Dec 21, 2011

10 Last-minute cleaning tips for the Holidays

Christmas is only a few days away. Is your home ready for Christmas?
Ideally, you’d want to clean days before the holidays with major tasks accomplished daily. If you’re like me, you’d wait until the last minute to finish cleaning up your home. Here are 10 last minute cleaning tips you can do with a little help from family members:

  1. Pick up clutter as you walk throughout the house. Put everything in its proper place or throw away stuff you don’t need.

  2. Wash windows, clean drapes using the soft brush attachment on your vacuum. Use Febreeze to make it smell fresh.

  3. Deep clean bathrooms, brush toilet bowl, wipe mirrors, counters and floors with damp towels. Hang fresh hand towels and put out new hand soap.

  4. Clean kitchen. Clean stove top, clean out fridge, discarding leftovers and expired food. Wipe down all large and small appliances. Clean and deodorize kitchen sink and garbage disposal.

  5. Vacuum carpets, sweep entry way. Use wet cloths like the ones from Swifter to quickly clean hardwood and laminate floors. It’s easier and more effective than a wet mop.

  6. Empty all the trash bins inside the house, clean it up by soaking it in a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid. Wipe it dry with a paper towel or let it dry under the sun.

  7. Vacuum upholstered sofa and furniture to remove surface dirt. Fluff them after cleaning, this helps keep them in shape.

  8. Straighten bedrooms, change and wash bed sheets, comforters or bedspreads. Store personal items out of sight.

  9. Clean mirrors and all glass surfaces in the house including front door glass. A convenient and fast way to give your mirrors a beautiful streak-free shine is by using glass wipes.

  10. Sweep front steps, put out holiday mat.


Time to pary!

Labels: , , ,

Dec 20, 2011

Spruce up your drapes for the holidays

Need to spruce up your drapes for the holidays? Remove dust and particles from your drapes using a brush attachment on your vacuum. Simply place the brush attachment on the end of the accessory hose and run it “lightly” up and down the folds of the drape. You can also “spot clean” most drapes with a damp soft cloth that has been wrung out using distilled water. Do not use soap or detergent as is may leave staining around the spot. Dab away moisture with a clean cloth, air-dry. If the fabric has water spots, fade them with the steam from the garment steamer or iron. Use Febreeze to make it smell fresh.

Most drapes should only be cleaned professionally. NEVER wash your draperies if they labeled “dry-clean only” or they are pleated. If your draperies are labeled “dry clean only,” you should take them to a dry cleaner that has some specialization and experience in cleaning drapes. You can also have an on-site drape cleaning specialist come in to your house to clean and freshen your drapes. These professionals inject a specially formulated solvent into your drapery under pressure and extract the chemical, leaving your drapes clean. This special process results in no damage or shrinkage to the fabric.

Finally, gather the drapes at the top, form the pleats and smooth your hands down the fabric, keeping the pleats extending from the top to bottom. Continue until you have straighten each pleat in the drapes.

Your drapes should now be ready to impress your family and friends for the holidays.

(photo courtesy of bhg.com)

Labels: , , , , ,

Dec 19, 2011

Stay Warm, Save Money this Winter

Here are three steps you can do to get cozy while taking charge of your energy bills this winter.

  1. Take control of your Thermostat. Set your thermostat to as low as you’re comfortable. According to the US Department of Energy, simply lowering your thermostat by 10 degrees over an eight hour period can save you around 10% a year on your heating bills. You can do this when you’re asleep or away from the house.

  2. Reduce air leaks from windows and doors. Warm air leaking out of your home during the winter can cost you lots of money. Air leaks out of your home through unintended holes and cracks. One of the cheapest and easiest you can do is to weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air. Replace old windows with energy-efficient ones if necessary.

  3. Add or Improve Insulation with Thermal Drapes. Replace standard curtains in your home with thermal or insulated drapes. Thermal drapes trap heat to keep your home warm during the winter months. To maximize the benefit of thermal drapes insulating abilities, close drapes tightly at night, and during the day for windows that do not receive direct sunlight. The get the best results, drapes should be hung as close to windows as possible. Also let them make contact onto a windowsill or floor. The fewer gaps between the window and drapes, the better the insulation. FactoryDirectDrapes.com custom-make Thermal Drapes according to your window specifications in whatever style, color or fabric you desire. Simply choose lined drapes and add blackout lining for superior insulation.

