The Carpet Guy: Cleaning In Winter

When was the last time you cleaned your carpet, area rugs, or furniture? Last year? Two or more years ago? You can’t remember?

Carpet, rugs, and most fabric covered furniture are made out of fibers, like our clothes. We wouldn't dream of not washing our clothes for a year or more. Yet, it's the rare homeowner who cleans their interior home furnishings on an annual basis.

Most homeowners wait until the weather warms up, the sun shines, and the flowers start to bloom before they call to have their items cleaned. Or they wait until they can see spots and soils showing.

There is nothing wrong with this, but you may be missing out on some amazing opportunities.

Cleaning your furnishings during winter months offer some excellent advantages you may, or cannot get, during warm weather months.

Let's start with heat. Cleaning during cold weather months when the heat is on, helps your items dry faster.

Many people ask me: "How long will it take to dry?" Often, I ask in return, "How long does it take your towels to dry?" Then I listen to their response and address the factors that affect drying: temperature, humidity, and air movement.

With your heat on (temperature) and if you or the cleaner uses an air mover or fan (air movement), both of these used together rapidly speed the drying process. If a dehumidifier (humidity) is added, the drying time is shortened even more. Rapid dry times makes the homeowner and cleaner feel good.

Scheduling
Cold weather months are normally slower for many cleaners. This is an excellent time to schedule a cleaning since there are usually more appointment times available.

Some homeowners like to take winter vacations. Coordinating to have your items cleaned in your absence is quick, convenient and the homeowner has no inconveniences to deal with.

Dalton Elects Incumbents, Write-in for Planning Board

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
09:06PM / Monday, May 11, 2026

The last-minute write-in campaigns for Planning Board resulted in higher than normal write-in votes — 306 — for Monday's election. 

DALTON, Mass. — The unofficial results for the town's annual election indicate that Planning Board registered candidate William Striebel III and write-in candidate Richard Hall have secured the two seats.

 

Some 413 voters cast their ballots at the Senior Center on Monday. There were 82 mail-in ballots.

 

The Planning Board race began with just one candidate for the two available positions, leaving one vacancy initially unfilled, but as Election Day approached, two additional candidates launched write-in campaigns, transforming it into a competitive contest.

 

The Planning Board saw a significant number of write-in votes, totaling 306. Striebel secured 238 votes, Hall 163, and Mary Tresa Devereaux with 133. 

 

Both Hall and Devereaux have been endorsed by the Dalton Clear Air Coalition, of which Hall is a member, and Democratic Town Committee. 

 

Hall decided to run for Planning Board last Monday inspired by the Berkshire Concrete situation wanting to ensure that the company follows the town's zoning bylaws. 

 

"Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I look forward to helping the town. It's a privilege being on the Planning Board," he said.