Sunday, June 24, 2012

How to Clean Drapes


Before you tackle the job of cleaning your draperies or curtains read the tag to see the best method of cleaning and follow the manufacturer recommendations. The tag should also tell you what the materials are in the fabric. It doesn’t have to be expensive to clean the window treatments, but these suggestions may be of help to get the job done.

Identify the fabric and when you clean curtains, the best method may be to put them in the washing machine. Wash on hand-wash or delicate cycle with cold temperatures and a gentle cleanser. If your washer does not have the hand-wash cycle, you can always wash the curtains by hand in the sink or tub. Don’t scrub them or agitate them for any length of time. When they are clean, don’t dry them in the dryer unless the manufacturer suggests it. You can hang dry them outside but bring them in as soon as they are dry and return them to the window.

Heavy draperies are harder to clean and you should never put them in the washing machine or the dryer. You can use the vacuum attachment after you gently shake the fabric to remove some of the dust. Then vacuum them paying special attention to the folds and edges of the fabric. Work from top down, front and back, and be cautious as small spiders may live within the folds. Much will depend on the fabric of your draper-ies.

Many refuse to tackle the job themselves especially the heavy draperies. There are companies who will come to your home and pre-vacuum the draperies to remove the dust. They then spray the fabric with a dry cleaning solution before they install them in their machine that will remove ground in the dirt, pollen, allergens and even smoke.

They will then re-install them and your draperies will be clean and fresh.

Most companies will also remove your window treatments and while protecting them, dry-clean them in their establishment. They will then press the drapes and re-hang them to make sure they hang evenly and work properly.

Dust collects on the fabrics of draperies and curtains, and if you clean them regularly by vacuuming them at least every six months you prevent the allergens from entering your home. You should also prepare the area around the drapes and curtains to keep from getting any soil on the floor.


Golden West Shutters Specializes Orange County ShuttersLos Angeles ShuttersSan Diego Shutters

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Orange County Shutters: How to Clean Drapes or Curtains And Avoid dust

Before you tackle the job of cleaning your draperies or curtains read the tag to see the best method of cleaning and follow the manufacturer recommendations. The tag should also tell you what the materials are in the fabric. It doesn’t have to be expensive to clean the window treatments, but these suggestions may be of help to get the job done.
Identify the fabric and when you clean curtains, the best method may be to put them in the washing machine. Wash on hand-wash or delicate cycle with cold temperatures and a gentle cleanser. If your washer does not have the hand-wash cycle, you can always wash the curtains by hand in the sink or tub.

 Don’t scrub them or agitate them for any length of time. When they are clean, don’t dry them in the dryer unless the manufacturer suggests it. You can hang dry them outside but bring them in as soon as they are dry and return them to the window.

Heavy draperies are harder to clean and you should never put them in the washing machine or the dryer. You can use the vacuum attachment after you gently shake the fabric to remove some of the dust. Then vacuum them paying special attention to the folds and edges of the fabric. Work from top down, front and back, and be cautious as small spiders may live within the folds. Much will depend on the fabric of your draperies.

Many refuse to tackle the job themselves especially the heavy draperies. There are companies who will come to your home and pre-vacuum the draperies to remove the dust. They then spray the fabric with a dry cleaning solution before they install them in their machine that will remove ground in the dirt, pollen, allergens and even smoke.

They will then re-install them and your draperies will be clean and fresh.
Most companies will also remove your window treatments and while protecting them, dry-clean them in their establishment. They will then press the drapes and re-hang them to make sure they hang evenly and work properly.

Dust collects on the fabrics of draperies and curtains, and if you clean them regularly by vacuuming them at least every six months you prevent the allergens from entering your home. You should also prepare the area around the drapes and curtains to keep from getting any soil on the floor.

Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Shutters in Orange County, and window treatments in Orange County.

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Orange County Shutters: Hurricane Shutters Types of Storm Shutters

The types of hurricane shutters available today are far and above the storm shutters of the past. In the past, heavy wood shutters were about the only ones available, and most of those were ugly and difficult to open or close. They served the purpose of protecting the glass windows from strong winds, and even hurricanes. You could paint the wood shutters but after the wind subsides, the paint was all but gone.

Today the hard wood types vary, not as heavy, and swing easily in the open or closed position. They can also have movable slats that give you more choices in closing your windows to the heat of the summer or freezing temperatures in the winter. You can also lock them from the inside and that in itself is why many prefer them because of the added layer of security to the home.

They are attractive, come in matching or contrasting colors to your home. Today’s hurricane shutters last longer and add additional value to your home. Added features including vinyl shutters that never crack or chip, don’t attract insects like termites, and never need painting. You can wash the dirt off with a simple garden hose.

When you live in areas where the weather is usually pleasant, people still want Hurricane Shutters more for looks, than serviceable. Those shutters have stationary slats, and they attach the shutters to the home and are unmovable.

Workable Hurricane Shutters are installed on the window frame and at each side of the window. When in the closed position, they cover the window entirely. They are always installed on the outside of the home.

