What is the best way to clean a synthetic lawn?

By design, artificial grass is manufactured to last for many years. Able to withstand a wide range of weathers and wear and tear, synthetic lawns also require less maintenance than real lawns, making them a sought-after solution for many homeowners.

Although synthetic grass is less labour-intensive than the real deal, to ensure it remains in perfect condition during its lifespan, it’s important to take care of it correctly. Like any installation you make on your property, you’ll want to get the most out of the investment.

The best way to clean an artificial lawn will depend on the type of mess you’re trying to tackle, and in the following sections, we’ll explore the ideal approaches for different kinds of debris.

Clearing away general debris

Fitted outside, your artificial grass is bound to encounter dirt, dust, fallen leaves and even windblown rubbish. Although this type of small debris won’t cause harm to your synthetic grass, it can spoil the appearance of it, and removing it from the surface will enhance the appearance of your lawn, making it look greener and cleaner.

The good news is that all of this unwanted material can be easily removed using either a stiff-bristle broom or a flexible rake designed for lawns. It’s a wise move to avoid brushes that have steel bristles, as they can pull on your artificial grass, inflicting damage.

Dealing with weather-related issues

Artificial grass is renowned for being an all-weather option, and it can cope with extreme weather, such as ice and snow, but it’s a sensible move to keep it clean over winter. Snowfall should always be left where it lies and allowed to drain away naturally from your lawn, just as rain would. If it’s absolutely essential that you remove the snow, then you must be exceptionally careful, as using a sharp-edged tool like a shovel can lead to causing irreparable damage to your grass. Stick to a stiff-bristle broom for clearing any snow.

Cleaning up spills

If you’re entertaining guests at a garden party on your lawn, spilled food and drinks are a given. Luckily, artificial grass is incredibly easy to clean with a simple sponge or cloth and some water. Never use strong chemicals or bleach, as this can discolour the fibres of your lawn.

Washing off pet waste

Finally, if you have cats or dogs, the chance of an accident occurring on your lawn at one time or another is likely. Unlike natural grass, synthetic lawns won’t yellow when this happens, but they will need immediate attention to ensure they aren’t harmed. Quickly scoop up any solid matter and dispose of it safely before tackling the affected area. Again, a sponge or cloth and some water will be adequate to remove any mess, but you can use some mild dish soap or detergent for any stubborn stains remaining and to avoid unwanted odours.

Artificial grass offers homeowners an easy-care option, but regularly cleaning your lawn and using the right tools and methods is crucial to ensure it stays in top condition.

Iconic red carpet may be phased out

A red carpet is a traditional floor covering used for VIPs and award ceremonies, but that could soon change.

For the 2021 Oscars ceremony, a pink carpet was used, and Saudi Arabia has announced that it will use purple-coloured carpets when dignitaries visit. This could signify the beginning of a move away from the signature red carpet.

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture said that the shade of purple in the carpets it intends to use is the same colour as the kingdom’s deserts and plateaus, which in springtime are covered in lavender flowers. The carpets are to be edged with a geometric pattern similar to those found in traditional Bedouin weaving.

The practice of using red carpets for special guests became popular in the early 19th century, when they were laid out for visiting politicians. The red carpet reached Hollywood in 1922, when a red carpet was rolled out for the premiere of “Robin Hood” starring Douglas Fairbanks. In 1961, red carpets were first used at the Oscars.

There is a wide range of colour choices for carpets available in Chester and North Wales. Colours are associated with various moods, and they define the style and energy of a room. Green suggests for harmony and balance, blue is soothing and relaxing, and white represents purity and elegance. Red is not just for VIPs, however – it’s the colour of strength and confidence. Purple represents wisdom and reflection.

Colours can reflect what goes on in a room. Warm and cosy coloured carpets are suitable for bedrooms, colours that encourage focus are best for home offices and relaxing colours are well-suited for the lounge.

Rug designer on mission to save Irish wool

Irish rug designer Claire McGovern wants to rescue Irish wool, the price of which has crashed, threatening the livelihood of Irish sheep farmers.

Wool carpets and rugs are luxury floor coverings that are chosen for their stylish looks and soft, warm feel. Wool is a sustainable, natural product that is environmentally friendly. McGovern sources the wool for her rugs from Galway farms. Killarney’s Kerry Woollen Mills processes the wool, which is then hand dyed in Kilkenny, at Cushendale Mills. The preparation of the wool is finished in a Wicklow farmhouse studio, which hand-tufts the wool ready for turning it into carpets and rugs.

