Simple Steps to Tackling 6 Common Holiday Stains From Cinderella Carpet One

Holiday time can be hard on a home. Houseguests, parties, cooking and baking combined with a busy schedule often result in spills, stains and frustrations. Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo has compiled 6 common holiday stains along with simple cleaning steps to relieve holiday stress.

Holiday stains don’t have to add stress to an already busy schedule. The keys to handling stains with ease are being prepared and responding quickly,” There are a few basic techniques to learn.

Apply: Wet a clean, white (not printed) paper towel with a cleaning solution. Then dampen the carpet with it. Avoid wetting the carpet through to its backing.

·                 

      Blot: Absorb the excess liquid from the carpet by pressing straight down with a clean, dry, white paper towel. Do not rub. Place a half-inch thick pad of clean, dry, white paper towels with a weight on top and leave overnight if necessary.

·                

            Scrape: Gently scratch the soiled area with the blunt edge of a spoon. Scrape from the outside edge of the spot toward the center.

Putting together a holiday stain “emergency kit” before the holidays begin can also help relieve some stress when accidents happen. A good “emergency kit” should include.

·         White Vinegar

·         Baking Soda

·         Unprinted White Paper Towels

·         Clear Dish Washing Detergent – Mix 1/2 teaspoon detergent with one cup of warm (not hot) water when you need it.

·         A Laundry Pre-soak Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon enzyme laundry detergent with one cup of water before using.

·         A Dry Powder Carpet Cleaner.

·         Dry Cleaning Solvent: Non-oily, non-caustic type sold as spot removal for garments. Caution: May be flammable.

With the techniques and tools ready, a holiday stain is easier to handle. The steps below cover 6 of the most common holiday household stains that occur all over the house.

1. White Glue. Kids’ craft projects make great gifts. When the glue ends up on the floor instead of the project, first scrape or blot up excess spill. Then apply the detergent solution using a damp towel. Blot the stain - don't rub. Next, apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel and blot again. Apply water with a damp sponge. Blot again and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

2. Lipstick. In a hurry to get ready for a party, the lipstick gets dropped on the carpet. Start by scraping or blotting up the excess spill. Apply the detergent solution using a damp towel and leave 3-5 minutes. Blot and apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Apply water with damp sponge. Blot again and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

3. Candle Wax. Candles make any holiday celebration a little more festive. When the wax drips on the carpet, first scrape off excess wax. Cover the stain with brown paper and apply a warm iron until remaining wax is absorbed. Be sure paper is large enough to cover the stained area. Take care never to touch the iron to the carpet as the fiber might melt. Change paper or rotate to clean area and repeat until all material is absorbed.

You can also try scraping the spill and then freezing it with ice cubes. Shatter the frozen wax with a blunt object like the back of a large spoon. Vacuum chips away before they melt.

4. Red Wine. Instead of limiting your guests to clear beverages, be ready with these steps. Blot up excess spill as quickly as possible. Apply the detergent solution using damp towel and leave 3-5 minutes. Blot and apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

5. Cooking Oil.  Holiday cooking projects are fun for the whole family. A greasy stain should ruin the fun. First apply a dry cleaning solvent, using a dampened towel.  Blot the stain, as rubbing will embed it further.  Then repeat these steps, first applying a solvent and then blotting.  Lastly, apply water with a dampened towel and blot-finish with a weighted pad of towels.

6. Chocolate. Holiday candies are an indulgent treat but when one gets dropped, it can cause a big mess. First, finish your remaining treat, and then scrape up excess spill. Apply detergent solution using a damp towel and blot. Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel, blot and apply water with a damp sponge. Blot and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

If after the holidays these stain removal tips just won’t take out the stains, come in to our showroom in Salinas or San Luis Obispo and we can find you some new flooring to start out the New Year!

Simple Steps to Tackling 6 Common Holiday Stains

Holiday time can be hard on a home. Houseguests, parties, cooking and baking combined with a busy schedule often result in spills, stains and frustrations. Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo has compiled 6 common holiday stains along with simple cleaning steps to relieve holiday stress.

Holiday stains don’t have to add stress to an already busy schedule. The keys to handling stains with ease are being prepared and responding quickly,” There are a few basic techniques to learn.

Apply: Wet a clean, white (not printed) paper towel with a cleaning solution. Then dampen the carpet with it. Avoid wetting the carpet through to its backing.

·       

      Blot: Absorb the excess liquid from the carpet by pressing straight down with a clean, dry, white paper towel. Do not rub. Place a half-inch thick pad of clean, dry, white paper towels with a weight on top and leave overnight if necessary.

