ShopSmart magazine describes a less-exhausting way to deep clean

Sometimes nothing less than a deep-cleaning will do. But even if you don't have the budget this spring, you can still banish the winter grime. In their May issue, the folks at ShopSmart magazine offer two choices: the best way, and the fast-and-cheap way to clean a house.

Choose whichever suits your schedule or budget. Either will improve the way your house looks now.
Area rugs

The fast and cheap way: Vacuum rugs and their pads on both sides. Rotate the rugs to even out wear.

The best way: Hire a professional rug-cleaning service. Always get handmade rugs cleaned professionally.

• Some professional cleaning services have spring specials. If you're having rugs cleaned, ask the company whether it can take care of your draperies and blinds, too. See whether you can get a package deal that offers free pickup and delivery.
Window blinds

Fast and cheap: Slip on some soft cotton cleaning gloves, turn the slats down, and let your fingers do the dusting. Turn the slats up and repeat.

Best: If the blinds are greasy, fill the tub with warm water and dish liquid and submerge them carefully; scrub and rinse, but keep the roller mechanism dry. Re-hang the blinds and allow them to air dry.

• If the slats are wood, bypass the bath and use a non-wax furniture polish.
Upholstery

Fast and cheap: Vacuum the whole piece, including corners, crevices and all sides of the cushions. (You'll need a vacuum with a hose and a crevice tool for this job.)

Best: Have a professional cleaning service remove stains and steam clean the furniture with water and detergent or dry-clean it.

• When you find an upholstery, rug, carpet or window-treatment pro, get an estimate and check references.
Wall-to-wall carpet

Fast and cheap: Push all the furniture to the center of the room so that you can vacuum under and behind everything that's usually in the way.

Best: Consult the carpet maker's brochure or Web site for tips on cleaning. Heavily soiled carpets need good deep-cleaning.

• You can rent the equipment you need (check the phone book or go online) or call in a pro.
Curtains

Fast and cheap: Pull a nylon stocking over the brush attachment and vacuum away dust without sucking up any tassels.

Best: Follow the instructions on the fabric-care label: In many cases you can machine-wash curtains in cool water (on the gentle cycle) and hang them to air dry.

• If made out of more than one fabric, curtains should be cleaned professionally in order to avoid uneven shrinking or bleeding.