Shutters are available on the inside of your home, with movable slats that can be completely open or closed. They can also swing open and rest against the wall. They use them mainly to control the sun in hot or cold weather, and for privacy.

You can find Hurricane Shutters in your local hardware store and those are ready made. If your windows are not the standard size, you may have to have them custom made. There are businesses that specialize in Hurricane Shutters and all types of storm shutters. They will build the shutters to fit any type window and they will also install them for you.

If you choose wood for your shutters, just be sure to request a premium grade wood like cedar and installed with exterior grade screws or bolts and hinges.

Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County fauxwood shutters, Shutters in Orange County, and window treatments in Orange County.

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Monday, May 28, 2012

Orange County Fauxwood Shutters?

Fauxwood shutters? Yes, fauxwood. I learn something new every day. Fauxwood shutters are for those people who love real wood, but don’t want the cost or the problems that you get from real wood. Things like cracking, warping, splitting and you won’t have to re-seal, re-oil or re-paint them either.
Fauxwood shutters are normally made from synthetic recycled materials like vinyl or a mixture of wood pulp with resins. Another advantage, you’ll be able to use them in your bathroom and kitchen where moisture gathers, but it won’t faze the fauxwood shutters. They’re cheaper too and they’re environmentally friendly, and when you tire of them they can be recycled again. What more could you want?

No one will be able to tell that they’re not real wood, and they’re more durable and more flexible than wood. They won’t fade in the harsh sun, and if you have kids who like to draw on walls or on shutters, the fauxwood shutters won’t be easy for them because the crayons won’t adhere to the fauxwood. Your pets with sharp claws will do them no harm.

When you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it in the fauxwood shutters, and they last for years. The options vary just like the real wood shutters, and they come in a variety of colors and even imitate the popular types of wood and wood colors to match your interior motif.  They’re easy to clean with a simple damp cloth or a duster to remove clinging dust.

They have all the advantages of regular wood or vinyl shutters without the high costs or high maintenance. They open to adjust the light during the day, or close to allow privacy at night.
The fauxwood shutters come in premade designs and sizes or you can have them custom made to your qualifications. You can buy them and hang them yourself or if you prefer, you can hire a professional who will install them for you.

When you search for a contractor who specializes in custom shutters, ask them if they also provide fauxwood shutters. You will be surprised at the difference in cost while keeping the look of luxury in your home. With a professional’s touch, your home will stand out and have that curb appeal that everyone’s talking about. Just remember fauxwood is not actually new, the product has been around for a long time and is now very serviceable for use as shutters.

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Orange County Shutters: Roller Shutters for Homes

For years and years they installed roller shutters mainly on industrial buildings and shop fronts. They improved security and when closed were unsightly to say the least. Now there are companies that make roller shutters for private homes, and just as the industrial shutters, they not only provide security, but protect the interior of your home to prevent the transfer of heat in the summer and cold in the winter.
The roller shutters operate from the inside of the home with either a motorized remote or manual control. The material used is normally steel or aluminum and they mount the shutters in an attractive cassette that they build above the frame of the window or door.

In addition to the top cassette, the essential components on all types of roller shutters are the side guides and bottom rails. The components are available in many assorted colors, but the standard colors are white, black, brown, sand, gray, cream, red, beige and green. There are some manufacturers who offer hundreds of custom colors for the roller shutters to their customers. Often the manufacturers suggest that you match your roof color.

Most people hesitated to install the roller shutters because of the aesthetics until recently when the new and improved models became available. The roller shutters no longer look cold and foreboding. Now they have a new look that blends with the rest of the home’s exterior and even interior designs. New colors give the shutters an added benefit for the homeowner.

Bars added to homes actually splashed a message to undesirables. They must have something of value in there, and the crooks easily invaded the property through the barred windows. Roller shutters offer something new to the homeowner; a product that increases their security when lowered but when raised allows the window to become visually attractive. They bolt the frame to the house and the entire shutter runs inside this frame that is almost impossible to break.

Just one of the advantages of the roller shutters is to protect the home from noise, and the peaceful interior becomes secure from the outside world. The modern roller shutters are engineered with gearing systems that are silent and roll up easily.

Find a company that is familiar with roller shutters, and they will answer all of your questions, give you a fair price, and they may even be able to frame the roller shutters onto your garage door opening.

Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Shutters in Orange County, and window treatments in Orange County.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Orange County Shutters: Interior Shutter Choices

When you consider looking into your interior shutter choices, don’t be confused with the old-fashioned venetian blinds. Their only similarity is that they cover windows. The blinds are long gone and replaced by new, modern, and decorative window coverings like the popular interior shutters.

Your choices are varied, and today even the colors can vary depending on your color schemes. Shutters offer privacy, ventilation and light control, and can insulate your home from the heat or cold. Then when you add their ability to control sound and security, what more would you want for your window coverings.

