architectural elements of the room. The results can be simply stunning. And since your home is your most important investment, the value of custom window coverings is in keeping with the cost.

Q. Is it best to install the floor tile before or after the installation of the new base cabinets?

A. It can be done both ways and you will find that not only is it easier to tile before the cabinets are installed- it looks better too. In addition you will save so much time from not having to make cuts around the cabinets. Yes, you will be paying for tiles that will be covered by the cabinets, however, it is only a small fraction of the floor footage and should the cabinets ever need to be replaced the floor will not require repairs. If you have a dishwasher you will find that it's replacement or repair will be much easier because it was installed over the tile. Many homeowners have the tile installed after the kitchen was built and have difficulty removing the dishwasher due to floor height.