·       

      Scrape: Gently scratch the soiled area with the blunt edge of a spoon. Scrape from the outside edge of the spot toward the center.

Putting together a holiday stain “emergency kit” before the holidays begin can also help relieve some stress when accidents happen. A good “emergency kit” should include.

·       

    White Vinegar

·      Baking Soda

·      Unprinted White Paper Towels

·      Clear Dish Washing Detergent – Mix 1/2 teaspoon detergent with one cup of warm (not hot) water when you need it.

·      A Laundry Pre-soak Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon enzyme laundry detergent with one cup of water before using.

·      A Dry Powder Carpet Cleaner.

·      Dry Cleaning Solvent: Non-oily, non-caustic type sold as spot removal for garments. Caution: May be flammable.

With the techniques and tools ready, a holiday stain is easier to handle. The steps below cover 6 of the most common holiday household stains that occur all over the house.

1. White Glue. Kids’ craft projects make great gifts. When the glue ends up on the floor instead of the project, first scrape or blot up excess spill. Then apply the detergent solution using a damp towel. Blot the stain - don't rub. Next, apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel and blot again. Apply water with a damp sponge. Blot again and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

2. Lipstick. In a hurry to get ready for a party, the lipstick gets dropped on the carpet. Start by scraping or blotting up the excess spill. Apply the detergent solution using a damp towel and leave 3-5 minutes. Blot and apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Apply water with damp sponge. Blot again and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

3. Candle Wax. Candles make any holiday celebration a little more festive. When the wax drips on the carpet, first scrape off excess wax. Cover the stain with brown paper and apply a warm iron until remaining wax is absorbed. Be sure paper is large enough to cover the stained area. Take care never to touch the iron to the carpet as the fiber might melt. Change paper or rotate to clean area and repeat until all material is absorbed.  You can also try scraping the spill and then freezing it with ice cubes. Shatter the frozen wax with a blunt object like the back of a large spoon. Vacuum chips away before they melt.

4. Red Wine. Instead of limiting your guests to clear beverages, be ready with these steps. Blot up excess spill as quickly as possible. Apply the detergent solution using damp towel and leave 3-5 minutes. Blot and apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

5. Cooking Oil.  Holiday cooking projects are fun for the whole family. A greasy stain should ruin the fun. First apply a dry cleaning solvent, using a dampened towel.  Blot the stain, as rubbing will embed it further.  Then repeat these steps, first applying a solvent and then blotting.  Lastly, apply water with a dampened towel and blot-finish with a weighted pad of towels.

6. Chocolate. Holiday candies are an indulgent treat but when one gets dropped, it can cause a big mess. First, finish your remaining treat, and then scrape up excess spill. Apply detergent solution using a damp towel and blot. Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel, blot and apply water with a damp sponge. Blot and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

If after the holidays these stain removal tips just won’t take out the stains, come in to our showroom in Salinas or San LuisObispo and we can find you some new flooring to start out the New Year!

FESTIVE HOLIDAY DÉCOR IDEAS

Looking for new ways to deck the Halls?  Set the mood with these fresh Christmas decorating ideas from Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo.

It’s that time of the year – friends are gathering, family is arriving, the food is cooking, the presents are stacking and you are hosting a highly anticipated holiday event. It’s the one time of the year where everyone clears their schedules and gathers together. 
 Much like interior decorating, we suggest planning your holiday décor in advance. Decorating for the holidays goes beyond just dressing your tree and hanging the lights. It also means setting your holiday table, decorating your entrance and creating a festive atmosphere around your house.  Prepare yourself for the amount of guests, the length of their stay and how many events you’ll be hosting. If you’re not hosting but rather attending, you still want to make your home look and feel festive. The same principles apply to decorating your home day-to-day as they do to decorating your home for the holidays. The most important rule of design is consistency. Allow your holiday décor to reflect a new season and embrace the spirit of the holidays.

Start with a theme. Usually, I would say to stay away from any themed décor however, when it comes to the holidays I say, “Go wild!” Generally there is an excitement when it comes to the holidays and when entertaining I like to bring that excitement out in the small details. For lavish touches, what screams luxury more than glitzy gold or shimmering silver? You can add silver-rimmed wine or champagne glasses accompanied with gold leaf plates at the dinner table. Want to try a new spin on traditional hues? You can incorporate royal jewel tones like emerald green and deep amethyst with silver accents and create your own classic design. You can use one color to make a statement or create a holiday focal point.  However, if it’s fresh and modern décor you’re ready to implement, 
 try black and white highlighted with crystal accessories or gold finishes. Incorporate things that are simple with something somewhat special. It could be your grandmother’s antique china mixed in with modern flatware, or historic family ornaments decorated in new apothecary glass vases. 

