Tips help make most of spring cleaning

As the world outside awakens from its slumber, refresh your world inside with an old-fashioned spring cleaning. Take a suggestion from some of America's finest hotels and embrace the new season by rejuvenating your home. National Trust Historic Hotels of America offers tips from professionals who tackle hundreds of rooms every day.

"Use fabric softener dryer sheets to clean vinyl shades," said Mary Ann Rodino, executive housekeeper at The Spa at Norwich Inn in Norwich, Conn. "They do a good job of removing dust and dirt."

Sandy Gough, executive housekeeper at The Sagamore in Bolton Landing, N.Y., removes heel marks from waved floors by using an ordinary pencil eraser or a tennis ball on a stick.

To remove hairspray on mirrors, Paulette Sable, executive housekeeper at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, uses very hot water instead of window cleaner.

To give carpets a fresh scent without using artificial sprays or chemicals, Laurel McKown, executive housekeeper at the Hotel

Boulderado in Boulder, Colo. suggests placing a cotton ball with clove oil in the blower compartment of the vacuum. Any essential oil will work and leave a subtle fragrance in the room.

Did you find red wine stains after a great party?

According to Ewa Borkowska, executive housekeeper at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pa., white wine will remove red wine stains on carpets.

For a dozen additional housekeeping tips, visit www. h i s t o r i c h o t e l s . o r g / press_release/1/37.

Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has identified more than 200 hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architectural and ambiance.

To be selected for this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized as having historic significance. Reservations can be made through Historic Hotels of America at www.historichotels.org.