Archive for November, 2009
Cleaning Questions and Answers For Down Comforters
By: Alana Tanner
First question, what is a down comforter? It is a blanket for your bed is filled with goose down. Artificial material can also be used thus making the down comforter cheaper for the consumer. If the comforter is actually may of real down feathers it will likely cost more. These blankets are popular in cold climates and anywhere during the winter as they insulate really well and help keep you warm while sleeping at night.
When shopping for a down comforter there are several things you need to pay attention to. For instance, you need to know how much down the comforter contains. This will be written on the box. Thread count is less important although stores will make you think it’s really important. If the comforter has a thread count of 300 for example it will cost quite a bit more than one with a thread count of 250. If you don’t plan on buying a down comforter cover then a higher thread count may be important to you but you can spend less money on the comforter itself by getting one with a low thread count and then get a luxurious high thread count cover and put over it. The cover can then be removed and washed and the comforter itself will be protected from most stains.
Consumers often want to know how to clean their comforter. This is because they are so bulky and tough to put in a regular washing machine. For instance how do you remove blood and urine stains from a nice comforter? For urine smells and stains you’ll want to get a cleaning product specific for urine and which would be available at many farm stores and veterinarian offices. Additionally you can soak it in warm water, run a short wash cycle, and then wash it again with 2 cups of white vinegar to help neutralize the odor. For bloodstains you will want to soak the area in cold water, not hot, and then wash it. If the stain is still there then wash using bleach safe for the specific fabric type. Be sure to check the care and cleaning material on the label.
Waterbeds: Practical Vintage Furniture
Waterbeds were most popular in America during the 1970s and early ’80s, but in more recent decades they have become scarcer. I can’t for the life of me figure out why, because these beds are easily the most comfortable I’ve ever experienced. As a child, I got used to the peaceful sloshing sound of the water every time I shifted my weight. Though the back support they provide is minimal, I enjoy sleeping in them all the same.
Of course the beds require a bit more maintenance than your standard piece of furniture. Every few weeks I peel back the waterbed sheet sets and add some conditioner to the water. This prevents stagnation and extends the life of the mattress. Without conditioner, algae can form inside the mattress and eventually cause cracking and leakage. It’s also important to maintain the proper water level.
The Difference in a Bed Spread and Comforter
By: Corine Bachmann
You may be surprised to learn that yes, there is a difference in a bed spread and comforter. Many people often think of these two things as the same thing. While they really both serve the same purpose, the two are quite different in deed. Telling the comforter apart from the bed spread is not that hard to do. Once you know the difference, you will be able to spot the difference in no time, and tell the two apart yourself.
While both the bed spread and comforter are used to cover the bed, and keep you warm at night, they both have very noticeable differences. If you care to take notice, you will find that the comforter is quite fluffy, and full of stuffing. The comforter is also thick, and can even be heavier than a bed spread is. If you are ever to wear hole in your comforter, you will see that there is stuffing inside, and even sometimes there are feathers.
While the bed spread and comforter are quite different, you may still want to learn a little more about the bed spread. A bed spread is always thin, and sometimes referred to as a coverlet. You would be more apt to use a bed spread in the summer and warmer months, and pull the comforter out of storage during the cooler months. That is how different the weights are in the two. You will be able to tell quite a difference sleeping under a bed spread when it is cold outside, if you are used to sleeping under a comforter. A bed spread is not stuffed with any stuffing, but will at times have a thin batting between the two layers of the top and bottom, kind of like a quilt. You will also find bed spreads that are as thin as a blanket, with only one layer of fabric used to make the whole thing.
Deciding which you prefer between the bed spread and comforter will be a personal preference. However, it is not unreasonable to own one of each, nor is it odd to use one or the other all year round. You should decide how you would be the most comfortable sleeping, and go with that choice. Some people do use the comforter year round, even in the warmer months in hotter climates. However, these people also probably keep their home quite cool when it is hot outside, and like the look of the comforter on the bed rather than the bed spread. There are also some that prefer the bed spread year round and go with that choice. You will have to make the choice for yourself. However, you now know the difference between the two, and will be able to choose accordingly.
