How to Deal with Manmade Fabrics in Today’s Homes

Let’s face it. Dirt, stains, and scratches will always be around no matter how careful and meticulous you may be in the care of the home. But don’t get discouraged. You need not be a slave nor need a slave to keep your home clean, comfortable and attractive.
One way to minimize the work of home maintenance is to be well informed on home furnishing and finishes. It will be then more economical to maintain them in terms of time and money spent, unlike the hit-and-miss system.
Following is a guideline to manmade fabrics and other materials found in today’s homes.

ACRYLIC—used for rugs, curtains, drapery, and upholstery fabrics.  It looks and feels like wool, can be easily washed and dries up quickly.  Apart from being wrinkle resistant, stains are easily removed.  It is also resistant to moths and mildew.

ACETATE— This washable and quick drying material is commonly used for shower curtains.  Blended with other fabrics, it is used for curtains, drapery, and upholstery.

GLASS FIBER—This material is good for curtains, drapery, and bedspreads.  It is washable and dries up quickly.  Do not wring the cloth.
 
NODACRYLIC – Furry rugs, carpets, curtains and drapery contains this material.  It is washable, highly resistant to chemical stains and does not support combustion.

NYLON—It is commonly used in upholstery fabrics and carpets but generally not in curtaining as it’s not recommended for prolonged exposure to sun. This material is washable, quick drying, requires little ironing, and resists wrinkling and mildew.

OLEFIN – used in carpets and outdoor furniture upholsteries. It is highly resistant to chemicals, moisture, mildew and sunlight.

POLYESTER—This is frequently blended with other fabrics for use in curtains and drapery.  It is washable, drip-dry, quick-drying, and wrinkle resistant.
 
RAYON – Two major types are Bemberg – silky and sheer, and Viscose – stronger and more versatile.  The ranges are from silkiness to wooliness.  The many purposes of this material include use in upholstery, curtain, drapery fabrics and rugs.

SARAN – is good outdoor furniture upholstery.  It can also be used for screenings, and, combined with other materials for curtain, drapery and wall coverings. It is easily washed and quick-drying but shrinks in intense heat.  It is also resistant to sun, salt, staining and weather.

VINYL – This waterproof material resists staining and can be washed or wiped clean.  It is often used for upholstery and wall coverings.

When you are aware of the positive and negative features of these manmade fabrics, you can better decide which fabric suits best your needs in the home and your particular lifestyle.

 Copyright © 2010 Athena Goodlight

How to Maintain a Rock Garden

Do you have a rock garden? Here are some tips on how to maintain it:
A rock garden thrives best when there is no shady tree near it, as it needs plenty of good light and air.

• A rock garden thrives best when there is no shady tree near it, as it needs plenty of good light and air.
• Keep rock garden well groomed by removing weeds regularly, particularly during the rainy season when weeds proliferate.  In the dry season, do not neglect watering the greens.
• After a heavy rain, inspect the pockets of greenery.  Because of the loosening of the soil, the plant roots may have been exposed.  In such a case, pack new soil around the plants’ rocks.
• So that rain and other moisture do not unnecessarily get wasted, place each stone inwards so that the water will soak back into the soil.
• Most plants need fertile, well-drained soil. Others grow best in sandy soil with little moisture but get lots of sun, such as cacti. Whatever the type of soil, pack them well in pockets, letting soil settle several days before planting.
• When plants show signs of insect infestation such as black spots on leaves, or curled leaves, etc., spray the insecticide recommended by your local garden supply shop. Do this right after each rain, applying to undersides and tops of the leaves.
• Don’t have too many small pockets of plants in a rock. A good proportion would be at least three-quarters covering a rock.

© 2010 Athena Goodlight (Gomestic)

Recycling Tips: Reusing Results in More Money Saved

Many of the old and used items we throw away can still be put to use. Some can be used time and again right in our own homes.
It is easy to save dollars when we recycle. Soon you’ll continue to discover numerous practical uses for many recyclable items.

Read more: Recycling Tips: Reusing Results in More Money Saved

The Health Risks of Artists

Art is a popular activity. However there also are potential health risks associated with this form of expression.
Sometimes, in order to produce a work of art, something has to be sacrificed. Before a masterpiece is released for the world to appreciate, an artist may have subjected himself, either consciously or unconsciously, to the dangers of the materials used.

Read more: The Health Risks of Artists

Safety Tips While in Pools, Lakes, Rivers, and Boats

Beyond the general water-safety guidelines, there are particular precautions you should take when you are around pools, lakes and rivers, and boats.

Read more: Safety Tips While in Pools, Lakes, Rivers, and Boats