There's No Cleaning Like Snow Cleaning

From: Mark Traxler,

Barry,

Eskimos have 12 words in their language for "snow." I believe this has to do with the types and conditions of snow they live with. Your estimation regarding Zach's question about cleaning rugs in snow was absolutely right on. I have been doing this method, even with my room sized Bijar, for several years. I've even gotten Nathan Koets "permission" to clean my rugs this way.

My method is to wait until there is adequate snow to cover the ground, and until temperatures are below 25 degrees. Then, when there is a nice fresh snowfall of dry powdery snow, I roll up the rugs and put them outdoors overnight to "equalize" their temperature. Putting a room temperature rug onto snow would cause melting, followed by refreezing, causing ice to stick to the pile. You don't want that.

Once the rugs are "cold" I roll them out face up, just like in the house. I shovel some snow over them and let it sit for a while. Then I take a nice clean bristle broom and sweep the snow off, horizontal to lay of the pile. If there are dirty places, from Mary's sucker or something, I clean it off with a damp cloth.

The tough part is yet to come. One wants as much snow off the rug as possible. So, I use a stiff bristle brush to brush all the snow off the top and bottom of the rug as I roll it tightly. I brush, and roll, brush and roll, until the piece is rolled up. Then I carry it to the porch for a final brush, and take it in the house. The rugs are rarely even damp after this procedure and they really love it! Room sized rugs will likely require two people for the "brush, roll and carry" procedure. It is very very effective in removing all lint, hair, and surface dust. I do not recommend this method for a very dirty rug. If the dirt is "down in" the rug to any extent it should be professionally cleaned. Send it to Nathan Koets in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for his scientific and thoroughly professional work.

Mark Traxler

Thanks for the great description. When I was 5 my Dad got me my first skis and I loved skiing for over 30 years before I stopped. I also used to snowshoe, iceclimb, and go winter camping. So while I am no Eskimo I can come up with a about 11 descriptive words or phrases for snow. I think every serious skier can distinguish between Granular, packed granular, corn snow to name a few. Growing up in Pennsylvania I learned on hard pack, blue Ice and black ice and when I started going to New England to ski I had to learn all over because they had very different snow.

This may sound funny but I love the cold and snow I really miss that living in the Washingtn DC area. I realize that there are few places a man of my limited ability can make a decent living but I often dream of moving to Maine or New Hampshire.

Best wishes,
Barry

For Further Reading:

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

Index to my Rug Notes

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