Tumunui, Rotorua

1301 days ago

Is Laundry Stripping as Good as it Looks?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Laundry day makes your home feel fresh and clean. But maybe not quite as clean as you think.


Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning trend that has been sweeping the internet for the past several months. The method claims to clean the built-up residues from the fibres of textiles.


The TikTok… View more
Laundry day makes your home feel fresh and clean. But maybe not quite as clean as you think.


Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning trend that has been sweeping the internet for the past several months. The method claims to clean the built-up residues from the fibres of textiles.


The TikTok user who started the trend soaked her freshly-laundered towels in warm water with a regular laundry detergent, washing soda, and borax – and the water turned dark brown.


The video prompted many of us to wonder whether we’ve been unwittingly nestling into dirty linens our entire lives. Home cleaning enthusiasts have since tried the technique on everything from clothes to rugs and second-hand couch covers.


What laundry stripping does is soak out any leftover detergent, fabric softener, minerals and natural body oils that have collected on the fabric over time. But some cleaning experts say it's unnecessary and brings out more dye than dirt.


So, I decided to test it out on a white duvet cover. I clean my sheets weekly and duvet cover once every couple of months. As a general rule, someone who sleeps in make-up and eats in bed as frequently as I do, shouldn't have white linens. But as a basic white woman in her mid-20s, fashion dictates I must.


The duvet appeared pretty white before going into the laundry strip. The strip wash recipe called for a 1:1:2 ratio mixture of borax, washing soda (sodium carbonate) and laundry detergent.


Borax is available at hardware stores and pharmacists, and the other ingredients you can find in the supermarket.

What I used:
- Greenwoods Washing Soda Crystals: ($4.99 from Countdown)
- Fab laundry liquid Frangipani 1L ($6.00 from Countdown)
- Borax ($10.99 from Bunnings)



To strip laundry, combine borax, washing soda and a regular laundry detergent in a 1:1:2 ratio in hot water.


Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

1302 days ago

Coming soon: Chicago. It’s showtime!

Clarence St Theatre

Chicago, the second longest-running musical in Broadway history, is coming to Hamilton. It is a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery.

Bringing the show to life will be one of New Zealand’s most experienced and talented directors, David Sidwell. … View more
Chicago, the second longest-running musical in Broadway history, is coming to Hamilton. It is a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery.

Bringing the show to life will be one of New Zealand’s most experienced and talented directors, David Sidwell. He’s assembled a cast of seasoned local performers and musicians who are all itching to get back on stage. He’ll be backed up by Music Director, Nick Braae and Choreographers Sonja McGirr-Garrett and Alexis Holmes.

Chicago opens at Clarence St Theatre on June 25th and runs for two weeks. Tickets are on sale at Ticketek.
Book now

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1302 days ago

Have you tasted these sweet, New Zealand-grown pineapples?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

It's taken seven years, but it was worth the wait. Have you tried them?

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1304 days ago

We bought the hill!

Buy the Hill - Te Ahu Pātiki Maunga

Thank you, Aotearoa.

You helped The Press and the Rod Donald Trust buy Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki the highest peak in Christchurch.

But you can still help.

The generosity of Kiwis has now secured the land's future as a public conservation park.

Further donations will help the … View more
Thank you, Aotearoa.

You helped The Press and the Rod Donald Trust buy Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki the highest peak in Christchurch.

But you can still help.

The generosity of Kiwis has now secured the land's future as a public conservation park.

Further donations will help the trust restore the land to its former forested glory.
Donate now

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1304 days ago

Decorating Tips for a Shoestring Budget

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Call us optimists, but we think everyone under the sun can, and should, have a beautiful home.
If you're pinching pennies, there's plenty you can do to create a stylish and inviting home for yourself and your friends.

The first step (and this is true no matter where or how you live) … View more
Call us optimists, but we think everyone under the sun can, and should, have a beautiful home.
If you're pinching pennies, there's plenty you can do to create a stylish and inviting home for yourself and your friends.

The first step (and this is true no matter where or how you live) is to clean your home and get it organised. Doing those two things alone will drastically improve the quality of your space.

