Carpets have the unique ability to convert your house into a home filled with warmth; however, carpets tend to attract a lot of dust and other allergens. This warm yet economical floor covering also has the ability to last a very long time provided it is properly taken care of. Taking proper care of a carpet involves both regular vacuuming and periodic carpet cleaning using either the wet or dry method. Most people can't clearly differentiate between the two methods; despite the fact that the difference may seem obvious, one uses water while other does not. However, there is more involved than that. The right cleaning method for your carpet largely depends on the type you own, the amount of dirt on it and the type of dirt or dust it mostly accumulates. Some of the methods carpet cleaners use includes;
Hot Water Extraction
The hot water extraction carpet cleaning method is also referred to as steam cleaning despite the fact no actual steam is used. The method incorporates high pressure and mainly involves the spraying of a very hot cleaning solution into the carpet. The carpet cleaners then use a vacuum device to remove the solution together with any dirt that was within the carpet fibers. This method is ideal for heavily soiled carpets because it tends to remove more contaminants when compared to other methods. The major downside of hot water extraction is a long drying time.
Shampooing
Shampooing also falls under the category of wet cleaning methods. The method involves scrubbing a shampoo into the carpet using a special type of brush known as a rotary brush. After the carpet has dried up, carpet cleaners use a vacuum to remove the debris. Most carpet cleaning shampoos contain chemicals that reduce odors, speed up drying or even brighten the carpet's colors. This method is ideal for residential or low-pile carpets because the strong agitation tends to damage longer pile carpets.
Bonnet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning is a popular dry carpet cleaning method that involves misting detergent onto the carpet then buffing the carpet surface with a highly absorbent pad. Once the cleaning product is on the carpet, a rotary pad agitates the soil thus removing it. The bonnet or pad must be periodically removed otherwise it will fill up with dirt. Since very little moisture is used, the carpet tends to dry up quickly. The bonnet cleaning method is most effective when cleaning the top parts of a carpet; it may leave grit and sand at the base of the carpet fibers.
Dry Chemical/ Dry Powder
Dry chemical cleaning involves spreading moist powder onto the carpet and working in the powder with a brush. Some drying time is required before the carpet cleaners can vacuum up the powder. This method works best for carpets placed in high traffic or public areas where having a wet carpet could prove to be problematic. However, the dry powder method is not as effective as other wet carpet cleaning methods.
Before selecting the right cleaning method, there are several factors carpet cleaners must put into consideration. Understanding the various methods of cleaning a carpet is therefore of great importance.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Steps On How To Select The Best Bedroom Furniture
It is approximated that the average human being spends more than a third of his life sleeping. This time is spent in the bedroom and as such, the bedroom is considered as one of the most important rooms in the house. Due to the nature of its use, the bedroom should be quiet and relaxing so as to provide the perfect mood for an individual to relax after a hard day's work. Bedroom furniture plays an important role in setting this mood and should be the topmost consideration for any individual intending to furnish this room. The following steps on how to find the perfect bedroom furniture might come in handy when selecting the furniture
Make a list
The first step towards finding the perfect furniture for your bedroom is to make a list of furniture that you might require. There are conventional furniture pieces that are considered as `must-haves' for any bedroom, these furniture pieces include the bed, wardrobe, side table, dressing table and even the shoe rack. These pieces should be put down on the furniture list after which their appropriate sizes should be determined.
Determine furniture size
The size of your bedroom will dictate the size of furniture to be fitted within the room. A perfect balance should be created when furnishing your bedroom since too much furniture will restrict movement while too little furniture is bound to create a large empty space making an individual uncomfortable.
As a pointer, the bedroom furniture should be built around the bed. The bed should be strategically positioned in the room and other furniture pieces arranged in relation to the position of the bed. You should roughly approximate and note down the size of the other required furniture pieces. The size of the bed should not be compromised at the expense of other furniture within the room.
