Consumer, Re-user - A good reason to clean the old and not buy new

In this consumer economy, one we've all lived for a generation now, we find ourselves spending and spending and never truly getting. Our budgets increase, our wages decrease and our homes fill to the rafters with countless items we don’t actually need or, more often, want - after the first thrill of the purchase.

Whether you’re buying food, drink, clothing, furniture or cars, at the end of the day, there’s only so much space and the world is only getting smaller. This is not our rant on the buying culture, it’s our suggestion that moderation and economy can be a revelation as well.

How often have you crawled into your attic, or rummaged through the clothes at the back of your closet and found that gem? That jumper your uncle bought you in 2005 that was hideous then, but is fashion now? That little table you found at the local car boot sale and thought, I’m going to sand and polish that, and never did?

Reusing, re-working, renewing.

Now look around your living room. What needs replacing? That rug. Are you sure? That sofa. Really? Isn’t it possible that those items you bought haven’t lost style, they’re just lost their va va voom.
Rugs, carpets, wooden floors, sofas, chairs…they all need upkeep. They all need a wash, just like you.

It’s not sexy.

Cleaning a rug is dull…until it’s clean, then it’s a marvel you didn't see the difference before.

You know what is sexy? Looking at your bank balance after that clean and comparing it with what it would have been, if you’d gone with your first instinct and bought a new sofa or rug.

We’re not suggesting you stop spending, far from it, we all like to buy things. What we are suggesting is you think what you need and decide what is needed.

Your wife needs those flowers, your husband needs those socks, but do you really need a brand new sofa, especially when there are so many deals to be had and reclaimed wonders to be discovered? 

This example doesn't exactly compound my argument, but taste is subjective.

Found on kitsch-nitsch.com

Art of Clean is a specialist cleaning firm in: 

Wood Floor Sanding,

Stone floor Cleaning,

Carpet Cleaning,

Rug Cleaning,

Upholstery Cleaning 

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

For more information on our services contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or email us at info@artofclean.co.uk

Pallmann's Blue Sheep Invasion

In the last week or so, we were treated to a new, world record bleeting...sorry, beating, sheep.

www.bbc.co.uk

Chris the sheep measured in at a little over 27 kilos and it is estimated (by us) that said wool could easily be cleaned-up and loomed into no fewer than 10 rugs.

On our recent trip to see our friends at Pallmann in Germany, Paul (our master sander) found these little fellas.

Now, this picture is taken from distance and as a photo, does not show movement, but we'd hazard a guess and claim that these sheep are not real. Were they, we could have given 'em a good sheering and paid the extra baggage costs to take 'em back to the UK.

In other Pallmann related news; Paul was able to undertake training on wood floor colouring.

That's him, layering on the solution; the Pallmann X 98 Gold colour oil on the top of the already applied Pallmann X 333 Brown and White.

Here you can see the results. A pretty big difference, I think you'll agree.

Wood floor colouring or staining is fast becoming a trend. People all over the world have taken on this design option and as such, we wasted no time in adapting and training with the best. Pallmann's range of colourants are the most vivid and varied on the market, so when we choose to use them, you know why.

Of course it's also very nice to get to pop over to Germany and take in the wineries. Paul would like to thank the boys; Klaus, Hagen, Jocken, Mike Hamer and never forgetting Terry Guilford - Technical Director of our affiliates, The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company.

If you are in the market for a touch of colour added to your wood flooring, please, feel free to call.

We'd love to pop over and transform your floor into something fresh and new. Add some new colour to your life and your living room.

Art of Clean is a specialist cleaning firm in: 

Wood Floor Sanding,

Stone floor Cleaning,

Carpet Cleaning,

Rug Cleaning,

Upholstery Cleaning 

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

For more information on our services contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or email us at info@artofclean.co.uk

Beautiful rug from Marks & Spencers

Whilst doing a little online Christmas shopping I came accross this beautiful ethnic look rug from Marks & Spencers.  Though it may make a great Christmas gift idea for someone out there!


For the finest rugs you need to employ the finest, qualified and educated rug cleaners.  Art of clean are proud to be the only registered Master Rug Cleaners in Cambridge.  If you would like some more information about our professional rug cleaning services please contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or visit www.artofclean.co.uk.

We are a professional cleaning company who specialise in Carpet Cleaning, Rug Cleaning, Hardwood Floor Cleaning, Stone floor Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning and Leather Furniture Cleaning for domestic an commercial clients through out Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

How to get rid of moths in your rug?

Moth damage to rugs was as a high this year due to the warmer winter we had last year.

What is moth damage?

Have patches of your rug started to disappear?  This is moth damage.  Moths have laid their eggs in the carpet, deep down where it is dark and dirty. The larva then hatch and start eating the dirt and fibers in the rug.  The larva will continue to eat away until they turn to moths and the whole process repeats itself.

