Thanksgiving is finally here!  We’d like to share our stain removal techniques with you and your family, just in case a dish gets dropped on the carpet.  It’s our goal to keep you and your family happy on this special day.  Don’t let a little gravy stain spoil your holiday!

Nail Polish Remover – Two types of nail polish removers are available. One type contains acetone, a dry cleaning solvent. Use the same precautions as with other dry cleaning solutions. The second type contains amyl acetate, which is used in many paint, oil, and grease (POG) removers. Many POG removers leave residues that may cause rapid soiling. When using a POG remover, always rinse the area thoroughly with a dry solvent.

Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

When in doubt, call a professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. Carpet and Rug Institute – 1-800-882-8846.

One of our favorite website tools is our “Ask Kerry” feature.  We have our very own expert that you can access from our website.  There are a variety of questions that have been asked before that we have posted; however, if you don’t see your question on our list, you can click here and send her an email.

On the left side of the page, you’ll see a list with different navigation links for our website.  If you click on “Ask Kerry”, it will take you straight to her page.  There are four different categories that you can chose from for your question; they are Flooring, Kitchen, Bath & Design.  Feel free to ask any question that you have regarding any of these categories.  Once your question has been asked, you should receive an email response from Kerry shortly after.  Enjoy!

One of our favorite website tools is our “Ask Kerry” feature.  We have our very own expert that you can access from our website.  There are a variety of questions that have been asked before that we have posted; however, if you don’t see your question on our list, you can click here and send her an email.

On the left side of the page, you’ll see a list with different navigation links for our website.  If you click on “Ask Kerry”, it will take you straight to her page.  There are four different categories that you can chose from for your question; they are Flooring, Kitchen, Bath & Design.  Feel free to ask any question that you have regarding any of these categories.  Once your question has been asked, you should receive an email response from Kerry shortly after.  Enjoy!

Here at Carpets N More, it is our goal to make you and your family happy in your home.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we thought we’d share one of our holiday recipes with you.  Now, close your eyes and imagine the deep, warm scent of apple pie baking in the oven.  It’s almost like you can taste it!  Below is one of our favorite apple pie recipes of all time.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 6 ounces unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 ounces vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 5 to 7 tablespoons applejack
• 12 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 2 3/4 cups, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the filling:

• 3 to 3 1/2 pounds apples, mixture of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn and Golden Delicious, about 6 large apples
• 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons tapioca flour
• 2 tablespoons apple jelly
• 1 tablespoon apple cider
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher slat
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground grains of paradise

For the filling:

The Thanksgiving display in this photo is well-designed and inviting. But look closer and you can see that fall accessorizing is a simple process.

Start with the main features. In this photo, the basket and lantern provide the dark tones and a strong background for the display. Do you have any baskets, bowls, plates, candlesticks or other elements in fall tones? Collect them and bring to your display area. Some or all of these elements will give you a good start.

Your grocery store is the next stop. Look for pumpkins on sale after Halloween and any other fall elements such as gourds, or gather a variety of squash, which look good in a display and taste good roasted after Thanksgiving.

Look to your own yard for the smaller finishing elements. Fall leaves, acorns, pine cones and berries add color and texture to your decorating. Pile them in a bowl or scatter on the table as this photo demonstrates.

With a little imagination and effort, you can make your home feel like Thanksgiving. Whether in the entryway, living room or dining area, adding a touch of fall makes your guests feel welcome.  Do you have any other ideas you’d like to share with us?

When you want to update your home, certain changes provide the most dramatic improvements. By simply improving your floors, painting, and replacing your light fixtures, your rooms will have the look you want.

Consider the following factors when making your lighting decisions.

Start with a budget. Count the light fixtures you want to replace, and look into cost. If you can replace them all at once, then you can save with only one electrician visit. However, it’s more important to find the right fixtures. If needed, take your time.

Does your home feature a consistent look and style? If so, look for a family of fixtures that work well togther and complement your home’s style. More variety in home design means you can choose different types of fixtures to suit each room’s design. This photo provides a good example of a fixture that makes a real impact in a room. The style, proportion and position open the space and take full advantage of the vaulted ceiling.

Do you have specific lighting or other needs from your fixture? Some rooms will do better with a ceiling fan. Remember that you can add other lamps for special needs such as task lighting. Bathroom lights can also include ventilation or heat.

The final consideration is your personal taste. Remember that you will see those fixtures every day for a long time. Pick lighting that you will enjoy looking at every time you walk into a room.

Choosing wall décor for a modern style room requires a minimalist approach. However decorating with a “less is more” attitude can be a challenge. Your wall decor selections will receive more attention, simply because there is less to look at in the space. Therefore it is very important to keep some key factors in mind while making your selections. Wall décor should be in proportion to the wall and in proportion with other elements within the setting.

Keep in mind the following:

1. Mirrors: Mirrors can make any room appear larger. To avoid ending up with a bleak or desolate appearance; make sure that the view being mirrored is a pleasant one. Before hanging the mirror lean it against the wall or furniture and take into consideration the mirrored image. When selecting an appropriate mirror, for a modern space, opt for a sleek frame with clean lines. Frameless mirrors in an interesting geometric shape also look great in this type of setting.