Decorating With Throws - Instantly Updating a Room
Story By: Donna Altomonte
There is nothing more inviting in a room than a comfy throw tossed over the arm of a chair or sofa. A beautiful throw instantly injects colour and texture into a room and can be a wonderful statement piece.
With so many colours and styles to choose from, throws like pillows, can be changed with the seasons - instantly updating the look of a room. For the Fall and Winter seasons decorate with rich colours such as reds and golds - exotic textures such as faux fur and luscious velour throws add drama and warmth and are wonderful companions to a fireplace with a roaring fire. In the Spring and Summer seasons choose cotton throws in alluring colours such as soft blues, greens and neutrals.
To add a modern look to a room fold your throw in a long narrow panel and place it vertically along the back and seat of your sofa, rather than draping it over the arm of the couch. This instantly updates your room giving it modern look. This treatment is more effective with a thin knit throw rather than a thick cozy throw. Try this treatment on a bed as well placing the throw over one corner of the bed or in a non traditional way across the bed closer to the pillows rather than at the foot of the bed. There are no rules so change it up and be creative!
Throws can be used in just about every room. They can be used as decorative accessories in a vignette, strictly for aesthetic reasons or as functional accessories for those nights on the couch watching TV and cuddling up with a loved one.
Throws also make perfect gifts - no matter what your budget is you will be sure to find something for everyone.
Need Help Choosing Luxury Bedding?
Most luxury hotels such as the Ritz, Doubletree Suites, and the Marriott have the most comfortable bedding anyone has ever experienced. Layer upon layer of soft sheets, comforters and pillows can lull an insomniac to sleep. Naturally people would like to emulate this same effect into their bedroom sets. Choosing luxury bedding the right way can give you the luxury hotel bed feeling at home.
Selecting the right thread count is important to achieve that soft pillow like feel. Thread count is the amount of fibers per square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count chosen, the softer the feel. The ply also helps with the durability of the sheets. For example, 300 individual 4 ply equals to 1200 thread count with some sheet manufacturers.
Choosing luxury bedding is almost a science. Another thing to look at is the fit of the sheets. Does it have deep pockets for the mattress? Extra length for coverage? It should not feel like the sheet is coming off the bed after you turn over a couple of times. Deep corner pockets and extra length will keep the sheets in place. The stitching of the sheet will also determine the durability. If the stitches are too far apart, it is most likely that wear and tear will cause it to unravel.
The fabric you choose is also important. When choosing your luxury bedding you must consider if you are normally hot or cold when you sleep. Cotton or sateen sheets will help in the summer months while flannel or cotton knits would be better in the cooler months. There are other fabrics to choose from such as silk, satin, linen, or even bamboo. Cotton is the most popular and comes in Pima, Supima ( superior Pima) and Egyptian. Egyptian is considered the highest quality because of the long fine fibers it uses.
Be prepared to pay a little more for excellent quality, though. 1200 count Egyptian cotton sheets for a queen or king size bed can run thousands of dollars. Understandably, people who are just seeking bedding to match their contemporary or Asian themed design in their bedroom, may not want to pay quite that much. Consider compromising a little bit with the thread count but select a more appealing fabric for comforters with a different weave for texture such as chenille or damask.
When choosing luxury bedding, select the right fabric, right size, and thread count. Also keep in mind your sleep pattern to keep cool or warm at night. Happy sleeping!
Article Written By:Simon Macdonald
Eliminating Allergens from a Sleep Space
For months I had been struggling with sniffles and sneezes around bedtime, utterly clueless as to the reason why. I couldn’t remember dealing with allergies at any previous point in my life. In fact, when many of my friends were coping with ragweed and pet dander allergies growing up, I was always immune. As it turned out, my immunity did not extend to dust mites.
The tiny critters often make their home in soft bedding materials, dining on the tiny bits of organic matter that humans naturally shed. While imminently comfortable, a down pillow can be a breeding ground for microscopic mites in some cases. I went online and purchased a down alternative pillow. The difference was drastic and immediately noticeable. My sniffling and sneezing are now a thing of the past.
Choosing the Best Bath Towel
Bath towels are more then just an items used for drying off our hands and body. Choosing the right towel can make an ordinary shower feel like you spent the day at the spa when you wrap yourself up in a nice fluffy towel.
