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1004 days ago

The Right Way to Clean Velvet

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Palmerston North

Is your velvet sofa looking less than luxe? Learn how to clean velvet furniture and keep it looking as sumptuous as the day you bought it.

Choosing velvet furniture is choosing to make a bold style statement in your space—there’s no ignoring its soft sheen, rich colour, and innate elegance. But velvet’s commanding presence also means that any discoloration or stains are that much more visible. No more hiding a dusty apartment…once the sunlight hits a velvet couch, there’s no hiding those annoying, allergy-inducing particles.

If you’ve opted for a bright, richly pigmented colour, like navy or chartreuse, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause the fabric to fade. Consider window coverings substantial enough to protect your piece but lovely enough to catch the eye. Read on to learn how to clean velvet furniture and protect it from wear and tear and those inevitable spills.

Materials:
- Vacuum
- Absorbent cloth
- Soap and water or an upholstery cleaner
- Soft brush

Vacuum the fabric: Remember those pesky dust particles we were talking about? Well, in terms of regular maintenance, all you need to do to the item itself is give it a good dusting. We recommend regular vacuuming; a soft brush can also loosen surface dirt and brush it away.

Tackle spills the right way: If a friend does happen to spill their cocktail on your couch, White suggests blotting the area immediately with a clean, dry absorbent cloth. We then recommend mandating said friend to a different spot in your home. No one likes a party foul.

Test cleaning products: If a dried stain is staring you in the face and you just can’t help but do something about it, test any cleaning product (even basic soap and water) on a hidden spot to ensure it doesn’t ruin the fabric. Mix soap and water to create a sudsy solution. Use a soft cloth to blot the stain with the suds, then let the fabric dry completely.

Brush the fabric: Once the velvet is dry, use a soft, dry brush in the direction of the pile to restore its direction and loft. This will give the velvet that brand-new, never-been-touched look.

Turn to a professional: When in doubt, ask for help. It’s best to professionally clean the entire piece to ensure the colour remains uniform. To ensure your velvet furniture remains in optimal condition, you should have it professionally cleaned. Next up? Sit back, relax, and enjoy your good-as-new upholstery.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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4 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.4% Yes
    82.4% Complete
  • 14.9% No
    14.9% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
1608 votes
7 hours ago

Affordable business advertising

Christopher Neighbourly Lead from Tararua District

I’m excited to share an advertising opportunity in Coffee News. We have had a shuffle and now have 2 new spaces available to fill in our highly visible publication.

This is a unique chance to promote your business to a highly engaged, local audience every single week!

We offer flexible 4-month and 6-month advertising plans, and as a special bonus, we’re offering free ad design for new advertisers.

Here’s why Coffee News is a smart investment for your business:

☕We won't promise your phone will ring of the hook, however:
☕Your ad will be visible in over 180 locations across the region, including cafés, waiting rooms, and high-traffic areas.
☕We ensure no competitor ads will appear alongside yours, giving you exclusive attention.
☕Worried about rising costs like petrol and rates? With Coffee News, we lock in your rate, meaning even years down the line, you’ll still be paying today’s price!
☕We promote your business across all our social media accounts and do monthly letterbox drops.
For the most affordable marketing in town, give me a call! I’m Chris, your local Coffee News guy, delivering smiles—and results—every week!

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