Design
Furniture design is another important factor that needs to be considered when selecting the perfect furniture for your bedroom. You most likely have a theme or mood you wish to create within your bedroom. The design of the furniture should be able to complement and enhance the theme you wish to create. As a rule, the furniture pieces must all have the same style and design so as to build on each other when creating a theme.
The type of material used for creating the bedroom furniture should also be considered. Wood is the most conventional material for making furniture but you also have the option of choosing furniture made form contemporary material such as plastic and metal. Whatever the material, the furniture pieces should be sturdy and durable.
Purchase
Purchasing the furniture is the final step of finding the perfect furniture for your bedroom. When carrying out the purchase, it is advisable to make a price and product comparison of the furniture pieces so as to get the best cost-effective alternative.
If you feel the available pieces do not meet your expectations, you can always opt to design your furniture and have it made from scratch.
By following the above steps, you are assured of acquiring the best bedroom furniture for your home.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Tips on Checking the Wiring of Your Home
Your home's electrical wiring has a huge bearing on the safety of your
home. You should never take chances with electricity. It is imperative
you frequently check the system to ensure everything is working
perfectly. Ideally, the electric wiring in your home should be modern
and must conform to all the modern safety requirements. You should
contact an electrician whenever you note something fishy as it could be a
pointer to an underlying serious problem. Since it may not be possible
to call in an electrician regularly to check the wiring of your home,
the following are tips on how you can go about it.
Tips on Checking the Wiring of Your HomeThe first time you check the wiring, trace all the circuits back to the breaker box. Label each circuit breaker for the circuit it controls. Put a label on each breaker and this will make your work much easier each time you are checking the wiring.
Use a volt-ohm meter to check all the circuits to ensure that all outlets in your home have power. If this is too technical for you, hire a professional electrician to check it for you and probably show you how to handle the volt-ohm meter.
Occasionally check the temperature of circuits after an appliance has been plugged in and turned on for about half an hour. The faceplates should be cool when touched. If they happen to be hot, this is an indicator that the particular circuit has a fault that needs fixing. If you can't identify the problem, call in an electrician to check the wiring.
Inspect the orange GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets. These are normally found in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and garage. On plugging a small lamp into the outlets and then releasing the middle button, the lamp should go out and come back again when you press the button a second time. If this is not the case, call an electrician to examine the outlet.
Shut all the appliances in your home to test the circuit breakers. Switch the breakers on and off three or four times to ensure they are working as they may seem to be okay yet they are stuck in an open position.
With the mains OFF, check all the hidden wiring. Ease the main sockets forward to check that the cables which connect them are the plastic-covered type. Ensure that the earth wires are properly covered in the yellow-and-green earth sleeving. Tighten the terminal fixing screws that may be loose.
Examine the lighting flex, appliances plugs and lamp holders for insecure flex sheathing, perished flex, loose terminals and cracked casings.
For the safety of your family and home, make sure you regularly check the wiring of your home. If you cannot do it yourself, engage a professional electrician to run a thorough check on everything. This will ensure that your house is safe to live in. it is imperative as it may prevent any possible fires that may even cause deaths in your family.
Tips on Checking the Wiring of Your HomeThe first time you check the wiring, trace all the circuits back to the breaker box. Label each circuit breaker for the circuit it controls. Put a label on each breaker and this will make your work much easier each time you are checking the wiring.
Use a volt-ohm meter to check all the circuits to ensure that all outlets in your home have power. If this is too technical for you, hire a professional electrician to check it for you and probably show you how to handle the volt-ohm meter.
Occasionally check the temperature of circuits after an appliance has been plugged in and turned on for about half an hour. The faceplates should be cool when touched. If they happen to be hot, this is an indicator that the particular circuit has a fault that needs fixing. If you can't identify the problem, call in an electrician to check the wiring.
Inspect the orange GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets. These are normally found in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and garage. On plugging a small lamp into the outlets and then releasing the middle button, the lamp should go out and come back again when you press the button a second time. If this is not the case, call an electrician to examine the outlet.
Shut all the appliances in your home to test the circuit breakers. Switch the breakers on and off three or four times to ensure they are working as they may seem to be okay yet they are stuck in an open position.
