Tumunui, Rotorua

1300 days ago

How to Maintain and Care for your Wallcoverings

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

So, you’ve finally chosen that fabulous wallpaper to showcase your style but how do you best look after it to keep it looking fresh and clean?

Many a foreign object can flick onto the surface of the wallpapers in your home that can range from food to crayon to fly spray, the list goes on. … View more
So, you’ve finally chosen that fabulous wallpaper to showcase your style but how do you best look after it to keep it looking fresh and clean?

Many a foreign object can flick onto the surface of the wallpapers in your home that can range from food to crayon to fly spray, the list goes on. Like any textile, wallpapers do need a little bit of love every now and then, a regular wipe down with a clean cloth should keep dust and marks at bay however there are times when there may be the need for a more deeper clean.

To better understand how to care for your wallcoverings we need to first understand the different types of wallpaper on the market and their cleaning durability. The main three classifications are:

1. Washable: Coated papers (light weight vinyl) would fall under this category. A mild detergent and water can be used to occasionally wipe surface of wallcovering. Not suitable for high traffic areas due to light cleaning and inability to remove stains or contaminants without damage.

2. Scrubbable: Generally heavy vinyl’s, these types of wallcoverings are suited to higher traffic areas as they can withstand scrubbing to remove stains and dirt more effectively.

3. Spongeable: The most delicate of the three methods with wall coverings primarily used for decorative effect (uncoated). Best maintained by using a dry clean sponge/eraser or with a lightly dampened cloth and avoiding heavy water use.



Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1300 days ago

Mother's Day is this weekend

Sunday Star Times

Are you still looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6 month option and use the promo code … View more
Are you still looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6 month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the checkout to redeem.

Hurry! Offer ends Sunday. T&C's apply.
Subscribe Now

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1301 days ago

The benefits of taking breaks for learning and focus.

NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua

As parents and educators, we know that a heavy workload and commitments can be stressful, so taking breaks is an essential part of learning. At NumberWorks’nWords, we ensure that breaks are scheduled into each students’ session.

Check out the full blog to explore the benefits of taking … View more
As parents and educators, we know that a heavy workload and commitments can be stressful, so taking breaks is an essential part of learning. At NumberWorks’nWords, we ensure that breaks are scheduled into each students’ session.

Check out the full blog to explore the benefits of taking breaks for learning and focus!

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1302 days ago

Are you our next Houseplant Hero?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Have you got New Zealand‘s best collection of houseplants?
We’re searching for indoor plant obsessives who have created impressive urban jungles… and there’s some great prizes to be won!

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1303 days ago

How to Fix a Carpet Dent from Heavy Furniture

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

It’s a moment of horror – moving a piece of furniture and realizing what it’s done to the carpet. In fact, some people even refuse to move their furniture around because they don’t know how to get rid of the carpet dents that the heavy pieces have left. Luckily, there is a fix!

The only … View more
It’s a moment of horror – moving a piece of furniture and realizing what it’s done to the carpet. In fact, some people even refuse to move their furniture around because they don’t know how to get rid of the carpet dents that the heavy pieces have left. Luckily, there is a fix!

The only things you’ll need are ice cubes, and a vacuum or hairbrush.
1. Place an ice cube on the dent. If the dent is large or long, use extra ice cubes as needed
2. Allow the ice cubes to melt.
3. Once the ice cubes have melted, the carpet will fluff back up.
4. After the area has dried, vacuum over the dents or gently use a hairbrush to further fluff the carpet if needed.

Additional Tips:
Moving furniture a few inches at regular intervals can help prevent carpet dents from becoming severe. Every couple months, scoot the couch or other heavy items a couple inches to one side and fluff up the dents. If this is done, the dent can often be fluffed simply with your fingers; no water necessary.

Scraping a coin over the dent can also work to fluff it up if your fingers alone aren’t getting the pile back up.

Another method of fluffing the carpet is to use a spray mister to slightly wet the dent, then use a hair dryer on warm or cool air (holding it several inches away from the carpet) to dry the area while gently fluffing up the pile with your fingers or a hairbrush.