2. Paintings: Abstract artwork compliments and enhances a modern space for various reasons. The subject matter is simple and does not conflict with minimalist furnishings. Bright colors and various textures add warmth and interest to the space. An abstract painting can become a perfect accent or finishing touch you were searching for.

4. Sculptures: All too often Modern style decorating proves unsuccessful and feels cold and institutional. This occurs because the room is simply too stark; it lacks variety of texture(s), contrast and natural elements. Using different materials in their “raw” appearance can add natural essence and comfort that people look for in a room.

Happy Decorating!

Choosing wall décor for a modern style room requires a minimalist approach. However decorating with a “less is more” attitude can be a challenge. Your wall decor selections will receive more attention, simply because there is less to look at in the space. Therefore it is very important to keep some key factors in mind while making your selections. Wall décor should be in proportion to the wall and in proportion with other elements within the setting.

Keep in mind the following:

1. Mirrors: Mirrors can make any room appear larger. To avoid ending up with a bleak or desolate appearance; make sure that the view being mirrored is a pleasant one. Before hanging the mirror lean it against the wall or furniture and take into consideration the mirrored image. When selecting an appropriate mirror, for a modern space, opt for a sleek frame with clean lines. Frameless mirrors in an interesting geometric shape also look great in this type of setting.

2. Paintings: Abstract artwork compliments and enhances a modern space for various reasons. The subject matter is simple and does not conflict with minimalist furnishings. Bright colors and various textures add warmth and interest to the space. An abstract painting can become a perfect accent or finishing touch you were searching for.

4. Sculptures: All too often Modern style decorating proves unsuccessful and feels cold and institutional. This occurs because the room is simply too stark; it lacks variety of texture(s), contrast and natural elements. Using different materials in their “raw” appearance can add natural essence and comfort that people look for in a room.

Happy Decorating!

How eco-friendly is your home? Read on…Did you know that the materials that make up your home might be the cause of your health problems?
Common health hazards in the home:
1. Is Painting fun? Many paints contain VOCs or Volatile Organic compounds, which have severe health effects. Some may even be carcinogenic. Try and go for a non-VOC paint the next time you repaint your walls. *Milk Paint is considered a green product and doesn’t emit harmful fumes. Most major paint companies are coming out with new eco-friendly brands, with little or no VOC off gasing.
2. Synthetic fabrics: Synthetic fabrics used for curtains and upholstery are made using chemicals, some of which are allergy inducing. Select organic fabrics; they are produced from natural fibers (ex. Cotton Linen); which are processed without chemicals.
3. Cleaning your home: Heavy draperies collect dust. Remove the dust by vacuuming with a clean (brushless) attachment. This will remove the majority of dust from the fabric. Most popular cleaning products have a long list of toxic chemicals and high alkalinity. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products.
4. HEPA filters: Many people who’ve opted for whole house HEPA filters have noticed a significant decrease in allergies and other health related issues. This product filters out pollen, dust and chemicals that are tracked inside from shoes each day.
5. Flooring and Furniture: Bamboo is a renewable resource because it grows at a rapid pace. It is a durable alternative to hardwood floors. Bamboo can be stained any color, it also looks great natural with a clear natural stain. Bamboo is an excellent product used to make furniture. It is pliable and lightweight; yet very durable.
Cork is another renewable resource. It has a distinctive look, and feels warm and inviting. It can be used as flooring and even upholstery. Underfoot, cork feels soft and comfortable. Cork is produced in tiles and planks. Ordering extra tiles is a good idea in case an area is damaged; replace a couple tiles instead of replacing the whole floor. Installed bamboo and cork produce very small amounts of VOCs.

Do our planet and families a favor and opt for eco-friendly products and materials!

Window treatments have the ability to give any room a finishing touch and practicality. When considering what type of treatment to invest in, consider adding automatic window coverings. This type of treatment is motorized and available in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Conventional window treatments are operable using a manual cord; which can become annoyingly tangled as well as a safety hazard to children and pets. A window with out cords looks clean and streamlined.  Installing automatic window treatments can add value to your home in more ways than one. These treatments provide everyday advantages such as comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Investing in such an upgrade adds considerable value to a home.

Automatic window treatments allow you to choose the desired amount of sunlight you let in; thus providing visual comfort to you and your family. Most automatic treatments include a timer setting. This feature can allow you to protect your furnishings from fading and increase privacy at any given time. Setting your window treatments to a timer can have the same added safety affect as having your lights set to a timer while away.

A number of brands offer sun-sensing technology; which senses the intensity of sunlight and can adjust accordingly to your needs. Having the option to control the amount of sun light that comes in through your windows is energy efficient because it increases the insulation quality of your home. Windows not only let light in, they also allow temperature gain and loss.

Automatic coverings give you options for saving energy each season. Having better quality and control of your insulation will keep heating and cooling cost down considerably. For example one could set the timer to open during the sun’s strongest hours of the day, in order to heat up the interior during winter. Closed blinds at night keep the warm air in and cold air out (the reversed effect is true for summer).

The many advantages of having motorized window coverings far exceeds manual, conventional window coverings. Automatic coverings will most likely pay for themselves within three to five years based on energy savings and added resale value. From an aesthetic standpoint these coverings are ideal because they do not distract or detract views; while adding a sense of warmth and comfort. The window coverings that have cords are obsolete now and will soon be extinct. Make your life easier and make the switch from manual to automatic.