Author: Harvey Marshall

Home Improvement

Types of Blinds

Harvey Marshall

Blinds add a beautiful finishing touch to any room and are easy to clean. A dusting or wiping with a damp cloth is all they need to keep them looking their best.

They are also very flexible for light control – you can adjust the slats to let in just a little or a lot of natural light. Blinds are also a great option for privacy as they block out neighbours’ views into your home. Visit https://www.customblindsandshadesky.com/ to learn more.

Blinds

With a range of styles and finishes, aluminium blinds are a modern alternative to wood. They’re lightweight and durable, making them suitable for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. They’re also easy to clean, requiring only a regular wipe with a damp cloth to keep them looking pristine. They’re also available in a range of colours, which means you can find a shade to match any interior design.

Unlike wooden blinds, aluminium is resistant to moisture and humidity. This makes them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms where they’ll be exposed to lots of steam and water. The metal slats also reflect the sun’s rays, helping to keep your space cool and comfortable. These benefits make aluminum blinds a great option for homeowners who want to save on energy costs and stay stylish at the same time.

Aluminium blinds can be mounted inside or outside your window frame. Inside mounts create a sleek, streamlined look and work well with most window frames. Outside mounts are a good option for rooms where the window opening isn’t large enough to fit a blind mount. Both mounting types pair nicely with other window treatments like curtains and valances.

Another benefit of aluminum blinds is that they’re less expensive than wooden or vinyl blinds. They’re also a great choice for homes with children. Unlike wooden blinds, they don’t require the use of cords or chains that can become hazardous to young kids. The simple operation and durable construction of aluminum blinds make them a wise investment for any home or office.

When it comes to buying aluminium blinds, you can choose between a standard manual system or a motorized option. A manual system uses pull cords to lift and lower your slats. The controls are located at the bottom of the blind and are easy to reach. Alternatively, you can opt for a motorized system that allows you to control your blinds with the touch of a button. This feature is ideal for busy families or offices where you need to save time. The slats of an aluminium blind are small, which makes them best suited for smaller windows.

Wood Blinds

Wood blinds are a classic window covering with a natural, inviting look that matches a variety of decor styles. Their slats can be tilted open or closed for light control and privacy. They also offer good glare protection and can block out sun. However, they may not be the best choice for high-moisture environments as they can warp or mold if exposed to water or moisture.

Wood slats are precision-cut, then kiln-dried and treated with staining to achieve various colors and finishes. A protective sealant is then applied to safeguard against damage. This comprehensive manufacturing process is what gives wood blinds their exceptional durability, preventing them from warping over time, cracking, or splitting.

While durable, wooden blinds can be prone to swelling or mold growth if not properly cared for. This means they should be kept away from moisture and should be cleaned regularly to avoid excess water buildup in the slats. It’s also important to choose a company that works with an experienced staff to ensure that the wood is sourced from sustainable forests and adheres to environmental standards.

Once you’ve decided on your ideal type of wood blind, there are several other upgrades and accessories available to improve their functionality. Cloth tapes, for example, can cover route holes to increase light blockage and privacy. You can also choose to have your slats rounded instead of squared, which is a small upgrade that will make your blinds look more finished. Other options include a cordless lift that eliminates unsightly lift cords, and motorized tilt for easy opening and closing of hard-to-reach windows.

The right type of blinds depends on your living room’s style and functional needs. Consider identifying your top priorities, such as privacy, light control, or aesthetics, to help narrow down your choices. You can then determine your budget and evaluate whether real or faux blinds would be better for you. It’s also important to assess the environmental impacts of each option, taking into account things like wood sourcing sustainability and product biodegradability at end-of-life. The more durable your blinds are, the fewer times they’ll need replacing, which will reduce waste and resource-intensive production.

Vertical Blinds

When you think of vertical blinds, you probably picture old-fashioned and possibly tatty-looking window treatments that were once the go-to option for large windows and sliding patio doors. However, they are surprisingly versatile, and in modern fabrics, can look really effective.

The way they work is simple: long vertical slats are weighted together to allow them to be angled open or closed and stacked to the side, allowing light in while maintaining privacy. They’re great for wider and taller windows that aren’t suited to horizontal blinds or roller blinds, and they’re also well suited to sloped surfaces, providing a level of control you wouldn’t get with a traditional window shutter.

Fabric vertical blinds come in a wide range of colours and patterns to create an impact on your space. They can be designed to contrast or complement your colour scheme, and they’re a great option for living rooms where you want to filter natural light into the room while still providing a view out of the window. They’re also ideal for bedrooms, where you need to regulate the amount of sunlight while maintaining privacy.