How do you stop this?

Prevention – Vacuum your rug regularly, and give all areas of your home, including the darker less accessible areas such as under and  behind furniture , a serious vacuuming as moths like to bread in dark undisturbed places. A quick once over will remove some of the food and dirt that attract the moths, however a thorough cleaning is needed to try to catch the eggs.

Protection – Use a moth repellent spray on the rug, this will make it less appealing to the moths, however this is not 100% effective. *Always read the instructions carefully and ensure the product is suitable for your rug*

Professional help – if you have noticed the larva in your rug (they are very small, white caterpillar like creatures) or bald patches appearing on your rug you will need expert help immediately as vacuuming will not remove the whole infestation and it will persist.  To treat your we us a safe method of carefully freezing the rugs to -15 degrees.  The cold temperature successfully kills all the larva and eggs.  We would then thoroughly clean the rug thoroughly to remove any dirt, and apply a moth repellent.

Important fact

If you have found moths in your house you must inspect your whole home.  They are the same moths that you'd call carpet moths or clothes moths, and will live in any fiber including clothes, upholstery and carpets.  Any eggs or larva left elsewhere in your home may result in the return of the moths to the rug.




See our video below of Pierre inspecting a moth infested rug:

Art of Clean are proud members of the Mater Rug Cleaners Association.  If you would like any further information on our rug cleaning service please contact our friendly team on 01223 863632, or see our website for more details www.artofclean.co.uk.

Cleaning your fine handmade rug?? Only the best will do! Here's how to find the best person for the job..

Having your precious rug cleaned for the first time is usually a big stretch for many people. Why is this the case?

When choosing a fine rug for your home is not easy and it is usually a big investment. When buying rugs people may sometimes be informed not to have the rug cleaned. This is not totally incorrect as there are many cleaners out there that will not have the correct knowledge to clean fine rugs and can easily cause damage to the fine rug while cleaning it. If you find a reputable rug cleaner this will not need to be a concern for you anymore.

Here are a few questions to ask to help you find a reliable cleaning company to clean your fine rug.

What experience do you have cleaning rugs – Some companies state that they have been cleaning for “x” amount of years – what they do not say is what they have been cleaning. Some firms might have been cleaning offices for the last 20 years and only started cleaning rugs more recently.

Check them out online – If companies have been cleaning rugs for a long period of time you will notice their videos, photos and testimonials of the work they have done will be older – If they have no proof online that they have done rug cleaning for a long period of time it raise the question if you should trust them with your rug.

Are they insured? – Insurance is a minefield – many firms are insured – fewer firms are insured for goods in trust – as specifically if the company hold insurance for goods in trust.

What method is best to clean my rug? – Many rug cleaning companies only use one method of cleaning and this is usually hot water extraction or steam cleaning. This method can cause unstable colours to run. Here at Art of Clean we use a cold water bath and we then have the correct equipment to safely remove the water from the rug and let it dry in our drying room.

Your last question to the rug cleaner you will employ is – “who will clean my rug” many rug cleaning companies will subcontract the cleaning work out – your rug might get send many miles away for cleaning.

Art of clean are proud to be the only registered Master Rug Cleaners in Cambridge.  If you would like some more information about our professional rug cleaning services please contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or visit www.artofclean.co.uk.

How to choose the perfect rug for your living space

www.sheknows.com

Almost any room in a home can accommodate an area rug, but it's more than just color and pattern that you need to consider. When looking at rugs, it's important to consider your lifestyle, space and family dynamics as well.

INFO TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING A RUG

These tips will help you determine which is best for you and your home.

Common rooms for area rugs

Decorator's tip:If you are limited on floor space in your master bedroom, center a rug under the bottom half of your bed so it covers the sides and bottom area surrounding your bed.

• The nursery: A nursery rug can add to the decor of the room, cushion a parent's tired feet while rocking and walking a sleepy baby and provide a safe place for baby to play while on the floor. If your nursery has hard floors, consider a larger rug with a nonslip backing or pad to not only keep a crawling baby safe, but to keep the room warm and free from unwanted noises and echos.
• The living room and family room: It's important to select a rug for a living and family room based on how much foot traffic these rooms get. The more durable, the better!
• The dining room: While rugs under dining room tables look nice, it's essential to place the right area rug in a dining room. Look for rugs that are easy to clean, repel stains and have darker colors or patterns.
• The master bedroom: If you have a large master bedroom, you can easily fill floor space — and complete the room decor — with a practical and complementary rug.

What to look for when buying an area rug

Before you make a big rug purchase, look at the style, colors, decor and size of the room; the amount of foot traffic in the space; and the rug's fibers. These tips will help you determine which rug style, size and color is best for you.