Another method of fluffing the carpet is to use steam. Hold a clothing or upholstery steamer several inches above the carpet and quickly blast the dent with steam. Let the dent cool, then use your fingers or a hairbrush to fluff it up. However, most carpets are nylon, and nylon can melt easily, so it’s best to test the steam on a small hidden area first, such as in the corner of a closet, to see how the carpet fibres react to the heat. Again, be sure to hold the steamer several inches away from the carpet when applying the steam.

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1303 days ago

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Come together for good with friends, whānau and workmates by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this May. You’ll be joining thousands of Kiwis around the country to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

You can host any time in May, and by taking part, you’ll be helping fund … View more
Come together for good with friends, whānau and workmates by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this May. You’ll be joining thousands of Kiwis around the country to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

You can host any time in May, and by taking part, you’ll be helping fund ground-breaking work by some of our country’s top breast cancer researchers, educate people about breast health, and provide free support services for breast cancer patients and their families.

What are you waiting for! Sign up today.
Find out more

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1304 days ago

Looking for your next career path?

FICA

Take up a career in Forestry. We love our work!

If you are a great outdoors person, practical, or science-minded, love technology and enjoy working in a team then take a closer look at what the forestry industry can offer you.

Come and visit at any of these locations, we will be there with … View more
Take up a career in Forestry. We love our work!

If you are a great outdoors person, practical, or science-minded, love technology and enjoy working in a team then take a closer look at what the forestry industry can offer you.

Come and visit at any of these locations, we will be there with plenty to keep you busy and plenty of information for you to make the right decision to join our industry.

Rotorua Careers Expo: Rotorua Energy Events Centre - 10th & 11th May

For more information about a career in forestry check out our website here. To speak with a forestry representative then enquire on: office@fica.org.nz
Learn more

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1306 days ago

How to Look After Your Upholstery

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

In this blog we discuss the most common upholstery problems that can arise in use. We will break each problem down, looking at what it is, the likely cause and recommended remedies and solutions to avoid future reoccurrence.

CROCKING:
What is it? Crocking is the term used to describe the … View more
In this blog we discuss the most common upholstery problems that can arise in use. We will break each problem down, looking at what it is, the likely cause and recommended remedies and solutions to avoid future reoccurrence.

CROCKING:
What is it? Crocking is the term used to describe the transfer of excess dye from one surface to another due to rubbing and friction. The issue is increased by certain atmospheric conditions such as humidity and temperature.

Likely cause: In a situation where the dye is transferring out of the upholstery fabric (for instance a red fabric is turning pink) it will usually be a result of either poor quality dyes used during textile manufacturing or that the dyes were not set correctly during the dyeing and finishing process. Crocking can also occur when dye is transferred from an outside source onto the upholstery fabric, for instance a pair of new jeans can transfer blue dye on to your sofa giving it a grubby appearance.

Remedy: The key thing to establish with crocking is whether the discolouration is due to dye transferring out of your upholstery fabric or on to it from an external source. If it is transferring out of the fabric then it is important to check that some substance e.g. a solvent based product, has not come into contact with the fabric and affected the dyes. If all of the above can be ruled out then a genuine fabric issue may be the cause and the fabric will need to be replaced from another batch or alternative fabric

FADING:
What is it? Discolouration or lightening of the dye in a fabric due to exposure to ultraviolet light. Constant exposure to high levels of direct ultraviolet light can also result in fibre degradation, causing the fabric fibres to become brittle, which may result in areas of breakage.

Likely Cause: It is important to note that no fabric is 100% colourfast (resistant to fading), however discolouration can generally be attributed to the use of poor-quality dyes during fabric manufacturing or due to constant direct exposure to ultraviolet light with inadequate protection. Ironically ultraviolet damage occurs more during the winter months when the sun is sitting lower in the sky and sunfilters/curtains are often left open during the day to increase light flow into a room.