As well as looking good, vertical blinds are low maintenance and don’t tend to collect much dust in comparison to other types of window coverings. They can even reduce outside noise, which can be a big benefit for those of us who live in noisy urban areas.

They’re also a cost-effective choice and, because they’re made from polyester, are the most inexpensive type of blind available. That means they’re the ideal solution for budget-conscious homeowners who still want to improve their home’s interior design without spending a lot of money.

Another option for those looking for a more luxurious take on vertical blinds is the panel track blind. This is a sleek, contemporary alternative to the traditional style and it comes in a range of different fabric colours and patterns that can give your space a more refined aesthetic. They can be customised with a variety of features, such as easy pull and automation, to make them more user-friendly and give you even more control over your windows.

Honeycomb Shades

Also known as cellular shades, honeycomb shades are sleek, contemporary window treatments that offer a wide range of benefits including energy efficiency and light control. Their honeycomb-like construction traps air in stacked rows of honeycomb-shaped fabric cells, providing effective insulation that minimizes drafts and keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Compared to other window coverings, honeycomb shades have the highest R-ratings for heat and cold resistance. This means that they provide better thermal protection than any other type of blinds and save you money on your electricity bills year-round.

The cellular construction of these window treatments also helps to block outside noise, creating a quiet and relaxing environment in your home. This makes them ideal for bedroom windows, nurseries and media rooms. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of fabrics and opacities that range from light filtering to full blackout.

With their streamlined aesthetic, cellular shades work well in a wide range of decorating styles from minimalist to industrial. They look particularly good in modern, contemporary and industrial homes but can be an excellent choice for any home decor.

Because they’re made from softer materials, these window coverings can absorb moisture and odors. As such, they shouldn’t be installed too close to areas that can get damp or wet, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

When choosing honeycomb shades, you should decide if you want single- or double-cell construction. Single-cell honeycomb shades have a slimmer profile and a cleaner aesthetic while double-cell cellular shades feature two layers of 3/8-inch wide cells front-to-back on your shade that create smaller pleats for a more linear, textured appearance.

Whether you choose single or double-cell honeycomb shades, you can upgrade them with optional features such as a cordless motorized lift that eliminates the need for dangerous pull cords. Valances and cornices can also be added to your cellular shades to add style, privacy and additional light coverage.

Lastly, you should know that despite their high R-ratings and energy efficiency, these window coverings can be expensive. This is especially true if you go for a higher-grade fabric or double-cell design.

Cleaning Services

5 Natural Ways to Clean Your Carpets

Harvey Marshall

Carpets warm and add comfort to a home but also collect dirt, dust, pet hair, and bacteria. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt and grit from damaging carpet fibers.

While professional hot water extraction cleaning is the best method for removing deep-seated dirt, you can do some basic steps at home to keep your carpets clean. Visit https://www.joondalupcarpetcleaners.com.au/ to learn more.

Joondalup Carpet Cleaners

Vacuuming carpets 1-2 times a week removes top surface dirt, which reduces matting, wear and tear, and keeps the color fresh. It also helps maintain healthy air quality by sucking up dust, allergens and other microscopic particles. Vacuuming can also be used to remove stains.

Before vacuuming, move objects like toys or chairs out of the way. This allows the vacuum to reach all corners and crevices without damaging the carpeting. It is important to use the right setting for your specific carpeting. Carpets with a textured appearance are better cleaned with a brush or agitating head, while cut pile carpets can be cleaned using a vacuum with suction only or a hose/wand.

When vacuuming, move slowly, allowing the vacuum to suck up the debris hanging between the carpet fibers. Moving too quickly prevents the device from being able to collect the full amount of debris and could even cause the fibers to be crushed. Make sure to empty the vacuum bag or replace it regularly and clean or change filters and brushes as needed.

Dirt, dust and other materials build up in rugs and carpets, leading to matting, abrasion, odor and even deterioration of the underlying material. Frequent vacuuming helps maintain your investment in carpets and rugs by extending their lifespan. It also improves your indoor environment by reducing airborne allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, which can be particularly irritating for people with allergies or asthma. It also reduces odors caused by mold, mildew, tobacco smoke and cigarette residues. It is also important to vacuum carpets regularly in areas where people are most active, such as hallways, foyers and mudrooms.

Baking soda is an inexpensive natural product that can be used to clean and deodorize carpet. It’s safe for kids and pets, and will not discolor carpet fibers. You can use baking soda alone or in conjunction with vinegar, another natural cleaning hero, to help remove many types of stains and smells from your carpets.

