Why you DON’T put Curtains in a washing machine
Recently we have been taking care of (fixing) curtains that have been put in the washing machine. There are a number of reasons why this is a terrible idea.
Firstly, we take many measures to ensure your curtains get as clean as possible without shrinkage or colour loss. Recently we have had to re-wash curtains that have been washed but there is still traces of mould or live mould left on the curtain. We take careful steps to ensure this is eliminated as much as possible on the curtain fabric, and can always remove it from linings. These results are simply unable to be duplicated in a home environment.
Spray on curtain cleaning products contain sodium hypochlorite, aka bleach. If you use products to remove mould, it can result in colour loss. This is one of the more common problems we have seen. We test all fabric before cleaning to be sure of what cleaners can be used with it.
Washing curtains in the washing machine can result in other damage – curtains need to be handled with care, especially older fabrics. It is expensive getting a curtain re-lined due to rips – we take extra care in preventing this from happening.
In addition to the above – most of the time, they will come out of the machine wrinkly and look terrible, no matter the fabric type. Our service ensures they look great and ‘like new’ as they can when returned to you (and of course, fresh and clean).
Don’t make the same mistake, call us (the experts) instead.
Mr Minit in Chartwell: Be wary
Hi all,
Just sharing my experience. I had the battery for my car key replaced in March 2025 at Mr. Minit in Chartwell. I was given a one‑year warranty, which seemed impressive at the time.
However, the battery stopped working early Mar 26. With the warranty card, I brought the key back to have it checked and replaced. What I didn’t realise was that the battery was *not* actually replaced. He only tested it with a meter. When I asked whether he had replaced the battery, he said “yes,” but that wasn’t true. He then said he had tested the battery level and there was no need to replace it. When I asked to see the meter, it showed the battery was in the green zone which means it was ok.
I was then advised that I might need to replace the entire key unit. I asked whether he had properly troubleshot the issue to confirm it was the battery and not the key itself. His reply was that he normally doesn’t do that, but I was a “special case.” That means, the warranty card was a misrepresentation and there was no real intention of replacing the battery when it was faulty.
After he finally replaced the battery with a new one, my key worked perfectly again.
**Lesson learned:**
Make sure you take a photo of your warranty card. I feel like the warranty is mostly for show — if I had lost it, I would have been charged another $20+ for a battery. Worst still, I would have to pay more to change the key unit unnecessarily.
Make sure you witness that they replace your old battery with a new one if it's still under warranty.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.7% No, I enjoy it
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2% Other - I'll share below
Police forced to name Netflix as platform for Tom Phillips documentary
Police have confirmed Netflix will screen a reality-style documentary on fugitive Tom Phillips, after initially refusing to name the platform.
Phillips was shot dead on Te Anga Rd, west of Waitomo on September 8, after a near four-year manhunt for Phillips and his three children.
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