With the mains OFF, check all the hidden wiring. Ease the main sockets forward to check that the cables which connect them are the plastic-covered type. Ensure that the earth wires are properly covered in the yellow-and-green earth sleeving. Tighten the terminal fixing screws that may be loose.
Examine the lighting flex, appliances plugs and lamp holders for insecure flex sheathing, perished flex, loose terminals and cracked casings.
For the safety of your family and home, make sure you regularly check the wiring of your home. If you cannot do it yourself, engage a professional electrician to run a thorough check on everything. This will ensure that your house is safe to live in. it is imperative as it may prevent any possible fires that may even cause deaths in your family.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
How to Make a Traditional Rug
A traditional rug can be used to complement modern furniture designs. A
Persian or an Asian rug may create decor anchor for the dining room,
media room or living room adorned with leather chairs and couches.
Choose a rug that accent the furniture color.
The easiest traditional rug for one to make is usually the braided rug, therefore people who could not afford to buy manufactured rugs can make their own rugs by utilizing old clothing. Starting with wool or cotton fabric strips, one can be able to make a room-sized rug or a throw rug by using very few tools even when they do not have any prior experience.
Start by cutting old clothes or the fabric into strips measuring 2 inches in width. Your fabric must be all wool or all cotton and not a blend. Turn the strips into 3 long strips by stitching the strips ends together. For a harmonized look, strips may all be from a similar family or any rainbow color for an informal country feel. The ultimate length of the long strips will be determined by the size of the finished rug. Therefore, continue to add strips until the rug is as large as you would like it to be.
Tie together all the three strips at one end and you can put something that is heavy on the knot in order to hold it in place or you can have someone to hold the knot for you. Start to braid the three strips the same way you would braid your hair and ensure to keep the braid tight but do not make it so tight until they start to curl up. Keep on braiding ensuring that the braids are flat and not warped. Braid until when you have a big ball of material that is braided.
Decide if you need an oval or a round rug. If round, then begin by laying the braid out on the floor then spiral around itself. Continue laying it down in spiral shape and keep it flat ensuring that you do not twist it. If you need an oval rug, then start by laying out a foot of braid on a straight line and continue to make the braid laying out the braid on the floor up to when your rug reaches the size that you want it to be.
Using a big needle as well as heavy cotton thread, while the braid is laid out in spiral shape, start at the middle of the rug and begin to sew the braids together in the spiral while you go alongside the spiral between every braid.
Sew alongside the spiral each inch the layers of the braid touch each other and keep the braids flat and not twisted. Pull the seams tight in order to maintain the braid touching always. Once you are done sewing the whole spiral rug, sew the braid end to the row that is next and finish off neatly the raw edge. Turn over the rug to reveal its topside and if you wish to make it non-slip then cut rubber shelf liner pieces then super glue the pieces on the backside of the rug. Note that the rug is machine-washable and it will become more country looking and rustic as it is utilized.
The easiest traditional rug for one to make is usually the braided rug, therefore people who could not afford to buy manufactured rugs can make their own rugs by utilizing old clothing. Starting with wool or cotton fabric strips, one can be able to make a room-sized rug or a throw rug by using very few tools even when they do not have any prior experience.
Start by cutting old clothes or the fabric into strips measuring 2 inches in width. Your fabric must be all wool or all cotton and not a blend. Turn the strips into 3 long strips by stitching the strips ends together. For a harmonized look, strips may all be from a similar family or any rainbow color for an informal country feel. The ultimate length of the long strips will be determined by the size of the finished rug. Therefore, continue to add strips until the rug is as large as you would like it to be.
Tie together all the three strips at one end and you can put something that is heavy on the knot in order to hold it in place or you can have someone to hold the knot for you. Start to braid the three strips the same way you would braid your hair and ensure to keep the braid tight but do not make it so tight until they start to curl up. Keep on braiding ensuring that the braids are flat and not warped. Braid until when you have a big ball of material that is braided.