Grease-based stains, such as those from pizza, mayonnaise and oily food spills, are often stubborn and can require more than one treatment. To tackle them, liberally sprinkle the affected area with dry baking soda. Next, blot up any solids with a paper towel, being careful not to rub, as this pushes the grease deeper into the fibers. Allow the baking soda to sit for a few hours or overnight for more stubborn stains. Finally, vacuum the area to remove the remaining baking soda and the stain.

Non-greasy stains, such as those from coffee, tea, wine and ink are usually easier to get up than grease stains. First, blot the affected area with a paper towel to lift away any solids and prevent further staining. Liberally sprinkle the spot with baking soda and then spritz it with a water-vinegar solution, following the directions on the bottle. Allow to sit for about three hours and then vacuum the area to remove the baking soda and the underlying stain.

Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer for carpets and can be used on a regular basis to keep your whole house smelling fresh. It absorbs odors rather than masking them, and is much safer than some of the commercial deodorizers that can contain harsh chemicals. It’s also a great choice for pet odors, as it won’t irritate your dogs or cats.

For the more stubborn carpet stains, you can use household ammonia to get rid of them. Before using it, however, you must make sure that your carpet is safe for such a high-alkaline solution. To do this, test it on an inconspicuous area of the carpet and let it dry completely. This will help you avoid any unwanted results. You should also avoid scrubbing the stain since doing so can cause it to spread and penetrate deeper into the fibers.

It is important to vacuum the carpet first to remove any big debris and dirt particles. Once this is done, you can start to apply the solution. You can use a sponge mop or an old rag to do this, but you should be careful to avoid getting too much of the solution on the carpet. A little goes a long way, so it is best to apply the solution in small circles over the stain.

Ammonia is a highly effective cleaning agent that can remove a wide range of stains, including blood, vomit, and food. However, it is important to remember that this substance can produce toxic fumes when applied to the carpet. Therefore, it is important to open windows and doors while applying this cleaner to allow fresh air to circulate.

In addition to removing stains, ammonia can also be used to deodorize your carpet. It works by releasing an odor that mimics the odor of urine. This can make pets think that the carpet is a suitable place for them to do their business. For this reason, you should not use ammonia on pet-friendly carpets. Instead, try an enzyme-based cleaner or hydrogen peroxide.

Vinegar is an inexpensive, natural cleaner that can be used to remove stains and bad smells from your carpet. Its acetic acid can dissolve many types of substances, including organic and inorganic materials such as urea, salt, protein, dyes, and fatty acids. It also acts as a disinfectant and can kill bacteria, including salmonella, E Coli, and some flu germs. It is safe for use on most carpets and rugs, although it can discolor certain types of wool or natural fiber carpets.

Before using vinegar, move any furniture away from the affected area and vacuum the carpet thoroughly. This will remove any loose dirt or other debris that may make the stain worse once it comes into contact with water.

Next, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply to the stained area. Allow the solution to soak into the stain, then blot with a clean white cloth. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed. Be sure to use the cloth to blot, not rub, as this could spread or transfer the stain. Then, blot the carpet dry with a clean towel.

If you have a particularly stubborn greasy stain on your carpet, try combining baking soda with vinegar to create a paste. The acetic acid in the vinegar will break down greasy substances, and the baking soda will absorb the grease and other toxins. This mixture should be left on the stain overnight or for a few days to let it completely work its magic. After the paste is removed, the carpet should be cleaned with a water-vinegar solution as described above. This will help remove any residue and leave the carpet looking as good as new.

Aside from being a great at-home grooming product, shaving cream can also serve as a convenient and effective carpet cleaning hack. It isn’t as messy as a lot of commercial products or professional services and doesn’t introduce harsh chemicals into your home. The ingredients found in traditional shaving cream, like surfactants, can actually be beneficial for the soaking and removal of water-soluble stains from your carpets.

Using this cleaning method is fairly simple; first, use napkins or paper towels to blot up as much of the stain as possible. Then, apply shaving cream to the stain and let it sit for around 30 minutes. This allows the foam to penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, where it can break down and remove the stain. After the waiting period, simply blot the shaving cream (and the stain) away with a clean white cloth. Be sure to use only white shaving cream, as menthol or colored varieties may cause discoloration of the carpet (Lifehacker).

While this method won’t work for all types of stains and doesn’t address various smells like pet pee, it is still a useful strategy to have in your back pocket if you’re stuck with a stubborn stain. Plus, the process is simple and inexpensive, so it’s a great way to save some money while keeping your carpet looking fresh.