When it comes to tabletop décor, a real statement comes from adding volume and height with various vignettes. If you want to leave your dining table strictly for tableware then decorate around the room or on the buffet table. You can add one large centerpiece in the middle and several smaller ones around the room or across the table. While flowers are typically thought of as common centerpieces, we like to add contemporary details to our centerpieces. 
For a less dressy table gather your favorite ornaments in colors that complement your décor, and mix with pine cones or pods into bowls. 

For a stunning mantel display hang a fresh evergreen wreath and then gather items from around your home that coordinate with each other and create a vignette and fill in with fresh holly or white pine.  Add favorite ornaments or safely place candles for a warm glow to complete the display.

Whether it’s Christmas, Chanukah or New Year’s Eve – be sure to deck your halls, dress your mantle, accessorize your tree, and set your tabletop.

Give the gift that’s guaranteed to last a lifetime – A new floor from Cinderella Carpet One.  Merry Christmas from Cinderella Carpet One and remember to shop local this Holiday season and save! 

Finalizing Your Thanksgiving Preparations

Are you finalizing your plans for this year’s Thanksgiving celebration?  Perhaps you’re hosting this year and aren’t exactly sure how to begin the preparation.  Here are a few helpful tips from Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo for all of you Thanksgiving hosts out there to keep the holiday stress-free and smooth sailing.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all.  Let your guests bring their favorite side dish that way, you don’t have to slave away in the It’s nice to have guests share and enjoy their traditional dish at your table – just like the Pilgrims!

Decorations: Make it fun for everyone—have some craft time with the kids where they can create the decorations.  You could do the classic Turkey by tracing their hands and then have them decorate the turkey.  Create a festive atmosphere with these cute Thanksgiving decorations.

Be prepared and plan ahead. Start cooking dishes or prepping them the day before.  This will make Thursday go by much more smoothly and it allows you more freedom to mingle with family and friends.

•Menu in hand, think about what order you need to cook what dish on Thanksgiving Day. Can you make your pies the day before? Your bread? Think it out & if it helps you, write down a "cooking schedule."

•Bake your pies on Wednesday. If you prepared and froze your pie crusts, take them out of the freezer and thaw them first. Cover & refrigerate the finished pies.

•Set the table on Wednesday, if you haven't already. You can cover it with a clean sheet to protect it from dust.

•Make your salad; cut up veggies for a relish tray if you haven't already. If you're making any gelatin molds, make them a day ahead and refrigerate.

•Check your grocery list one last time to make sure you aren't missing anything. Stores are usually closed all or most of the day on Thanksgiving.

Things to do after Thanksgiving Dinner. There’s nothing wrong with just sitting around and talking.  Some may find, though, that the more restless of their relatives may need some activities to get them talking and sharing and opening up. 

•Reinvent “game day”.  Post dinner; fight the tryptophan sleep urge with a round of old-school parlor pursuits – from charades to Old Maid.

•Go for a walk. I know simple, but sometimes we forget the simple things. Is there a child or spouse you have not spent much time with lately in all the flurry of activity? Invite them along and talk about the dinner or the day or even swap Christmas lists or wishes.

•Pick a movie to go see in the theater. This is a great way to unwind after a long week, and face it; the cook probably needs some time off her/his feet!

•Play touch football. I think this activity is even more fun for those of us who are not usually coordinated or sporty. Anyone can toss a football a couple of feet and run and there is little danger of injury if you stick to the “touch not tackle” rule.

It’s Thanksgiving, so enjoy the day with your loved ones because whatever you do, will be time well spent!  Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Cinderella Carpet One.

I bet you didn’t know that Martha Stewart put Cork flooring in her kitchen?

Yes, she did and it was a member of the Carpet One family that was able to help her choose and install her new cork flooring.  Watch a segment of the Martha Stewart Show, as she shares information and tips on cork flooring as a sustainable/green design alternative.

Cork flooring isn’t a new concept.  These floors have been used in the U.S. since the turn of the century.  Recently, the appeal of green or environmentally friendly products has prompted a renewed interest in cork flooring for the home. 

Best For: Traditionally, it’s been used in libraries and churches for noise control but now you see it everywhere.  It is especially good for kitchens, family rooms, living rooms. 