Labels: , ,

Dec 16, 2011

Order Insulated Drapes from FactoryDirectDrapes.com

Bring warmth and style to your home with FactoryDirectDrapes.com’s Insulated Drapes. Our well-made custom Insulated Drapes trap heat inside your home during the cold winter months and can help you save on energy bills. We have a number of styles to choose from in a wide array of fabrics and colors. Order insulated drapes from us today! We’re having a huge sale going on this weekend. It’s 50% off all drapes plus we’ll include a FREE pair of drapery tassels (a $30 value) when you place your order today until Monday Dec. 19.

Discount code is: 50DT1211
Good through Dec. 19, 2011

Simply enter the code exactly as it appears in the Discount Code field located on the Shopping Cart. Then, click on apply to see your discount deducted from your order subtotal at the right. Your FREE tassel/s will be automatically shipped with your order, there’s no need for you to add it in your shopping cart. If you forgot to enter your Discount Code during checkout or if you want to place your order by phone please call us toll-free at 1-866-713-7273. Make sure you mention this discount code.

Labels: , , , ,

Dec 13, 2011

Why Choose Drapes over Blinds

Decorating your home for the holidays? One quick and easy way to improve the look of your home is by adding new drapes. Here are several reasons why you need to choose drapes over blinds and any other window coverings.

  1. Looks and Elegance

    Drapes come in a wide array of styles and fabrics and can be created to your specifications so it fits your windows and décor perfectly. Blinds only cover windows while drapes can hang below window or to the floor and to the side of the window adding elegance that blinds can’t offer.

  2. Privacy

    Drapes provide superior privacy. They completely prevent anyone from seeing into your residence. Blinds have multiple open gaps in between the slats that actually decrease privacy and insulation.

  3. Insulation

    Drapes guarantee the very best insulation value equally for both winter and summer. For example, lined drapes can provide up to 50% insulation value. Whereas, horizontal mini blinds can only offer a meager 10% insulation value!

  4. Cleanability

    Drapes show less dirt, fingerprints, and dust accumulation than blinds. They are easy to maintain. Drapes needs only be lightly vacuumed at least once a month and professionally dry cleaned at least every two years.

  5. Longer Lasting

    Drapes are difficult to damage so it last ten to fifteen years longer than any other window treatments. Blinds, particularly horizontal mini-blinds, are much more prone to damage than drapes. Aluminum or wood slats can be scratched or broken, etc.

  6. Cozy Factor

    Drapes are soft, warm and inviting. Blinds are considered to be hard coverings and make your home appear to have an office like appearance. There is absolutely nothing better than drapes to create a “welcome home” atmosphere.

Dec 9, 2011

Thermal Drapes from FactoryDirectDrapes.com

Thermal Drapes, insulated drapes, energy-saving drapes whatever you call them, they can keep your home much warmer and lower your energy costs in these winter months. FactoryDirectDrapes.com manufactures Thermal Drapes that not only insulates against heat and color but can also be made with 100% blackout, flame retardancy and will provide sound insulation. We have a number of styles to choose from. You can choose any fabric in hundreds of patterns and colors.

Order thermal drapes from FactoryDirectDrapes.com today. We’re having a huge sale going on this weekend. It’s 50% off all drapes plus we’ll include a FREE matching pair of tie backs (a $20 value) when you place your order on Dec. 9 – Dec. 12.

Discount code is: 50off1211
Good through Dec. 12, 2011

Simply enter the code exactly as it appears in the Discount Code field located on the Shopping Cart. Then, click on apply to see your discount deducted from your order subtotal at the right. Your FREE matching TIE BACK/s will be automatically shipped your order, there’s no need for you to add it in your shopping cart. If you forgot to enter your Discount Code during checkout or if you want to place your order by phone please call us toll-free at 1-866-713-7273. Make sure you mention this discount code.

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Dec 8, 2011

Living Room for the Holidays

Living room is a special place during the holidays because this is where children open up their presents from Santa Claus, where couples cuddle on the couch in front of the fire place and where guests kick back and feel at home. Since the living room is also the first room people see when they come into your house and first impressions are important, you’d want to make your living room look elegant and festive for the holidays. Most of us have no time for major redecorating during the holidays but even the smallest updates can make a big difference. Re-arrange your furniture giving the illusion of space. Use your existing furnishings, art and accessories to give your room that instant makeover. Painting the walls with dramatic color adds instant warmth. If you don’t want to paint the whole room, paint an accent wall, you’ll be amazed how it would change the look of a room. Add extra lighting to help expand the space and add visual interest to the living room. A quick and easy way to improve the look of your living room is by adding new drapes. Heavy drapes add warmth and comfort. They also block out light and give you privacy. Our Virtual Room Designer is a wonderful tool to help you accurately visualize how your window treatments will look in your living room. You can recreate your current walls, floors, and furniture. Then mix and match drapes and curtains or valance styles and colors to your surroundings. Visit us at FactoryDirectDrapes.com or call us toll free at 1-866-713-7273 for an expert advice on how we can help to make your living room look at it’s best for the holidays.


