The Importance of Curtains in a Healthy Home
Curtains, blinds, or other effective window coverings are an essential way to ensure your home is healthy. Here’s why.
Curtains are good for insulation: Curtains reduce the amount of air exchange between a cold window and the rest of the room. For keeping heat inside the home, high-quality curtains can reduce heat loss by around 40%. This means you will be less susceptible to illness in winter and will save money on your heating bill.
The insulation efficiency of curtains depends on the fabric type (closed or open weave), colour and weight. Curtains also function as effective insulators to help keep your home cool in the warmer months.
Dust build-up and allergens: Curtains prevent allergens from getting into your rooms. When your windows are open, dust particles and pollen enter your home. Curtains function as a barrier and collect these particles. They also prevent moisture from condensation on windows entering your room at night.
Because curtains collect these particles, it is important to keep your curtains clean to prevent mould, dust and pollen build-up. Mould in particular will result in a less healthy home and is associated with several health problems.
Correct curtain installation matters for a healthy home: Curtains should completely cover the window and be as close to the window pane as possible, particularly if insulation or light-blocking are your priorities. This effectively ‘seals’ the room from heat, moisture and light exchange through windows.
Make sure you open your curtains during the day to keep your home healthy: The sun naturally keeps your home warm during the day. It also has antibacterial properties; open your curtains every day to prevent mould developing on the furniture and carpets in your home. Close your curtains at sundown to retain the sun's heat, keep your home insulated, and keep your rooms dark so you can enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep - another health tick!
Curtains naturally attract dust and absorb odours over time. It is recommended to have your curtains cleaned every 3 to 6 months. Having your curtains cleaned on a regular basis is a good idea to keep your house fresh and clean.
If you would like to know more about how curtains improve health in the home, or book your curtains or blinds in for a maintenance clean, contact the team at Curtain Clean on 0800 579 0501.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
A twist on tradition
Whether it’s a table setting, for the tree or a shelf display, use Resene FX Metallics to create your own modern Christmas decor. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
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