Then, on to decorating. With years of budget decorating behind (and in front of!) us, we've amassed a few helpful tips for 'making house' with a slim wallet.

1. Paint an accent wall

STAND OUT: This one wall, in the home of Melbourne designer Miranda Skoczek, brings something extra-special to her bedroom without going overboard.

Painting your walls is one of the most cost-effective decorative updates you can make to your home. But if you're on a shoestring budget, the two cans of $30 paint it may require to paint your bedroom could very well put you off.

Instead, consider painting an accent wall. One litre (which will cover around 9 square metres) or a 2.5-litre can (which covers up to 24 square metres) is likely all you'll need to cover a single wall, which can make just as much of an impact.



2. Get rid of unsightly items

FIRE THE WIRE: This clever little picket fence, designed by Karl Zahn, provides some fun inspiration for ways you can tidy up all those wires that often dominate the modern day living room.

Before you start worrying about what you can and cannot afford to buy, consider what you should get rid of, or unsightly items that you need to hide.

Dated, worn or damaged items could be doing the look of your home a disservice, and if they're non-essential, removing them can give your home a clean slate.

One of the worst offenders common in rental apartments is vertical blinds. Or how about those not-so-stylish college posters you've been holding on to? Let go, or at least put them in storage.



Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

1306 days ago

Get involved to Paint it pink

Resene

Paint it pink with Resene for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ!

Buy any Resene testpot starting with P, I, N, K during May and we’ll donate $1 to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Offer applies to all Resene 60ml testpots with colour names starting with P, I, N, K purchased at the normal retail … View more
Paint it pink with Resene for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ!

Buy any Resene testpot starting with P, I, N, K during May and we’ll donate $1 to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Offer applies to all Resene 60ml testpots with colour names starting with P, I, N, K purchased at the normal retail price in May 2021 at Resene owned ColorShops.

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1306 days ago

Are Curtains or Blinds best for kids’ bedrooms?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Choosing curtains and/or blinds for a child’s bedroom is much more complicated than you might think, with several factors to take into consideration when making the right choice. Let’s go over what you need to think about.

Blocking out light
Any parent will tell you kids need darkness to go… View more
Choosing curtains and/or blinds for a child’s bedroom is much more complicated than you might think, with several factors to take into consideration when making the right choice. Let’s go over what you need to think about.

Blocking out light
Any parent will tell you kids need darkness to go to bed. They don’t necessarily need darkness to sleep, but to convince them it’s bedtime it needs to be dark. Post daylight savings, heading into spring and summer, this can be a challenge. Curtains and blinds can help.

First of all, opt for block-out lining. Block-out lined curtains reduce natural light and UV rays, providing an ideal solution for darkening a bedroom. They also offer thermal and sound insulation properties, which come in handy too and we’ll discuss more shortly.

The best solution to block out light is curtains made of medium to heavy fabric, hanging wide and high over the window and down to the floor. But don’t make a decision yet, there are things to consider that might make you shy away from this option.

Slatted blinds are the least ideal solution as they allow small amounts of light to peep through even when fully closed and lowered. An inside mounted roller blind also allows a small amount of light to enter. For extra light blockage consider a curtain over a blind.

Reducing noise
Blocking out noise completely using only curtains or blinds is not possible, but it can be reduced. The best options are:
• Curtains – reducing noise all comes down to absorbing the vibrations so opt for the thickest, heaviest fabric you can (e.g. velvet or wool). The more layers the better so ensure you get them lined and you could also opt for a blind underneath as well.
• Roman shades – as with curtains, the thicker the fabric and more layers the better.

• Honeycomb blinds - the unique cellular design is great for cutting out noise. Just as the cells trap air to reduce heat transfer, they can also help keep out noise.


Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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S
1306 days ago

Wooden dining chairs

Sarah from Rotorua Central

I am after 2 x dining chairs (wood in good condition) Thank you

1306 days ago

Pams recalls Casava Vege Crisps

Neighbourly.co.nz

An undeclared allergen has forced the recall of a Pams food product.