Photo courtesy of bhg.com

Labels: , ,

Dec 6, 2011

Dining Room Drapes for the Holidays

The dining room is the center of the holidays because this is where we host our family and friends for special Thanksgiving and Christmas meals or parties. It doesn’t really matter what size of a dining room you have, or whether you have a sit-down meal or a potluck buffet. What’s important is to make sure you create that holiday ambience in your dining room where you create special memories with a conversation and a simple meal.

When we think of dining room decorating, most of us think of tablecloths and upholstery. But a quick and easy way to improve the look of a dining room is to add new drapes. Old drapes can look work and dingy and don’t look as bright as they used to even after dry cleaning. Update your drapes in time for the holidays by choosing a new style or fabric that gives your dining room an instant makeover. You would want to pick a replacement drape that would complement your room decor and color scheme. Visit FactoryDirectDrapes.com today, we have a wide array of styles of drapes and plenty of fabrics to choose from. Our Virtual Room Designer will help you accurately visualize how finished window treatments will look in your home. You can recreate your current walls, floors, and furniture. Then mix and match drapes and curtains or valance styles and colors to your surroundings. Call us toll free at 1-866-713-7273 for an expert advice and a “factory-direct” quote.


Photo courtesy of bhg.com

Labels: , , ,

Dec 2, 2011

40% off custom drapes plus FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING!

We're having a huge sale going on this week at FactoryDirectDrapes.com! It’s 40% off our custom drapes in every style or fabric plus FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING!
Discount code is: 40FS1211
Good through Dec. 6, 2011

Replacing your Drapes

Replacing your drapes is one the most economical way to add instant elegance and give your room an instant “makeover” You’d want to replace your drapes to match your new wall paint and furniture, make your home more energy efficient or enhance the appearance of your room. Old drapes can also look worn, discolored and don’t look as bright as used to even after dry cleaning. You may not need to replace your hardware unless you’re changing the style of your drapes. Look around your room and determine whether your style is more traditional or more modern. You would want to pick a replacement drape style that would complement your new room decor and color scheme. Choose tab top or grommet drapes for a clean and modern look. Hang pinch pleated drapes for a classic and more formal style. If you want more natural light to come in your room, choose light and soft fabrics like sheers. Blackout drapes are ideal for bedrooms and is a great option for media rooms and home theaters. Blackout drapes also come with a thermal backing which makes them energy efficient to retain warm or cool air throughout the year, saving you money on heating and air-conditioning. Visit FactoryDirectDrapes.com today, we have a wide array of styles of drapes and plenty of fabrics to choose from. By purchasing “direct from our factory” you may be surprised that replacing your drapes aren’t expensive as you thought.

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Drapes, Drapery, Draperies | Contact Factory Direct Drapes | How To Measure Drapes | Free Fabric Samples | Fabric Center | Drapery Styles | Drapery Rods | Frequently Asked Questions | Newsletter Archive | Insulated Drapes | Account Registration | Store Policies | Virtual Room Designer | Factory Drapes Blog | Custom Drapes | Tab Top Drapes | Grommet Top Drapes | Ruffled Pocket Top Drapes | Pocket Top Drapes | Clip Top Drapes | Tie Top Drapes | Sheer Drapes | Thermal Drapes | Blackout Drapes | Pinch Pleated Valances | Scarf Valances | Halo Valances | Lined Drapes | Insulated Drapes | Pinch Pleated Drapes | Discount and Liquidation Fabrics | Green Drapes and Curtains | American Made Drapery and Curtains | Decorative Throw Pillows | Metal Drapery Rods | Decorative Rods | Traverse Rods | Decorative Traverse Rods | Cafe Curtain Rods | Valance Rods | Baton Track Rods | Hotel & Motel Drapes | School and Educational Institutional Institution Drapes | Hospital and Healthcare Drapes | Casino and Resort Drapes

Powered and Maintained by Bonphire: Website Hosting Domain Name Registration SSL Certificates