Do's:

• When measuring to cover a large or entire floor area, measure at least 12 to 24 inches from the wall and baseboards.
• Consider different rug shapes and textures to change the look and feel of a room.
• Purchase a rug with a pattern to brighten up a plain room.
• Secure a nonslip pad or strips under a rug on hardwood, tile or laminate flooring.
• Use an indoor/outdoor rug in sunrooms and mudrooms.
• Measure your dining room table and the length of the chairs when pulled out to obtain the proper size rug for under a table and chairs.
• Purchase a rug meant for high traffic areas (hallways and entryways) to reduce wear and staining on permanent flooring.
• If you have children and/or pets, consider stain-resistant rugs.

Don'ts:

• Don't buy a rug too big for your room. A rug that extends all the way to the wall can look out of place and become damaged over time.
• Avoid high-pile rugs in dining rooms, especially if you have young children or pets.
• Don't place an indoor rug in an outdoor area. There are specific rugs made for outside conditions.
• Don't be afraid to add some color and patterns to a room.

Picking the right rug color for your home

Decorator's tip: Make a vision board or Pinterest board with your ideas to map out the colors, patterns, textures and furniture pieces in your room. A visual layout can help you decide, especially if you're having a hard time choosing between multiple rug options.

Unless you are planning to redecorate the entire room, you'll want to consider your key elements in the space by looking at the three main colors of the room. While the rug doesn't need to match the colors or the room perfectly, a patterned rug should complement at least two to three of the main colors. For a simple look, or to complement a room with many patterns already incorporated in the decor, consider purchasing a single-colored or framed-style rug.

http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/968207/how-to-choose-the-perfect-rug-for-your-living-space

Rug Storage

The biggest dangers for rugs placed into long-term storage are BUGS, FLOODS, and THUGS.

Insect damage, flood or mildew damage, and theft are the most common problems we hear from clients who have placed rugs in a local storage unit or placed in a far corner of a closet or garage.  Many times rugs with high appraised or sentimental value are placed in storage to save them for family members, or to save them from a remodel mess, or to protect them from the summer sunlight.  You want to make sure you are not actually causing damage by incorporating the wrong storage procedures.

Safe Storage Tips

• DO clean and moth-repel rugs before wrapping for storage. You must clean your rugs of food and liquid material because though moths are normally the storage “bad guys” – ANY insect will eat sugars and other food spills, and they will eat the wool fibers that are holding this meal for them too.  An insect repellant will make your rug unappetizing to moths but you must wash the rug thoroughly first to ensure it is protected.

Prevent moth and carpet beetle damage through regular rug washing.

Moths! Wool is eaten, but the white cotton foundation fibers remain.

• DO roll your rugs starting at the bottom end to the top end, fuzzy side inside. To find the bottom end of your rug, you want to “pet” your rug to determine when you are going WITH the nap, and AGAINST the nap.  When you run your hand WITH the nap, it will take you to the tassels of the bottom of the rug (where the weaver began weaving your rug).  Roll from this end. Folding rugs causes cracking over time, so do not fold rugs being put in storage.

• DO roll your SILK rugs with the fuzzy side outside. Wool and cotton rugs have more “give” to them than silk rugs, so when placing silk rugs into storage, roll them with their fuzzy silk side outside. This creates less strain to the foundation fibers over time.

• DO wrap your rugs in TYVEK or brown acid-free PAPER. Wool has a moisture content even when it is dry, so changes in heat can cause it to “sweat.”  Because of this you should NEVER wrap wool rugs in plastic or you will create a potential mildew problem.  Tyvek Paper is best (tear and water resistant).

Properly wrap rugs for storage.

• DO elevate your rug packages off of the ground. Many storage facilities are built in lowlands that have a tendency to flood during bad weather, so whether in your home or their location you always want to keep rugs at least six inches off the ground in case flooding occurs.

• DO make certain nothing heavy is stacked on top of your rugs. Heavy items can cause damage to the rug’s foundation.

• DO acquire insurance to protect your rugs when placed in a storage facility. You also want a photograph and appraisal on file in case you need them.

http://blatchfords.com/blog/rug-storage/

Rug cleaning plant in Cambridge

Art of Clean have the one and only rug cleaning plant in Cambridgeshire, and their staff are among the the only trained ‘Master Rug’ cleaners in the UK.

They have invested vast amounts of money in their rug cleaning plant in Cambridge, to ensure that they give their customers the safest care for their rugs.

Unlike some other carpet cleaning companies who outsource their rug cleaning to companies like Art of Clean, they manage their rug cleaning at their specialised rug cleaning plant in Cambridge.

Art of Clean customers get direct prices, saving them money and time as they are able to deliver a faster service to their customers.