Egyptian cotton bath towels are also a way to add color and style to your bathroom décor. Color is a big factor when buying bath towels as color brightens up and makes your bathroom coordinated and relaxing.
Color is important to think about in selecting your towels. There are other important things to consider also.
Quality - The first thing to look for in a bath towel. Look for a towel that is durable, long lasting wash after wash.
Material -Bath towels are made with different kinds of materials like cotton, Turkish cotton, micro yarns, terry cotton and Egyptian cotton. These materials have there own special qualities that make them unique. Egyptian cotton is a strong durable material and is extra soft. Micro yarn is absorbent and dries quickly.
Texture-Your new towel you’ll want is to feel soft and comfortable when you wrap yourself up after your bath. Having this comes from choosing the right texture.
Size- There are a variety of sizes when it comes to bath towel. Take time to check the measurements so you get the right size that suits you and your family.
Price-This last one the price is important when buying a bath towels. Buying a good quality towel may cost a little more but it will last a lot longer then buying cheap. The cheaper towels will wear our in half the time.
Fresh clean bath towels hanging in your bathroom will give you a great feeling after you choose the right ones for you and your family. They will add to the décor of your bathroom too.
Brighten Your Bathroom Décor with Bath Towels
When it comes to picking out bathroom towels to most people it is not an activity we give much thought too. When picking out towels for your personal bathroom or guest room we tend to take the easy way buying neutral colors like white or beige, how boring. If you are like a lot of us we enjoy going to hotels having fresh luxurious towels when we get out of the shower. When we visit other people’s homes we look at their marvelous choice of hand towels. Just a small touch can say a lot about your style.
Many people are not good at matching colors. Look at your colors in the bathroom and use a paint wheel to see what matches with your colors and buy towels in that color.
We have our color so let’s see what we can afford in the bathroom linen budget.
Egyptian cotton towels are the best bathroom towels. Egyptian cotton has long fibers and is extra strong. When spun into terry cloth this is what makes’s these towels soft, absorbent and durable.
Prima cotton is another well regarded towel material, with long staple fiber like Egyptian cotton. It doesn’t have as popular name like Egyptian cotton so it’s less expensive, still a very good towel.
Advancements in textile technology, micro cotton is gaining fans as an affordable option. If your budget is tight, there’s nothing wrong with the standard cotton towel. They have many colors to choose from too. There not as fluffy or soft but they do the job to dry you off.
Buying bathroom towels give you many options. Towel’s primary function is for drying, so have fun incorporating your towels into your decorating ideas to brighten up your bathroom.
Simple Tips When Buying Down Alternative Comforters
When we get unhappy with our down comforters, it’s time to check out other alternative comforters. We will explore a few alternative choices. Here are some tips for buying alternative comforters.
You can look at synthetic down instead if the usual down. Synthetic is not as warm and durable as regular down but comes very close.
Like some you may be allergic to regular down comforters, so your solution lies in buying allergen free down comforters.
Does the cost have you worried, then look in to buying polyester comforters? Not as comfortable as regular down comforters but still light to feel and can be machine washed, which is a convenience factor?
Money no object then you might consider a silk alternative down comforter. Silk comforters are very good to feel and the best when it comes to allergy, they are naturally hypoallergenic. However they can only be dry cleaned and not put in a washing machine.
The last type of comforter you may want to conceder is wool filled down. They are light and warm as regular down comforters but pretty expensive, second only to silk.
When buying down alternative comforters these are just a few tips for you to consider.
Cold Winter Nights
Summer has passed, fall is upon us and soon it will be the cold winter nights. This is when we look for the warmth and comfort of a down comforter that it gives us on a cold winter’s night.
We must look to see if there are different types to choice from when it comes to down alternative comforters for those who may be allergic to goose down. Down alternative comforters can be found in hypo allergenic comforters and other made out of synthetic materials.
Most of these alternatives will not be as warm as goose or duck down. The benefit is that you will eliminate the allergy risk.
If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies you’re not out of luck when it comes to comforters. With a little searching you will find the perfect down alternative cover.