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd has recalled Pams Brand Cassava Vege Crisps Original 150g, due to the possible presence of milk, an allergen that is not declared on the ingredients list.

In a statement, the Ministry for Primary … View more
An undeclared allergen has forced the recall of a Pams food product.

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd has recalled Pams Brand Cassava Vege Crisps Original 150g, due to the possible presence of milk, an allergen that is not declared on the ingredients list.

In a statement, the Ministry for Primary Industries says that any customer with a milk allergy or intolerance should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.

What you need to know:
- The product is sold at Pak'n Save, New World and Four Square stores throughout New Zealand.
- It is sold in a 150g package.
- Best before date is 19 OCT 21.
- No other flavour is affected.

Customers with any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd.
Phone: 0800 24 51 14
Address: 35 Landing Drive, Mangere, Auckland.

To find out more about the recall, head to the New Zealand Food Safety Website.

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1306 days ago

Are you one of our instant winners?

Neighbourly.co.nz

From the where oceans collide at Cape Reinga, to the oyster-ridden seaboards of Bluff - it's time for you to spin the map of Aotearoa and see where your finger lands.

To take some of the stress out of your long weekend roadtrip plans, we're giving 10 lucky winners petrol vouchers … View more
From the where oceans collide at Cape Reinga, to the oyster-ridden seaboards of Bluff - it's time for you to spin the map of Aotearoa and see where your finger lands.

To take some of the stress out of your long weekend roadtrip plans, we're giving 10 lucky winners petrol vouchers from Mobil or Z - it's your choice!

If your name's below, get in touch with us, and if you know any of your neighbours listed, be sure to congratulate them and let them know!

Betty Campbell from Northland
Aimee Crothall from Paekakariki
David Watt from Hamilton
Sarah Sharp from Auckland
Helen Fang from Auckland
Rafael Moreno from New Plymouth
Saqib Ahmad from Auckland
Maria Dela Cruz from Wellington
Suannie Burt from Carterton District
Nick Regos from Christchurch

Keep your eyes peeled for our next random draw. Until next time!

Terms & Conditions apply.

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1307 days ago

The Resene Wallpaper Sale is on!

Resene

Neighbours – now is your chance to dress up your walls and save 30% off* the extensive range of Resene wallpapers! Patterned or bold, textured or neutral – come in to your local Resene ColorShop and view the full collection. Offer ends 8 June 2021.

*Discount off the normal retail price at … View more
Neighbours – now is your chance to dress up your walls and save 30% off* the extensive range of Resene wallpapers! Patterned or bold, textured or neutral – come in to your local Resene ColorShop and view the full collection. Offer ends 8 June 2021.

*Discount off the normal retail price at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers until 8 June 2021. Excludes wall decals, WallPrint and clearance items. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
Learn more

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1308 days ago

English is confusing!

NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua

This is certainly one of the more obvious errors in a child’s writing. Knowing which one to use can be confusing.

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1308 days ago

How to Get an Extra-Clean House for Allergy Sufferers

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

If you live with someone allergic to dust mites, mould, pollen, pet hair or any one of the hundreds of allergens in household products, clean is not enough. A house needs to be extra-clean and allergen-proof to help make allergy sufferers as comfortable as possible. The alternative is sneezing, … View moreIf you live with someone allergic to dust mites, mould, pollen, pet hair or any one of the hundreds of allergens in household products, clean is not enough. A house needs to be extra-clean and allergen-proof to help make allergy sufferers as comfortable as possible. The alternative is sneezing, wheezing, coughing and watery eyes, all brought on by the presence of irritants that you can keep at bay with some extra attention.

Here’s how to get on top of some common irritants at your place:

1. Use allergy-friendly products
• Avoid using aerosol sprays as they are a common trigger for asthma sufferers. Even if you’re not standing near anyone, the high-pressure mist that the aerosol omits means the contents can spread a long way.
• Try to use environmentally-friendly products – what’s good for the environment is often better for us too.
• Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, formaldehyde and sodium lauryl sulphate. Hunt out products that are free from these irritants or make your own natural cleaning products.