Benefits:

Comfort & Softness:  The air trapped inside the cellular structure of cork provides a natural shock-absorbing feel to the floor.  It’s great for applications where you are standing a lot providing relief for your feet, back and legs.

Beauty:

Cork has a natural beauty rivaled by few other natural materials. It comes in many colors and different manufacturers provide various tile shapes and patterns as well.

Noise Reduction:

The same structure that makes cork so comfortable also reduces noise and vibration.  Unlike hard surfaces like tile and wood, cork is quiet and reduces impact noise.

Healthy and safe:

Cork has natural properties that are anti-allergenic and resistant to insects.  Cork is naturally resistant to rot and fire and it has natural properties that are anti-allergenic and resistant to insects. 

Helping protect the environment is everyone’s business and at Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo we offer products that help make our environment cleaner, greener and healthier.  Visit us today at our showroom at 6 Rossi Circle in Salinas and we will introduce you to our Montado Cork flooring made from a naturally sustainable resource.

TIPS FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN

Halloween is just around the corner so I thought I would give you some tips for making Halloween a little more eco-friendly.  Because to me needless waste is a lot scarier than ghosts and goblins!  Halloween is a great holiday but with all the individually wrapped candy and one-time-use costumes, Halloween can also be a very wasteful holiday.  Read on and I’ll show you how to instill a splash of green with the orange and black.

Make your own costumes.  Use your creativity and make use of all the extra fabric, cardboard, paint and old toys you have laying around the house to make your costume.  Try and avoid buying plastic masks and other costume accessories because they aren’t able to be recycled.  People love homemade costumes because you will always be one-of-a –kind.

Swap costumes.  If you just have to have that pre-made costume consider having a pre-Halloween costume swap with your friends.  You’ll feel like you have on a new costume every year!  If you don’t want to swap costumes, make sure you donate it to a local charity.  Whatever you do, don’t throw it away.

Green up your treats.  When the kids come knocking at your door try to have a great treat available but try to avoid individually wrapped candy.  If the parents in your neighborhood don’t let their kids eat home-baked items then at least make sure to hand out healthier treats.  Check out Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods for some organic options.

Use natural decorations.  Use whatever you can find in nature to decorate your home.  Autumn is a great time to incorporate brightly colored leaves, pumpkins and fancy gourds or even make your own Halloween inspired door wreath.  If you don’t want to use outdoor materials for decorations, forego using plastic premade items and make your own decorations using recyclable materials like cardboard, newspaper or recycled plastic.

Skip the store-bought orange pumpkin candy bucket.  Go old school and collect your candy in a pillowcase or a wicker basket.

LED the way.  How about using LED lights to light the path to your front door for those little trick-or-treaters. 

Eat those pumpkin seeds.  When you and your family are carving those pumpkins, don’t toss away the seeds.  They are filled with zinc and iron – not to mention being absolutely delicious.  I’ve included a great roasting recipe.  Try it!

Party like an eco-star.  If you are planning to throw a Halloween bash this year, make sure you provide recycling containers to dispose of bottles and cans.  Also, make sure you buy party cups/plates/napkins/cutlery made from recycled or sustainable materials.

Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo wish you a ghoulishly green and delightful Halloween that is a little less crushing on the environment.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOUR “FIFTH WALL"

If you are like most people, you wish you had more room in your home. You wish you had more space for storage, an extra chair, or cute knick-knacks sitting around the house.  But have you ever thought “out of the box”—the box of seeing only 4 walls?  It’s often called the "fifth wall" and how you decorate it will have a remarkable effect on what you do with the rest of the room.  I’m talking about the Floor!

All floor space takes on specific shapes, patterns and sizes and can be utilized in many other ways than just for walking.  Check out the following advice from Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas for making the most of your floor space.

Choose the right furniture:  Tables, specifically dining room tables, do not have to be huge, stealing valuable space from your floor space, especially if you don’t use it on a regular basis. Purchase compact dining sets that tuck into themselves, saving you flooring space. The same goes for furniture. Select pieces that fit the contours of the room and seat a reasonable number of people. Multi-use furniture, such as a sleep couch, is also a good idea.

Make use of corner space:  People have a tendency to not use the corners of their home. They figure nothing can fit there, right? Think again. When wall space is at a premium, making use of the space where a wall and carpet meet is important. Corner cabinets that match your flooring are ideal for storage as are desks to use for a workspace.

Underneath Storage:  The space between the floor and the bottom of your bed is typically large and only gathering dust. Use this flooring space for storage. You can place things in boxes or purchase small storage units.