McGovern’s rugs are works of art, and two of them are in the private collection of the Irish Ambassador for the United Nations in New York.

Speaking to the Irish Times, McGovern said:

“I want to salvage this precious resource which is incredibly hardy, durable and sustainable and turn it into heirloom carpets to give new life to a renewable and carbon-friendly fibre.”

Millions of tons of synthetic carpets are sent to landfills each year, whereas wool is recyclable. McGovern has declared that 5% from the sales at Rhyme Studios in New York will be used to purchase wool from Irish sheep. In April 2020, the Irish government announced a £1.27 million support package for the sheep industry after wool prices fell.

McGovern’s rugs cost between €4,000 and €20,000. However, luxury wool carpets for North Wales homes can be sourced at much cheaper prices.

New start-up turns banana waste into carpets

Banana growing involves a lot of waste, as only 12% of the banana plant is used, and the rest goes to landfill. However, a Ugandan start-up is turning banana waste into products, including carpets textiles and hair extensions.

The process developed by TexFad first splits banana tree trunks in half using machetes, before the trunks are fed through a cutting machine, which turns them into long fibres that feel similar to leather. The fibres are then hung to dry and processed into eco-friendly products.

TexFad is experimenting with various items made from waste banana trees, including quality carpets and biodegradable hair extensions. It is also looking at ways to soften the fibres to make clothing textiles.

The company aims to make 2,400 carpets by the end of 2021, some of which it plans to export to the UK, US and Canada. The quality carpets are woven from the banana tree fibres using hand-operated wood weaving looms.

TexFad is not the only organisation to recycle banana plants. Australian researchers have found a way to make biodegradable packaging from banana waste.

Carpets in North Wales, Chester and Wrexham residential and commercial buildings are a popular choice of floor covering. Consumers in the region are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of carpet manufacturing. This is why many prefer wool carpets, as wool is a natural product that is durable, feels luxurious and is environmentally friendly. Carpets made from bananas trees could be a future eco-friendly alternative to wool.

How can laminate flooring benefit homeowners?

With the diverse range of options available today, selecting home flooring isn’t always easy. Finding an option that suits your usage, budget and taste can be difficult, and all solutions have their own advantages. However, property owners are increasingly looking at laminate floors as a suitable choice for their homes, as it can offer the appearance of a natural floor at more affordable prices, with many practical benefits.

In the following passages, we’ll take a closer look at laminate flooring and discuss some of the key advantages it can offer homeowners who install it in their living spaces.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is comprised of multiple layers. An exceptionally strong, moisture-proof panel made from HDF provides the base layer. A backing plate below ensures that its core won’t warp over time. On top of this layer, a decorative panel is added that features high-resolution images of real wood planks or stone tiles, perfectly simulated in minute detail. This decorative layer is then finished with a dedicated resin and a topped with a wear-resistant and transparent layer providing powerful protection.

This innovative construction means that laminate flooring can easily pass as natural stone or real wood while offering some exceptional advantages.

Ideal for all rooms

Laminate flooring can be installed in any room of the house. Thanks to its waterproof properties, this includes bathrooms, wet rooms and kitchens. Its seamless click-in-place system and anti-static attributes stop dirt and dust collecting between or on top of planks, making it perfect for rooms where children play on the floor and for those who suffer from allergies. Staircases can even be covered in laminate flooring.

Incredibly durable

When professionally installed and properly cared for, laminate flooring can last for 20 years or more, providing homeowners with an excellent return on their purchase. This robust flooring is so hardwearing that it can take the brunt of heavy objects, stiletto heels and heavy foot traffic, leading many public buildings and even some airports to employ it onsite.

Laminate floors can also cope with liquid spills. As long as they are tackled swiftly, fluids will not penetrate the water-resistant seals and can be easily mopped up, causing no damage, such as warping, to your floor.

Simple maintenance

The protective surface layers of laminate floors make them exceptionally easy to care for and keep them looking their best. As dirt can’t penetrate the boards, using a dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth will keep them in peak condition. This makes them a far easier option than other floors that require sanding, scrubbing and oiling.

Easy installation

Compared to other types of flooring, a laminate floor is very quick and simple to fit, which means it may be a job you can tackle yourself to cut costs. If you do opt for a professional fitting, however, you’ll find the installation causes far less disruption to your day compared to having other kinds of flooring fitted.

Those searching for a low-maintenance, natural-looking floor at a considerably lower cost will find laminate floors ideal, as they can mimic authentic stone and wood perfectly, but feature a far smaller price tag.