The shutters are available in different sizes or you can have them custom made to fit any window design. They come in an assortment of materials including wood, vinyl, PVC, or wood composites. The interior shutter louvers are also available in different widths from 1½” to 4½” and the louvers can be adjustable to fit your daily needs. They install the shutters permanently either to the side or on the inside of your windows. They also increase the value of your home.

Wood interior shutters can be painted and repainted to meet the changes when you remodel without modifying the entire window treatment. If you prefer to add curtains or drapes, they will enhance your windows too. However your windows will need no further ornamentation because the interior shutters stand alone in their beauty.

Once you have made the choice of material, design, color and whether custom or pre-made interior shutters, you’ll need to find the most efficient place to purchase them. If you feel confident that you will be able to install them yourself, the pre-made may be your first choice. However if you’re more inclined to have a professional make and install the shutters, you will find companies online to help you in your decision. Custom of course may cost more, but consider that they will also be of a higher quality.

Anytime you hire a contractor to do work in your home especially when you purchase custom interior shutters make sure the professional knows exactly what you want and gives you an exact price. You don’t want any surprises at the end of the process. You want a responsible company who has a place of business, is licensed and carries the proper insurance, like workers comp, and will give you a written contract.

That contract should have all the necessary details including the start time to install the shutters. Since your shutters will be custom made, consider that the contractor will need more of a down payment. Don’t pay in full until they complete the job to your satisfaction.

Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Shutters in Orange County, and window treatments in Orange County.

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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Window Frames: Which One Is Right For Your Home?

If you're a homeowner who wants to make a dramatic change or difference in their home there are number of things you can do. Many of these things also improve the quality of your home's appearance and can be accomplished at wide variety of prices. The one way to both improve the appearance and make a difference inside of a home is to work with your home's window frames.

Believe it or not homes with window frames that are worn or damaged can actually allow wind and rain in and they let all the heat and cool air out. New windows frames can cut air infiltration down to almost zero and when installed with advanced glazings, these new windows can slash nearly 40% off of heating and cooling bills year-round. Furthermore many new windows can free a home from its periodic painting and even rival the fine craftsmanship found in cabinetry.

When it comes to choices for window frames, homeowners have a bigger selection than ever to choose from. Manufacturers have given homeowners more choices through framing materials, different types of glazing, and of course installation options. A good example of this is window replacements. In years and decades past replacing window frames simply meant replacing an old or damaged frame with a new one of exactly the same kind, shape, and design. In more modern times however homeowners looking at window replacement can select from virtually any style, material, and installation. Speaking of installation, homeowners are no longer limited to the old-fashioned "rip out and replace" technique.

The materials used in the construction of window frames has grown exponentially in recent years. No longer is wood the only choice for homeowners. These days homeowners looking at replacing their frames or adding new ones to their home can select from vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and even composite plastic. Each of these materials carries pros and cons and selecting the right one can be difficult for some homeowners. Vinyl window frames for example are the most affordable and one of the most durable though they aren't always the most aesthetically pleasing. Wood frames on the other hand are far more expensive and look great but are hard to care for and can begin decaying rather quickly. While the choices are many and will remain so for the foreseeable future, many window frame manufacturers now offer vinyl replacement kits as those types of frames are far more durable than they wood counterparts.

When homeowners begin shopping for window frames they should look for uniform color throughout the frames they are interested in. Also important is to look for joints that are welded with heat instead of joints that are held together with screws and fasteners. While the more affordable screw and fastener joints might seem like the economical way to go, these can easily begin to fall apart and look ragged after only a short time around a homes windows. Homeowners should also take careful notice of blemishes on the frames they are interested in and try to purchase window frames whose finger joints are invisible.

Homeowners interested in completing a window frame replacement project on a small budget might also wish to consider aluminum frames for their windows. Many aluminum frames carry a cost that's comparable to vinyl frames but aluminum remains slightly more durable than vinyl. The only real drawback to using aluminum window framing is that they conduct heat very easily and can be dangerous in homes where careless people and children reside. They're also prone to condensation which can cause wear and tear which is something many homeowners might want to avoid lest they don't mind replacing their window frames at regular intervals. Aluminum frames should essentially be the choice for homeowners who live in warmer climates were cooling bills are far more expensive than their heating bills.

One type of window frame that homeowners often overlook but are pleasantly surprised by is fiberglass. Fiberglass and composite window frames are the newest options on the market and are made from materials very similar to those found on car bumpers. Additionally these types of window frames are both strong and maintenance free just like their vinyl counterparts. If that isn't enough to convince a homeowner to go with fiberglass or composite window frames, their energy efficiency exceeds that of even vinyl and they're extremely affordable too.

Homeowners who want to replace their window frames or have new ones installed will likely be working with a professional as installation alone is backbreaking work that requires precise measurements and fittings. While homeowners may feel there are too many choices available for them after digesting the information in an article such as this one, a professional will help them determine what works best for their home and for their budget.

Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Los Angeles shutters, and San Diego shutters.

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