The Carpeteria Blog

Thanksgiving is here, let the festivities begin!  This year, we thought we’d share a few of our gravy stain removal techniques with you.  We hope you don’t have to use any of them, but just in case, here they are!  If one doesn’t work, there are several to chose from, so try them all!  We hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving!

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 features is the “How I Live” quiz.  On the left side of our home website page, you will find this feature in our list of website tools.  This quiz asks you some general questions about your lifestyle.  It then takes your answers into consideration and suggests what different types of products would be the most economical, stylish and last the longest in your home.

There are a lot of factors that need to be accounted for when purchasing new carpet.  A few important factors are if you have any children or animals, if you like to entertain, if you’re trying to up the sale price of your home, etc.  We suggest that you take our “How I Live” quiz in order to help you better understand what is best for you.

Do you desire a girly bedroom, office or den? A place where you can feel beautiful and surrounded by beauty? Are you afraid you may go overboard with pink and floral; resulting in a room that looks like your grandmother’s living room? Below are guidelines to follow to create your perfect feminine retreat.

Start by selecting your wall color. A fresh pink rose, or lilac purple are beautiful feminine colors. The wall color will set the tone for your room. Not sure what color you want? Look through magazines and really observe the pictures of rooms that attract you. Remember what you like about the room on the pages. Take a closer look at the wall colors in the pictures. Choosing a color can be overwhelming for most, especially if you are going out on a limb. An empty freshly painted space can create anxiousness for most people. Keep in mind that once the furnishings and accessories are added, the end result will most likely be a pleasing one. Also remember paint color is the easiest thing to change. If you want to play it safe, choose a softer/lighter shade of a flirty color.

Select furniture with simplistic lines and sexy curves. A tailored look will achieve turning your feminine room into reality. Stay away from anything highly ornamental. Elaborate decoration will become overwhelming and busy. Make your furnishing selections based on your mood towards the item. This is your special room. You should love everything about it, right down to the hardware on your desk.

Fabrics within the space should be simplistically beautiful. Keep drapery straightforward; this is where you really want tailored style to come into play. For upholstery choose fabrics that feel comfortable and supple. Add a fun girly print fabric to a desk or occasional chair. Mostly select neutral fabrics that feel supple and have interesting textures. Pillows require the least amount of fabric. If you are going to splurge, do so by selecting luxurious accent pillows. A round bolster pillow looks great and can also be used as an armrest or lumbar pillow.

When selecting accessories think quality, not quantity. Add a couple of glitzy pieces, such as an acrylic lamp or a crystal vase. Throw down a neutral cozy rug, higher the pile the better (referring to the fiber/yarn height). Fresh flowers should always accompany a feminine room. Orchids are great because of the availability in color. They are also easy to keep alive. Keep all of your senses cheerful. Add a candle in your favorite scent. The soft glow of candlelight will provide a soothing, restful glow.

Designing the perfect feminine sanctuary doesn’t have to be hard. Actually it can be quite effortless as long as you listen to your instincts and choose items with love!

Are you ready for new floors, but have no idea where to start? If you aren’t ready to come in to see us quite yet, there are lots of tool on the Carpeteria Website that can help you – but today we want to tell you about the one that’s the most fun. It’s called The Virtual Room Designer.

On the Virtual Room Designer you can choose your room type and then within that room you can “try on” different floors, walls, countertops and in some rooms you can even try on area rugs.

To get started, click on the Virtual Room Designer image below and HAVE FUN!