Banana silk used to make vegan carpets

Vegans do not like to use any materials sourced from animals. A strict vegan will not buy a wool or silk carpet, as they are both materials derived from animals. However, carpet manufacturer Kymo is one of the few companies that are producing carpets made from silk extracted from bananas, making them 100% vegan.

Banana silk is not made from the banana fruit – it is extracted from the wood pulp of the banana plant. It can be weaved to make carpets that feel more like velvet than the silk produced by silkworms.

The founder of Kymo, Denis Türker, along with inhouse designers Eva Langhans and Katharina Tannous, have created a banana silk carpet called Molten Metal, which has been inspired by the look of metal heated to high temperatures. Molten metal is reflective, and this effect has been reproduced in their stylish carpets.

The banana silk carpets are handwoven in India. During the coronavirus pandemic, communication with the weavers has taken place via video conferencing technology.

Banana silk carpets are expensive, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to buy attractive, high-quality carpets in the North Wales and Chester regions. Wool is often the choice for those who want a luxury carpet, but alternatives include nylon, polypropylene or polyester carpets, which are also less expensive. There are also cotton carpets available. Cotton tends to wear quicker than other types of carpet, unless it is blended with other materials to make the carpet more durable.

Do wood floors need an underlay?

From solid wood to engineered boards, wooden flooring is renowned for adding a natural warmth to homes. Part of this effect comes from the rich tones present in boards made from oak, cherry and pine, but wood will also feel much warmer beneath your feet than cool stone tiling or synthetic solutions, such as vinyl and laminate.

Underlay has long been used by property owners and floor installers to add additional insulation and comfort in homes, among other reasons. In the following sections, we’ll look at underlay as an option for wooden flooring, whether it’s required, why it’s used by property owners and floor installers and what value it can bring when you invest in it.

Why is underlay fitted beneath flooring?

We’ll start by exploring the role of underlay – a term most people will be familiar with, as it’s often seen as an essential before a carpet can be installed in homes. The first reason underlay is used is to provide a level surface, so that when your flooring choice is fitted into place, there will be no unsightly bumps or lumps present to ruin its appearance. An even surface is also less likely to become damaged, adding to the longevity of flooring, as buckled laminate or bulging carpet will take more of a hit from traffic and become worn before its time.

Additionally, underlay can provide a deep barrier between your floor and your choice of covering, which can be ideal when it is thin. The extra padding from underlay will make the floor much more comfortable to walk on or even sit on. Finally, the underlay will also provide a layer of insulation, ensuring less heat is lost via your floor. Not only will it keep your rooms at a more comfortable temperature, but it can lead to lower costs from reduced energy bills.

Does a wooden floor require underlay?

Unlike carpet and other alternative flooring types, such as vinyl or laminate, wooden floors are naturally a more substantial covering. They don’t require any additional padding beneath them to make them more comfortable, as the natural wood already provides a warm surface to step on.

In terms of using underlay to ensure your floor is level, you’ll find wood flooring installations don’t suffer from this issue, as prior to fitting, the subfloor will have been evened out in preparation.

However, while it is not an absolute must, adding underlay may still be advised when you’re installing a floor comprised of wooden boards to a wooden subfloor, as it will offer your enhanced insulation, reducing heat loss and keeping out unwanted drafts.

How does wood flooring underlay compare to the kind used for carpets?

Underlay that is used for wooden floors is not the same as the type fitted underneath carpeting. Carpet underlay is much thicker, making it more expensive than the kind used on wood floors. Underlay suitable for wood floors must be thinner, or it can make the boards uneven and lead to unwanted creaking noises and damage.

To conclude, while underlay is not essential for wooden floors, its benefits of enhancing insulation and keeping out drafts make it a worthy option for homeowners to consider.

Can you steam clean parquet flooring?

In recent years, steam cleaners have become a favoured option for many homeowners and professional floor care services as an alternative to traditional mops and buckets. Steam has proved a powerful way to remove even the most stubborn dirt from flooring without the need for cleaning solutions, but many may wonder whether steam cleaners are an option that is suitable for parquet wood floors.

In short, the answer is – in some cases – yes, but steam cleaning is not appropriate for every kind of parquet installation. In next sections, we’ll look at what type of parquet flooring can be cleaned using this innovative equipment, and when it’s best to use another option.

What kind of parquet flooring can benefit from steam cleaning?

The only parquet floors that can be refreshed using steam cleaners are installations that are fully bonded, presenting a hard-sealed surface. Any other kind of parquet floor will potentially sustain damage if steam cleaning is attempted, ruining your investment.

This is because the surface of parquet floors that are unsealed and simply waxed or oiled stay open-pored, allowing the moisture caused by the steam cleaning to permeate the floor, damaging the wood parquet flooring.

Natural wood will always react to excessive amounts of moisture with increased swelling, and the high volume of moisture involved in steam cleaning will ultimately lead to bulges and dents in the parquet.

Important considerations for steam cleaning parquet flooring

Even when parquet flooring has been professionally varnished or sealed with a protective coating, caution is advised if you decide to use a steam cleaner to care for it.

First, it is essential to check that the parquet surface is entirely intact and has not sustained any damage that could lead to unwanted moisture being absorbed. If you are unsure whether floor is fully sealed, get an expert opinion before attempting any steam cleaning.

Steps to take when steam cleaning sealed parquet floors

Prior to any cleaning, first vacuum your floors, removing any debris like particles of dust and dirt that may scratch the parquet surface. Next, check the settings of your steam cleaner. You should be using the lowest steam amount possible, and you should select the lowest pressure when cleaning parquet, so that you can wipe the floor by simply employing a damp cloth.

For this reason, only steam cleaning devices that have the capacity to be regulated continuously and are clearly labelled by their manufacturer as appropriate for floors made from natural wood are recommended.

To minimise the exposure of your floor to moisture, it’s always advised to keep the cleaning process as quick and even as possible. To ensure the amount of water creating a film on the flooring remains low, multilayer wipe covers are also a wise move.

Finally, pausing in any area for too long can lead to increased moisture. If this happens, act quickly and wipe any excess water with a dry cloth. A slight residue, however, is natural and will typically dry up on its own.

Parquet floors are an attractive option for many homeowners, and if cared for properly, they can last for many years.

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.