2. Keep a dust-free bedroom
It’s the dust mite droppings that many people react to (and news that there is dust mite poo in our bedding causes a reaction in the rest of us!). To keep bedding really clean, you will need to wash all bed linen regularly, preferably weekly. A man-made fibre like polyester is less likely to trap dust than natural fibres like cotton or linen.

Use a hypoallergenic mattress topper, duvet inner-cover and pillow protector and wash these at least monthly and replace them annually.

Keep stuffed animals to a minimum and wash those that remain regularly. Pull the bed out and vacuum underneath at least once a week, preferably daily. Don’t forget to dust side tables and vacuum underneath those as well.

3. Vacuum daily
Wooden or tiled floors are much easier to keep dust-free, but if you have carpet, a daily vacuum, especially in bedrooms, is a must. Use a vacuum cleaner made especially for allergy-sufferers – most will be fitted with HEPA filtration and powerhead.

Make sure you vacuum around the skirting boards and in crevices and vacuum around all beds at least twice. Empty canisters or vacuum bags regularly, sealing the bag well before disposal.

4. Use an air purifier
Even if you are taking the precautions outlined above, there will still be plenty of dust in your house – in fact some studies show that air pollution such as allergens and pollutants can be present in higher levels inside the home than outside! Air purifiers work to filter the allergens and pollutants from the air and improve the air quality.

5. Empty bins daily
The rubbish bin can omit toxins without you even realising, and they are a breeding ground for mould and germs. Empty bins every evening and disinfect with a hospital grade solution before lining with a plastic bag.

6. Beat doormats every day
Pollen and dust are tracked into our home constantly. Make sure you have a doormat on the outside and inside at every entry point to your home and shake these out regularly. Vacuum each indoor mat when you do your daily vacuum run. It’s a good idea to place a mat in the doorway of an allergy-sufferers bedroom for extra protection. Better yet, leave shoes outside.

7. Inspect for mould weekly
Mould is a common allergy trigger and its present absolutely everywhere. Don’t give it a chance to breed – wipe away small mould patches as soon as you find them with a paper towel and throw the paper towel in an outside bin. You can use a solution of three cups of water to five drops of Oil of Cloves (find it at your pharmacy) in a spray bottle to kill mould spores and prevent mould from growing. Make sure you test for an allergy to Oil of Cloves first, of course! Tea tree oil is also a good antiseptic against mould – a teaspoon of oil to a cup of water wiped over mould-prone surfaces should do the trick.

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1311 days ago

We’re big believers in small business!

Prospa

NZ small businesses believe in themselves, we believe in them too. That’s why we offer small business loans up to $300K to support cash flow or help them invest in the future.

Business Loan applications take less than 10 minutes online, you’ll get a fast decision and funding is possible in … View more
NZ small businesses believe in themselves, we believe in them too. That’s why we offer small business loans up to $300K to support cash flow or help them invest in the future.

Business Loan applications take less than 10 minutes online, you’ll get a fast decision and funding is possible in 24 hours. Plus, no asset security is required upfront to access funding up to $150K.

Prospa is New Zealand’s small business lending specialist, and we’re here to help you reach your next milestone. Get in touch with our team of friendly business lending specialists today!
Apply Now

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1313 days ago

Looking for your next career path?

FICA

Take up a career in Forestry. We love our work!

If you are a great outdoors person, practical, or science-minded, love technology and enjoy working in a team then take a closer look at what the forestry industry can offer you.

Come and visit at any of these locations, we will be there with … View more
Take up a career in Forestry. We love our work!

If you are a great outdoors person, practical, or science-minded, love technology and enjoy working in a team then take a closer look at what the forestry industry can offer you.

Come and visit at any of these locations, we will be there with plenty to keep you busy and plenty of information for you to make the right decision to join our industry.

Whakatane High School including Edgecumbe & Trident High School on the 1st June 2021.

For more information about a career in forestry check out our website here. To speak with a forestry representative then enquire on: office@fica.org.nz
Learn more

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