Add some bling to your staircase!

A stair rod, or carpet rod as some people call them date back to the late 19th century, when they were used to attach a stair runner to a staircase. Unfortunately the runner would gradually slip down the staircase which was dangerous and would often wear unevenly.

These day’s your carpet fitter will use gripper to secure your carpet or stair runner as it is a far safer method. However stair rods are still very popular as they now get used for decorative reasons.

Stair rods can often create a traditional look to your stair case, but what many people don’t realize is that they can also create a modern and stylish look too.

 

Below (left) is the 'Tudor Stair Rod Tudor Stair Rods' and below (right) is the 'Homepride Stair Rod'. Both are available from our website.

There are a variety of super stylish and traditional stair runners and carpet runners available which would be the focal point of your stair case. The stair rods would then enhance your stair case further, just like adding a bag, hat, belt or shoes to complete an outfit you are wearing.

Our most popular stair rods at present are the 'Vision' Runner Rods. The Vision stair rods feature modern finial designs with a choice of Sphere, Piston, Arrow and Balladeer finials. They are designed to complement contemporary stair cases and carpet designs. The Vision stair rods are a great choice for those looking for something different to the norm.

We also sell  Crystal Stair Rods which are quite unique. Each Crystal rod features a finely cut Austrian crystal which catches the light and creates a dramatic and quite unique decorating effect. These elegant carpet rods emphasise the stair runner whilst offering a touch of elegance. Crystal rods are suitable for use with either carpet runner or fitted carpet making them a great choice for all homes.

Another unique type of stair rod we sell are actually clips as opposed to rods and are called  ‘Victorian Stair Clips’. In Victorian times stair clips were a popular and fashionable accessory, however modern fitting methods sadly consigned them to history.

 

Our Victorian stair clips are solid brass in a variety of finishes and traditional manufacturing methods are used to give them quality and authenticity. They will recreate the look of yesteryear and add a distinctive touch to your stairs. They can even create a modern feel particularly in a chrome finish.

You can find a large variety of stair runners and stair rods including the ones featured in this blog from our website:

www.stair-rodsdirect.co.uk

Removing Drink Stains From Your Carpet Or Rug

Happy 2013! Now Let’s Clean Up The Mess From Last Night’s Party! 

So it’s the first day of the New Year, you’re feeling a little worse for wear, but one thing you are sure of is that your house party was a total success last night. The music was pumping, the drinks were flowing and you had more fun than you have had in a long time. 

The problem is that you have a major post party clean up ahead of you and whilst that’s an indication that you hosted an amazing party, it’s a littler daunting to say the least, particularly whilst nursing a hangover!

But don't worry because we are here to help you! The first thing to do is check your carpet and rugs for stains. It’s always best to attack carpet and rug stains as soon as they happen with a dry, clean cloth before they can sink into the rug fibers, but if you didn’t realise it had happened it’s time to get started now!

If you have found wine & beer stains, here is what to do:

(1)  Prepare a mixture of neutral detergent with a cup of warm water (make sure the water is not too hot as this can make the stain worse). There are various professional strength carpet and upholstery spot and stain removers for different types of stains and to use on different rug and carpet materials.

(2)   If you don’t have a detergent at hand you can create your own by diluting a few drops of clear hand-dishwashing soap in water. (Don’t use laundry detergent as it is too alkaline). You can also try using white vinegar on a stain if your detergent mix is not working. Ammonia also works well on synthetic carpets and rugs.

   (3)  If you are cleaning a wool rug, never use ammonia or any other highly alkaline cleaner as it can damage wool. 

   (4)  If you have spilt red wine then cover the stain with a good amount of salt and allow the salt to soak up the red wine. Vacuum it up afterwards and continue with this process to remove the remaining stain. White wine is an effective way of getting rid of red wine stains too, but it can enlarge the stain and saturate the carpet.

   (5)  Test a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet or rug with your chosen cleaning solution before treating the stain to make sure it tolerates the solution well.

   (6)  Use a white cloth to blot this liquid onto the stain. Don't rub it in as you may drive the stain deeper into the carpet/rug. Only use cloths that are white to prevent any bleeding from the cloth into the stain. 

     (7)  When blotting with the cloth, work from the outer edges of the stain in towards the center to minimise spreading the stain.

    (8)  Repeat the process until the stain is removed or no more color is lifted off on the cloth.

    (9)  Blot the area with cold water. Be sure not to make the area too wet as this can cause the carpet or rug to shrink) 

   (10) Then absorb the liquid with clean white towels. Place a book or heavy object over the white towels in order to absorb any excess water. 

   (11)  Allow the area to air dry thoroughly, or use a hair dryer on a cool setting and then go over it with a vacuum cleaner to restore texture and remove any remaining residue.

Now you have removed the drink stains from your floor it’s time for a well earned rest…or maybe a tidy up of the empty and half empty bottles, cans and glasses to prevent any further stains from accidentally happening!

Disclaimer:  Although these tips are tried and tested, they will not remove every drink stain from every rug and carpet. If you are in any doubt then call up a professional carpet cleaner for advice.