Oriental Bay, Wellington

973 days ago

How to Look After Your Upholstery

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

In this blog we discuss the most common upholstery problems that can arise in use. We will break each problem down, looking at what it is, the likely cause and recommended remedies and solutions to avoid future reoccurrence.

CROCKING: What is it? Crocking is the term used to describe the … View more
In this blog we discuss the most common upholstery problems that can arise in use. We will break each problem down, looking at what it is, the likely cause and recommended remedies and solutions to avoid future reoccurrence.

CROCKING: What is it? Crocking is the term used to describe the transfer of excess dye from one surface to another due to rubbing and friction. The issue is increased by certain atmospheric conditions such as humidity and temperature.

Likely cause: In a situation where the dye is transferring out of the upholstery fabric (for instance a red fabric is turning pink) it will usually be a result of either poor quality dyes used during textile manufacturing or that the dyes were not set correctly during the dyeing and finishing process. Crocking can also occur when dye is transferred from an outside source onto the upholstery fabric, for instance a pair of new jeans can transfer blue dye on to your sofa giving it a grubby appearance.

Remedy: The key thing to establish with crocking is whether the discolouration is due to dye transferring out of your upholstery fabric or on to it from an external source. If it is transferring out of the fabric then it is important to check that some substance e.g. a solvent based product, has not come into contact with the fabric and affected the dyes. If all of the above can be ruled out then a genuine fabric issue may be the cause and the fabric will need to be replaced from another batch or alternative fabric.

FADING: What is it? Discolouration or lightening of the dye in a fabric due to exposure to ultraviolet light. Constant exposure to high levels of direct ultraviolet light can also result in fibre degradation, causing the fabric fibres to become brittle, which may result in areas of breakage.

Likely Cause: It is important to note that no fabric is 100% colourfast (resistant to fading), however discolouration can generally be attributed to the use of poor quality dyes during fabric manufacturing or due to constant direct exposure to ultraviolet light with inadequate protection. Ironically ultraviolet damage occurs more during the winter months when the sun is sitting lower in the sky and sun filters/curtains are often left open during the day to increase light flow into a room.

Remedy: Once an upholstery fabric has faded there is nothing that can be done to reverse the issue other than recovering the affected piece of furniture. It is therefore very important that furniture is positioned to protect it from constant direct sunlight and of course the use of quality sun-filters and lined curtains at the window will help to reduce your furniture’s exposure to harmful UV light. Regular rotation of reversible cushions is advisable so that both fading and wear occur evenly. We also recommend rotating the placement of your furniture in relation to exposed windows for the same reason.

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

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973 days ago

Your warm and cosy winter home

The Warehouse

Temperatures are going down, but it's easy to bring the warmth up at home without heating up your power bill or our planet.

It's second nature to us to add layers when we go out. We pull on socks, leggings, jumpers, coats, and hats.

For a warm and inviting winter home, layer up … View more
Temperatures are going down, but it's easy to bring the warmth up at home without heating up your power bill or our planet.

It's second nature to us to add layers when we go out. We pull on socks, leggings, jumpers, coats, and hats.

For a warm and inviting winter home, layer up your spaces with our growing range of sustainable and affordable cushions, throws, and furniture.

Start adding your layers today and by the time winter really kicks in, you'll be ready to kick back and relax.
Find out more

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984 days ago

Transmission Gully will open by the end of March

Reporter Community News

Finally. Transmission Gully will open by end of March.
The $1.25b project has missed five deadlines, prompting Waka Kotahi to take the “unusual” step of issuing a formal direction to contractor Wellington Gateway Partnership (WGP) to open the road by the end of March.
A specific date and time … View more
Finally. Transmission Gully will open by end of March.
The $1.25b project has missed five deadlines, prompting Waka Kotahi to take the “unusual” step of issuing a formal direction to contractor Wellington Gateway Partnership (WGP) to open the road by the end of March.
A specific date and time has not been given, Brett Gliddon, Waka Kotahi’s general manager transport services, said “nothing substantial” could prevent the road from opening by the end of March.

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978 days ago

Australian floods - reminder of climate impacts!

Climate Insights

As we have seen with the flooding in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, climate can pose a significant threat to our homes!

Thousands of people have been evacuated, and many made homeless as a result of the floods. Our homes are often our most significant investments, and the cost of … View more
As we have seen with the flooding in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, climate can pose a significant threat to our homes!

Thousands of people have been evacuated, and many made homeless as a result of the floods. Our homes are often our most significant investments, and the cost of these events can be devastating!

Using the Climate Insights residential property tool, you can identify any risks that your home may face in the future with a changing climate. This information, along with adaptation options, allows you to prepare!

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976 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Reporter Community News

To everything (tern, tern, tern)
There is a season (tern, tern, tern)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
We can thank Pete Seeger for the song and Louise Thomas for the picture, and description of a black fronted tern.
"Continuing on with the rare terns that have been randomly turning … View more
To everything (tern, tern, tern)
There is a season (tern, tern, tern)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
We can thank Pete Seeger for the song and Louise Thomas for the picture, and description of a black fronted tern.
"Continuing on with the rare terns that have been randomly turning (terning) up on the Kāpiti Coast, this is a juvenile black-fronted tern/tarapirohe (Chlidonias albostriatus) - a bit of a standout among the white-fronted terns because of the orange legs (and smaller body). As he gets older his beak will turn orange too. In breeding plumage the cap goes black all the way to the bill. They are apparently reasonably common in the South Island and have often been recorded wintering around Wellington, but this is my first time spotting one. Plimmerton on Sunday. Bird #61 in 2022."

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975 days ago

Homed Dominion Post - Out Now!