Decide if you need an oval or a round rug. If round, then begin by laying the braid out on the floor then spiral around itself. Continue laying it down in spiral shape and keep it flat ensuring that you do not twist it. If you need an oval rug, then start by laying out a foot of braid on a straight line and continue to make the braid laying out the braid on the floor up to when your rug reaches the size that you want it to be.
Using a big needle as well as heavy cotton thread, while the braid is laid out in spiral shape, start at the middle of the rug and begin to sew the braids together in the spiral while you go alongside the spiral between every braid.
Sew alongside the spiral each inch the layers of the braid touch each other and keep the braids flat and not twisted. Pull the seams tight in order to maintain the braid touching always. Once you are done sewing the whole spiral rug, sew the braid end to the row that is next and finish off neatly the raw edge. Turn over the rug to reveal its topside and if you wish to make it non-slip then cut rubber shelf liner pieces then super glue the pieces on the backside of the rug. Note that the rug is machine-washable and it will become more country looking and rustic as it is utilized.
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Energy Efficiency Raises the Value of a Home
Although
many homeowners are aware of the practical benefits of adding rendering to
their home, such as those of extra insulation, improved appearance and
enhancement of the building's structure, many are unaware that rendering can
also raise the value of their home.
Part
of the reason for this is that it is a measure well-known for being energy
efficient.
Why rendering is good for the environment
It
stands to reason that when an extra layer of insulation is added to a property,
it can improve the way that the home in question uses energy. Because the layer
prevents the escape of heat and negates the need to use additional power, the
homeowner loses less heat and therefore does not need to use as much artificial
heat from their gas or electricity supplier. This may lead their property to be
classed as more energy efficient.
The
government is currently undertaking measures to ensure that each and every UK
home reaches a certain level of energy efficiency. The reason for this is that
the escaping heat and fumes from a home affect not only the homeowner, as they
have to use more heat and therefore more money in order to power their home,
but also, on a much larger scale, the environment.
Heat
and fumes that escape from a property are known as carbon emissions and can
rise and become trapped in the atmosphere. They then become greenhouse gases
and eventually contribute to climate change and other environmental disasters.
Therefore,
it stands to reason that the governments of large nations such as the UK need
to minimize greenhouse gases and have been set certain targets by the EU and by
the United Nations to cut carbon emissions from their country as a whole.
How does that affect the property values?
One
of the measures which the previous government introduced was Energy Performance
Certificates (known as EPCs). An EPC is a legal document which a homeowner
requires in order to legally sell their property.
The
EPC gives a breakdown of all the ways that the property uses energy and how
efficient it is in the way that it uses said energy.
Because
of the various benefits of buying a more energy efficient home, those
homeowners whose properties attain a higher energy rating are perceived as much
better investments in terms of the buyers and what they will need to pay out
for their fuel bills. As a result, prospective buyers are generally happier to
pay higher prices for more energy efficient homes.
Monday, 10 September 2012
All that you wanted to know about Resin Flooring
Resin flooring refers to a kind of industrial flooring that is extremely
tough as well as durable. It is a synthetic product. Typically it is
applied by a roller and coating is generally required.
There are many reasons why this type of flooring is being preferred over others. The resin flooring incorporates high impact resistance and is easy to clean. It allows for elimination of dust. In addition, you get this flooring in a wide range of colors as well as decorative finishes.
The resin flooring is an installation that can be easily applied by hand. The result is a clean as well as precise application leading to an excellent finish.
This liquid synthetic resin system has the curing taking place due to the polymerization of various resin components.
The synthetic resin flooring is able to provide a strong bond to substrate. In addition, it is highly resistant to various strong chemicals. It is highly impermeable to liquids, is tough, durable, resilient, as well as resistant to impact and abrasion too. This kind of flooring does not produce any kind of dust, is hygienic and easy to clean. It is highly resistant to cracking and you do not require a high amount of applied thickness. Its rapid installation as well as curing ensures that there is the least possible disruption to your normal daily operations. Besides, it has a unique aesthetic appearance due to its decorative finishes.