Fashionable Storage: Remember that although it’s nice to have floor space, certain rooms don’t need as much. Purchasing baskets or moving storage carts can be placed in various areas around the home for additional storage.

As you are considering your floor space, you should also think about the quality of your floorcovering.  I’m talking about your floor and what you choose to use as your flooring is important, in looks, affordability and wear.  This will give your room more depth and will enhance the total design appeal of your space.

An amazing area rug can entirely change the design of a room.  It can serve as a great foundation for the colors and textures of the furniture.

Changing up the colors and patterns of your tile floor can make the floor an interesting part of the room.  And, like tile, hardwood can be laid out in a way that creates a more appealing design than merely laying down wood in a straight line.  A great wooden pattern can bring depth and character to the floor.

A stone floor is really a cool choice for your floor. It can bring elements of nature into your home, which you can build around, for a great look.

A marble floor is another great option to surprise the eye.  You can really make the entryway of a home truly stand out and use the floor as art space!

Cinderella Carpet One has been serving the Tri-County area since 1947.  We specialize in tile, carpet, hardwood, vinyl and laminate flooring, with the best array of products to choose from and a history you can count on.  Contact Cinderella Carpet One to help you maximize your “Fifth Wall”. 

WELCOME A CURE – CINDERELLA CARPET ONE WELCOMES YOUR SUPPORT

 

Since October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought it was a perfect time to discuss our involvement in raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

In 2011, the American Cancer Society estimated that about 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosis among women in the United States.  The good news is that more and more women are beating breast cancer because of research into cancer’s causes and treatments. 

Because support for breast cancer research is so essential to eradicating the disease, Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas has made a commitment to contribute funds through our Carpet One Floor & Home Welcomes Your Support campaign. 

First launched in fall 2004, the campaign raises funds for breast cancer research through sales of exclusively designed pink ribbon welcome mats.

Pink ribbon welcome mats are available year-round at Carpet One Floor & Home stores and at Facebook.com/Carpetone.

Carpet One stores in the U.S. will contribute 25% of sales of these exclusive pink ribbon welcome mats towards The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Since 2004 Carpet One Floor & Home has donated more than $850,000 for breast cancer research & awareness.

Consumers can help raise awareness and funds for the breast cancer cause by purchasing specially designed welcome mats, featuring the colors and themes of the season.  Each mat is emblazoned with a pink ribbon, the internationally recognized symbol for breast cancer awareness.  For more information regarding the Breast Cancer Research Foundation visit www.bcrfcure.org or call 866-FIND-A-CURE.

If you have questions about the program or would like to order a welcome mat please contact us online or call us at 831-422-7738.

ARE YOU SELLING A HOME AND NEED NEW FLOORING?

Quick, cost effective upgrades before selling a home always pays off, but which repairs bring the biggest return? 

In many neighborhoods, most of the homes are older which means the floors are original which means they might have carpeting over hardwood.   Carpeting became popular in the 1960’s after it became too expensive to install hardwood.  Some homes today still sport the 1960’s shag carpeting.  So, if you are selling your home, low on budget and need a quick fix, there are some ways you can do it without making it look cheap.

Hardwood Floors 
If your home has hardwood floors, that's what buyers want, and it would pay to have the carpeting removed and the floors refinished.

Carpeting 
If your sub-floor is plywood, then replace the carpeting with light tan. Neutral carpeting is your best bet for resale.

Ceramic 
Replace chipped or cracked tiles. Clean or replace the grout. But don't install ceramic (it's too expensive) unless it's for aesthetic reasons in an entryway.

What you’re looking for are discounted floors that have been reduced in price but still look good.  For example, flooring manufacturers are always producing different lines of flooring, different colors, different finishes and some floors just aren’t as popular as they originally thought.  These types of floors won’t sit in the warehouse too long before they are liquidated.

Depending on the amount of flooring you need, you can sometimes pick up flooring at a great price that has been placed in the “odd lot” inventory.  This means there is a limited supply or it has been discontinued. 

You can also choose “seconds” to complete a room.  These floors might have a minor defect that you don’t event notice.  There might be a slight blemish in the finish; the color might be a little off or some other minor issue.  With these small imperfections the cost of the flooring will be greatly reduced.

Your local flooring retailer like Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas very often has supplies of flooring that can be used to upgrade your home before it goes on the market.  So, if your home has been on the market for a while and you’re looking for some information to sell your home more quickly, try installing a new floor.  It may tip someone in your direction.  Contact Cinderella today for your Free In-Home Measurement. Also, don’t forget to see what’s on sale this month.  It might just be what your looking for!