Remedy: Once an upholstery fabric has faded there is nothing that can be done to reverse the issue other than recovering the affected piece of furniture. It is therefore very important that furniture is positioned to protect it from constant direct sunlight and of course the use of quality sun-filters and lined curtains at the window will help to reduce your furniture’s exposure to harmful UV light. Regular rotation of reversible cushions is advisable so that both fading and wear occur evenly. We also recommend rotating the placement of your furniture in relation to exposed windows for the same reason.



Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1307 days ago

Our Reach

The Team from Graeme Dingle Foundation Rotorua

So far, this year, we have reached 136 schools across Aotearoa and 5 schools in Rotorua empowering tamariki and rangatahi to overcome life's obstacles 💚

Wanting to know where our programmes are based? Take a look on our website today!

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1308 days ago

Learning English can be difficult!

NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua

Come visit us at NumberWorks'nWords for a free assessment of your child's English and maths to see if we are the perfect fit for you!

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1309 days ago

How to keep Rattan Furniture looking nice

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Rattan is an attractive, lightweight, and durable material for furniture. It’s also eco-friendly, as the plants are fast-growing and plentiful. Whether you choose to display your rattan indoors or out, following these steps will keep your rattan clean and in good repair.

You Will Need:
• … View more
Rattan is an attractive, lightweight, and durable material for furniture. It’s also eco-friendly, as the plants are fast-growing and plentiful. Whether you choose to display your rattan indoors or out, following these steps will keep your rattan clean and in good repair.

You Will Need:
• Dishwashing detergent
• Water
• Soft cloth(s)
• Bowl
• Toothbrush
• Boiled linseed oil
• Lacquer

• Paintbrush


Steps to Clean the Rattan:Fill a bowl with water. Add a few drops of dish detergent and stir to agitate until bubbles form on the surface.

Dip a soft cloth into the bubbles only, not into the water.


Wipe the rattan with the bubbles. The slight moisture cleans without over-wetting the rattan, which can cause damage.


Use a toothbrush or other soft brush to clean in the cracks and crevices, using the same suds-only cleaning method.

For a thorough cleaning or to remove stains, apply detergent and scrub with slightly more water than you do for routine cleaning. As soon as you’re done, dry the rattan with a hot hair dryer or set it out in the sun. Once the rattan has dried completely, apply a coat of lacquer with a paintbrush to provide added protection if desired. Repeat annually.

Additional Tips and Advice:

To restore dry, cracked, or split rattan, apply boiled linseed oil with a brush. When the furniture won’t absorb any more oil, wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Allow it to dry or harden before using the rattan again. Make sure you use BOILED linseed oil. Raw linseed oil will not dry or harden. Boiled linseed oil is available at most hardware stores. (You do not actually boil it yourself.)


Keep Reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

1310 days ago

Subscribe and receive a free gift

Sunday Star Times

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the … View more
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the checkout to redeem.

T&C's apply.
Subscribe Now

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1314 days ago
1314 days ago

Learn basic everyday digital skills

Kanorau Digital

Do you need to learn basic digital skills?

Here's a free course to help you.

You’ll get the skills and confidence to start using computers, create documents and keep in touch with family and friends over the internet.

Don’t be shy, call us today at 0800 526 672 or sign up now.
Learn more

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1315 days ago

MetService issues Severe Weather Warning for Bay of Plenty

Neighbourly.co.nz

UPDATE
April 21
9:53am

MetService has lifted the warning for Bay of Plenty and widespread heavy rain for much of the North Island has passed.
_________________________________________________________________

There is the potential for flash flooding and damage to property tonight as a … View more
UPDATE
April 21
9:53am

MetService has lifted the warning for Bay of Plenty and widespread heavy rain for much of the North Island has passed.
_________________________________________________________________

There is the potential for flash flooding and damage to property tonight as a severe weather system passes through the Bay of Plenty region.

In a statement, MetService said that there was a chance of peak rates of 20mm to 30mm of rainfall per hour with thunderstorms possible from the deep low-pressure system.

Motorists are asked to exercise caution and drive to the conditions as visibility may be reduced.

The remainder of the North Island should be covered by heavy falls by early Wednesday as the low moves southeast over New Zealand.

To keep up to date with the latest weather information, please go to the MetService Severe Weather Information page.

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