All the classes of synthetic resin flooring will include the basic ingredients which are a base resin, a hardener besides a filler powder. Next will be the additional ingredients like pigments, accelerators, besides surface dressings, as well as coarse aggregate.
In order to convert this into a tough polymer, the base resin is to be mixed with the reactive hardener in the prescribed proportions in order to allow for the chemical reaction to happen. Mix well to ensure that the final product is homogeneous. Typically, this is already done and then supplied pre-formulated in order to facilitate operation.
The variety of synthetic resin systems available as the binder of the flooring include epoxy, epoxy novolac, besides polyester, vinyl ester, as well as furane, methacrylate and even polyurethane resins.
Surface preparation remains an important aspect of any flooring application. This is because the quality of this interface between the substrate as well as the flooring is going to determine the ability of the resin flooring to withstand all kinds of static and dynamic loads imposed upon it. Any surface sealer or any unbonded curing compound must be removed completely by mechanized equipment in order to expose this coarse aggregate. But this high intensity mechanized treatment should not cause cracking in order to weaken the substrate. In case of thin floorings, diamond grinding is usually preferred.
For precast units, the surface should be prepared thoroughly in order to remove all kinds of adhering dirt. Contained abrasive blasting equipment needs to be used rather than doing mechanical scabbling as that may damage the precast units.
Once surface preparation has been done, all kinds of loose debris or dirt needs to be removed by using vacuum equipment.
There are many reasons why this type of flooring is being preferred over others. The resin flooring incorporates high impact resistance and is easy to clean. It allows for elimination of dust. In addition, you get this flooring in a wide range of colors as well as decorative finishes.
The resin flooring is an installation that can be easily applied by hand. The result is a clean as well as precise application leading to an excellent finish.
This liquid synthetic resin system has the curing taking place due to the polymerization of various resin components.
The synthetic resin flooring is able to provide a strong bond to substrate. In addition, it is highly resistant to various strong chemicals. It is highly impermeable to liquids, is tough, durable, resilient, as well as resistant to impact and abrasion too. This kind of flooring does not produce any kind of dust, is hygienic and easy to clean. It is highly resistant to cracking and you do not require a high amount of applied thickness. Its rapid installation as well as curing ensures that there is the least possible disruption to your normal daily operations. Besides, it has a unique aesthetic appearance due to its decorative finishes.
All the classes of synthetic resin flooring will include the basic ingredients which are a base resin, a hardener besides a filler powder. Next will be the additional ingredients like pigments, accelerators, besides surface dressings, as well as coarse aggregate.
In order to convert this into a tough polymer, the base resin is to be mixed with the reactive hardener in the prescribed proportions in order to allow for the chemical reaction to happen. Mix well to ensure that the final product is homogeneous. Typically, this is already done and then supplied pre-formulated in order to facilitate operation.
The variety of synthetic resin systems available as the binder of the flooring include epoxy, epoxy novolac, besides polyester, vinyl ester, as well as furane, methacrylate and even polyurethane resins.
Surface preparation remains an important aspect of any flooring application. This is because the quality of this interface between the substrate as well as the flooring is going to determine the ability of the resin flooring to withstand all kinds of static and dynamic loads imposed upon it. Any surface sealer or any unbonded curing compound must be removed completely by mechanized equipment in order to expose this coarse aggregate. But this high intensity mechanized treatment should not cause cracking in order to weaken the substrate. In case of thin floorings, diamond grinding is usually preferred.
For precast units, the surface should be prepared thoroughly in order to remove all kinds of adhering dirt. Contained abrasive blasting equipment needs to be used rather than doing mechanical scabbling as that may damage the precast units.
Once surface preparation has been done, all kinds of loose debris or dirt needs to be removed by using vacuum equipment.
What you need to know about Home Improvement
Renovation or home improvement refers to the process of enhancing your
home. These home enhancing activities often result in altering the
existing structure of your home such as lawns, garages and gazebos.
