FOUR WAYS TO CLEAN YOUR CURTAINS

Spring is in the air, and after a long dark winter most of us feel energised by the sunny days and like to clean our curtains at this time of year. Heavy curtains, as a general rule, should be dry cleaned periodically or washed according to the label sewn into the lining. But if you are short on time here are a couple of different ways to spruce up your windows this spring.

If you don’t want to go to the trouble of removing your curtains, most fabrics can be vacuumed with an attachment, spot-cleaned or steamed. For a better result remove your curtains from your windows and either tumble dry to remove dust, wash according to instructions or send away for specialist dry cleaning.

You may decide to replace them with a brand new set of made-to-measure curtains or a roman blind from Aspire Curtains and Blinds. Whatever you chose to do this spring, say curtains to dirt and enjoy lovely clean windows.

1. How to Steam Clean Your Curtains

Did you know you can steam most fabrics, using a hand held fabric steamer? The steam will revive them and remove odours giving your room an instant refresh. The whole process should take around 10 minutes per panel, then a further hour or so with the window open to dry the curtains completely.

• Close the windows and curtains.
• With your steamer work from bottom to top to maximise the effectiveness of the steam as it rises.
• Glide the steamer over the curtains in sections, placing the nozzle about an inch away from the fabric. 
• Hold lightweight fabrics taut with one hand; heavier fabrics will do the job for you. You should only need to steam one side.
• Open the windows to help the curtains dry.

Ref: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/spring-cleaning-short...

2. Vacuuming your curtains whilst still hanging

For those of us who don’t have a steamer and don’t have the time to remove our curtains, we can simply spot-clean any stains and remove dust build up with a vacuum. Allow 15 minutes per window.

• Draw the curtains to maximise the available surface area. Starting with pelmets and Hoover systematically, working from the top to bottom. 
• Use the extension hose so you don’t have to stretch or climb too much
• Reduce the suction so you don’t drag and damage your curtains.
• For embroidered fabrics use the round brush instead of the upholstery tool to prevent damage.

Ref: http://www.spring-cleaning-tips.com/heavy-curtains-cleaning-tips.html

3. Two minute Quick fix to refresh your curtains

For a quick fix simply spray lightly with a fabric refreshener from a distance of about 30 cm. This may be all that is needed to allow you to move on to your next task.

4. Easy way to refresh your curtains without washing or dry cleaning

If you simply don’t have the time to take your curtains to a specialist cleaner, have you thought about removing the dust from them in a cool tumble dryer?  In around 15 minutes all the dust will be removed from your curtains. Providing you hang them while still warm, shouldn’t need to iron them.

• Remove your curtains from your windows, taking care to remove every hook or ring
• Roll the curtains carefully, to help reduce creasing
• Dampen a piece of clean white cotton and place your curtains in your tumble drier for 15 minutes, one piece at a time
• Remember to set dryer to a low temperature and check frequently
• Clean your windows while the curtains are removed
• Re-hang curtains as soon as possible after tumble drying to avoid wrinkling

Your home from the outside - why kerb appeal matters

Whether buying selling, or just wanting to keep friendly with the neighbours, it is interesting to note that even in these enlightened times appearances matter. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

Unlike books and their covers, the overwhelming majority of us judge a family by the appearance of its home.  It's very hard to correct an initial bad impression. If the house looks tatty on the outside it doesn't matter how nice it is inside, the notion of neglect is already there.

Don’t put off those two minute jobs because you can’t see them.  Your neighbours and friends notice neglect every time they pass. Loving your home and making it appear cared for will bring a lot of love and good feeling back into your house.

Here are six simple things you can do today to lift your family’s appeal within your neighbourhood:

1. Clear the driveway of rubbish and weeds.  Take it all to the tip and then sweep up. The kids can help – it won’t take long once you’ve started.
2. Put a planter outside your door – a cheery welcome for caller while they wait on your doorstep. Let everyone who enters your home have a smile on their face.
3. Polish brass work, letterboxes and knockers – all your door furniture should be free from tarnish and your door free from cobwebs.
4. Windows should be clean and curtain linings smart. Co-ordinating blinds and curtains give the home a stylish, co-ordinated look.
5. Look at the house as a whole.  Do curtains ‘match’- or at least co-ordinate with the general colour scheme. What can you do quickly and cheaply to improve things?
6. Keep on top of things.  Once you’ve got your home looking lovely – try to keep it that way and it won’t be such an effort next time.