Riki's Tips

An expert housekeeper shares her tips on how to keep the perfect home, and how to get through all the natural and unnatural disasters that every household encounters.

Wednesday, 14 April 2010

How to Make A Bed


It’s so easy to leave your bed a mess when you wake up in the morning. After all, you're only going to mess it up again in a matter of hours, so why bother. Making a bed has in fact become one of those chores that few people actually bother with, but a made bed has a dramatic impact on the way a room looks and feels. Find out a few simple steps to make a bed, and make your room appear less cluttered and chaotic.

1. Gather Supplies
Choose bed linens that you find comfortable and attractive. If you like the way a valance makes your room look, then by all means grab your favourite. If you prefer a more minimalist approach, that's fine too. A bed that is made, however simply, is still a major improvement over a mass of pillows.

2. Remove Used Linens
Take off the used linens and put them in the wash. Shake out any mattress pads, pillow protectors, and comforters that don't need to be washed. If you use a valance and it needs to be washed, remove and replace it.

3. Put the Bottom Sheet On
If your bottom sheet is fitted, simply slip the corner pockets onto the ends of the bed and adjust the fitted sheet around the perimeter underneath the mattress pad and mattress. If your bottom sheet is flat, arrange the sheet so that 1 foot of sheet hangs over the edge of the top of your bed. Beginning with the sides of the bed create hospital corners and fold under the mattress and mattress pad. Continue on each side, creasing and folding as you go.

4. Add the Top Sheet
Place the top sheet evenly on the bed, and fold under with hospital corners only at the end of the bed. I like to leave the sides untucked, making it easier to get into the bed, but if it is a guest bed that is only rarely used, or you're a stickler about folding under, you can tuck under the sides as well. Just remember your comforter, quilt, or duvet will likely cover up the little bit of sheet hanging down.

5. Add a Blanket, Comforter, or Duvet
Spread your blanket evenly over the top of the bed, smoothing the edges as you go.

6. Add Pillows
To place pillows under the blanket, fold the top sheet down over the blanket. Place pillows flat on the top sheet at the head of the bed. Fold blanket over the pillows towards the head of the bed, and smooth. Pillows can also be laid upright against the head of the bed. Do what makes the bed have that finished look that you love.

Tips:
1. The more days in a row you make your bed, the faster you'll be at it. Before long, you'll rival the fastest bed makers around.
2. Rotate your pillowcases twice a week, and your bottom sheet once a week. These items get the most wear and tear.
3. Use mattress pads/protectors and pillow protectors to lengthen the time needed between laundering and protect your linens and mattress.

What You Need:
• Valance (optional)
• Bottom Sheet
• Top Sheet
• Comforter, Duvet, Quilt, or Blanket
• Pillowcases
• Mattress Pad/Protector (optional)
• Pillow Protectors (optional)
• Pillows

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

It's Time To Enjoy the Great Outdoors!

Now that winter is almost officially over, and the sun is beginning to break through the clouds, let's get outdoors and enjoy!

March started off frosty, but it seems set to improve with a promise of a glorious spring. We are being drawn outdoors, whether it is to the park or to our own gardens. This weather totally calls for a picnic and with the Easter Holidays coming up we can definitely afford the break!

If you are heading for the outdoors mid-day then be sure to pack along a generous picnic lunch as the fresh air brings on a hearty appetite! Sandwiches are usually the best choice with a filling of either salami or smoke salmon, along with ready washed vegetables and snacks. You don't want to take along anything that can spill or stain so stay away from foods that require ketchup or sauces!

To prevent grass stains you will definitely need to include a rug or blanket in your picnic box. Homelinen has a couple of great blanketd to suit this purpose. However no need to worry if you do happen to get some green on your clothes! We have the perfect tips to get you clean!

1. Place the picnic rug, stain–side down on an absorbent cloth and sponge the back of the stain by rubbing alcohol, replacing the pad underneath as necessary. Test first for colourfastness. For acetate fabrics, dilute the alcohol with 2 parts water. However, do not use alcohol on wool.
2. Rinse well in cold water.
3. If the stain remains, use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain with non-gel toothpaste (preferably containing baking soda). Let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes. If toothpaste is not available, sponge the stain with white vinegar.
4. Rinse well.
5. If the stain remains, repeat steps 1 through 4 until you’ve removed as much stain as possible.
6. Rub the stain with laundry pre-soak (spot stain remover) and let stand for several minutes.
7. Launder with a liquid enzyme detergent.