Jessica Zimmerman Reporter from Homed - Dominion Post

Our House of the Week this week is a spacious home with stunning panoramic views in Judgeford. For sale through Gavin Faulke and Andy Cooling of Harcourts. A must-see in today's edition of Homed.

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Dominion Post to find agents who are … View more
Our House of the Week this week is a spacious home with stunning panoramic views in Judgeford. For sale through Gavin Faulke and Andy Cooling of Harcourts. A must-see in today's edition of Homed.

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Dominion Post to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in the Homed Dominion Post.

Distribution & Delivery:
Homed Dominion Post gets inserted into The Dominion Post, and is delivered to subscribers every Saturday. It is also available in Supermarkets, Dairies and Petrol Stations for customers to buy.

For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Cameron Beattie cameron.beattie@stuff.co.nz OR Niko Perez niko.perez@stuff.co.nz

Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz

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975 days ago

Make meal planning easy with Stuff’s Dinner Sorted newsletter

Stuff

Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole … View more
Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole family, sent to your inbox on Saturday mornings. As a bonus you'll also get our Weekend Baking collection, perfect for filling the baking tins, lunchboxes, or just that 4pm gap.

Subscribe by 5pm on 4 April and go in the draw to win a 65" Sony TV. For details and T&Cs see here.

Sign up here (it's free!).
Find out more

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975 days ago

*WIN* with your best Neighbourly story!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Sold something in record time? Reunited with a furry friend? Or maybe you formed a friendship with a neighbour? We'd love to hear about it.

Tell us your best Neighbourly story and you could win a prize from our spot prize cupboard. We’re looking for stories from our member's … View more
Sold something in record time? Reunited with a furry friend? Or maybe you formed a friendship with a neighbour? We'd love to hear about it.

Tell us your best Neighbourly story and you could win a prize from our spot prize cupboard. We’re looking for stories from our member's experiences with Neighbourly. It doesn't have to be anything momentous; some of the simplest stories are the most heart-warming.
Share your story

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976 days ago

Tough times for Mary Potter Hospice

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk. You would have seen an article in your local paper on Mary Potter Hospice. It is a really tough time for charities at the moment and hospices, like Mary Potter, are struggling.
Is it right that they have to rely on people like Kāpiti real estate agent Doug Palmer​ to raise … View more
Hi Neighbourly folk. You would have seen an article in your local paper on Mary Potter Hospice. It is a really tough time for charities at the moment and hospices, like Mary Potter, are struggling.
Is it right that they have to rely on people like Kāpiti real estate agent Doug Palmer​ to raise funds? He has been raising money for Mary Potter for about 20 years.
During that time, he estimates he has helped raise about $75,000, raffling fish caught in a fishing contest.

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976 days ago

Odd questions people from overseas ask about NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
With overseas tourists set to return to NZ shortly, we're looking at doing a light-hearted piece on the odd questions Kiwis have been asked about NZ. You may have seen the post doing the rounds on social media at the moment asking whether English is spoken here and suggesting NZ … View more
Hi everyone,
With overseas tourists set to return to NZ shortly, we're looking at doing a light-hearted piece on the odd questions Kiwis have been asked about NZ. You may have seen the post doing the rounds on social media at the moment asking whether English is spoken here and suggesting NZ is a state of Australia (see below). Have you ever been asked anything surprising about NZ? Feel free to message me or comment below. Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in the article. Thanks very much for your help and happy travels.

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976 days ago

Brilliant boards

The Team from Resene ColorShop Basin Reserve

Transform plain serving boards into pastel-toned works of art with a few Resene testpots. Graphic prints and geometric patterns are a big trend for summer. Take your outdoor entertaining to the next level by painting an array of wooden serving boards in pretty sorbet colours from Resene. Structured… View moreTransform plain serving boards into pastel-toned works of art with a few Resene testpots. Graphic prints and geometric patterns are a big trend for summer. Take your outdoor entertaining to the next level by painting an array of wooden serving boards in pretty sorbet colours from Resene. Structured lines or a paint-brush riot – anything goes!

Find out how to create your own.

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976 days ago

Over dealing with SLOW internet?!

The Team from NZ Compare

Now, more than ever, a great broadband connection is vital to all Kiwis! Our lives have changed so much over the past few years with many of us now working from home.

Hyperfibre delivers insane speeds that most Kiwis can’t even imagine! Whether it’s for work, study, streaming or playing … View more
Now, more than ever, a great broadband connection is vital to all Kiwis! Our lives have changed so much over the past few years with many of us now working from home.

Hyperfibre delivers insane speeds that most Kiwis can’t even imagine! Whether it’s for work, study, streaming or playing your favourite video games, Hyperfibre is going to give you the smoothest experience possible.

Feel the need for speed? Hyperfibre has launched on Broadband Compare. Go check it out now and see if it's right for you!

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981 days ago

Extreme temperatures test housing materials!

Climate Insights

More than 400 weather stations around the world exceeded their record temperatures last year!

As one of the hottest years to date, there is an urgency to adapt our homes to these extreme events! Using resilient building materials can mitigate the effect of these events!

Check out our … View more
More than 400 weather stations around the world exceeded their record temperatures last year!

As one of the hottest years to date, there is an urgency to adapt our homes to these extreme events! Using resilient building materials can mitigate the effect of these events!

Check out our residential property report for insight into your property’s potential risks in the future!

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978 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Reporter Community News

Who knows who these four young men are and the significance of the photo?

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978 days ago

A gift from us

Rita Angus Retirement Village

When you book an in-person appointment you can be reassured that we have all Covid-safe protocols in place. If you prefer, we can arrange an online appointment. Contact us today to book a time that suits you.

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