Usually home owners who engage in the process of improving their homes
for maximum comfort seek to install or upgrade existing home appliances,
soundproof certain rooms such as bedrooms and waterproof areas such as
basements. Home remodeling can also be used for maintenance and repair
purposes. On the other hand addition living space may be required in
order to make room for new arrivals or functions.
Home renovation can be approached from several perspectives depending on the requirements of the home owner. You can directly hire a specialized contractor, engage a general contractor or if you are the practical type follow the do-it-yourself method. It is estimated that more than 67percent of homeowners prefer to do some of the work themselves rather than hire a professional. This is especially true in the harsh economical times when funds are hard to come by. Some stores have capitalized on this practical group of home owners by selling tools and materials as well as guide books on home enhancement. There are also several DIY online platforms that offer advice, tips and ideas using step-by -step instructions or videos on how to go about the process.
Most homeowners are aware that improving their living spaces is not only expensive but also time consuming. What most people do not know is that carrying out some simple tasks around the home can work wonders and make it a better place to live in. The following are some of the inexpensive home enhancement activities that you can engage in:
Thorough cleaning
Cleaning is one of the cheapest methods of enhancing the value of your home. Enlisting the assistance of the whole family means that this activity can be accomplished without the need for external help. Washing the walls, taking out rugs and paying special attention to corners where dirt tends to accumulate are some of the activities that ensure your home looks better.
Painting
This is one of the easiest home improvement activities that you can engage in. A fresh coat of paint is bound to give your home a brand new look. It is important to choose the right colors that match the overall theme of the home in order to complement your living space. Use lighter or paler colors in dark rooms so as to reflect the light.
Upgrade your basement
Many home have basements that are dark and unfinished since these are some of the highly neglected areas. Enhancing your basement by adding finishing touches and installing bright ceiling lights mean that you can get additional room for kids' playroom, home office or art studio.
General contractors supervise home improvement projects that involve a variety of trades. Such a contractor will only perform some aspects of the overall work such as removing debris and providing access to the work site while delegating the rest of the work to others. It is important to note that general contractors do not come cheap hence most people prefer to bypass them by hiring roofers, plumbers and electricians directly.
Home renovation can be approached from several perspectives depending on the requirements of the home owner. You can directly hire a specialized contractor, engage a general contractor or if you are the practical type follow the do-it-yourself method. It is estimated that more than 67percent of homeowners prefer to do some of the work themselves rather than hire a professional. This is especially true in the harsh economical times when funds are hard to come by. Some stores have capitalized on this practical group of home owners by selling tools and materials as well as guide books on home enhancement. There are also several DIY online platforms that offer advice, tips and ideas using step-by -step instructions or videos on how to go about the process.
Most homeowners are aware that improving their living spaces is not only expensive but also time consuming. What most people do not know is that carrying out some simple tasks around the home can work wonders and make it a better place to live in. The following are some of the inexpensive home enhancement activities that you can engage in:
Thorough cleaning
Cleaning is one of the cheapest methods of enhancing the value of your home. Enlisting the assistance of the whole family means that this activity can be accomplished without the need for external help. Washing the walls, taking out rugs and paying special attention to corners where dirt tends to accumulate are some of the activities that ensure your home looks better.
Painting
This is one of the easiest home improvement activities that you can engage in. A fresh coat of paint is bound to give your home a brand new look. It is important to choose the right colors that match the overall theme of the home in order to complement your living space. Use lighter or paler colors in dark rooms so as to reflect the light.
Upgrade your basement
Many home have basements that are dark and unfinished since these are some of the highly neglected areas. Enhancing your basement by adding finishing touches and installing bright ceiling lights mean that you can get additional room for kids' playroom, home office or art studio.
General contractors supervise home improvement projects that involve a variety of trades. Such a contractor will only perform some aspects of the overall work such as removing debris and providing access to the work site while delegating the rest of the work to others. It is important to note that general contractors do not come cheap hence most people prefer to bypass them by hiring roofers, plumbers and electricians directly.
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