See this month's feature here. - George Herald

George Herald
Thursday 16 May, 2013
25
GO101902_PM

George Herald
26 Donderdag 16 Mei, 2013
Take care of your couch
If well looked after, a lounge suite is an investment
that can last for decades. Considering
the cost of buying a new suite, it is
worth taking special care of your furniture.
Reuben Grimsell from Gommagomma
recommends: “Gommagomma’s furniture
which is manufactured from durable, hardwearing
materials, however, certain materials
and colours are easier to clean than
others, so it is important to first consider
your lifestyle before you buy a lounge suite.
Cream upholstery, for example, is not the
ideal choice for a family with small children -
in this case, it is far more practical to opt for
faux leather that can be wiped down with
a cloth.”
Grimsell provides the following 10 handy
tips on how to prolong the beauty and life of
your much-loved sofa:
PREVENTION IS BETTER
THAN CURE
“Although good furniture is resilient, use
common sense to keep your furniture
looking good,” says Grimsell. “Don’t allow
shoes, pets, sharp items or eating on your
couch. If a TV dinner is part of your family
life - use trays. Don’t feed a baby on your
couch or let the kids do arts and crafts on it
either. Remember - it takes a lot more effort
to clean a sofa than to keep it clean.”
DUST BUST
Although it is not as visible as it is on your
windowsills, for example, dust does settle
onto your upholstered furniture too. “In order
to extend your furniture’s life, I recommend
that you vacuum or dust the upholstery
every time you clean the rest of your
home. The more often it gets vacuumed,
the cleaner it will be and the better it will
look,” adds Grimsell.
THE RIGHT DETERGENTS
Each material will have its own care instructions
which need to be carefully followed.
Says Grimsell: “Use a clean, dry cloth to immediately
soak up any spillages. Note that
before you use any cleaning chemicals, it
is recommended that you first consult with
your furniture supplier or an upholstery
cleaning specialist, as using the wrong detergent
could actually end up worsening an
existing stain.”
INVISIBLE PROTECTION
For optimum upholstery, why not treat your
suite with Masterguard, or one of its generic
counterparts? These treatments comprise
an invisible coat that can be applied to all
upholstered furniture and even to curtains.
It protects fabric by repelling water and
stains. It lasts for approximately five washes
and, thereafter, it can be reapplied. “Ask
your furniture store if you can get the fabric
upholstery on your sofa treated before you
take it home. It costs a little extra, but it will
add years to your sofa’s life,” urges Grimsell.
AVOID SUNSTROKE
“Most creatures love baking under the African
sun, but your lounge suite does not fall
into this category,” warns Grimsell. “Direct
sun and even bright light can cause furniture
to fade. Prevent this by either rotating
the various pieces of your lounge suite to
minimise their exposure to the sun, or alternatively,
keep them away from any window
that lets in harsh sunlight.
There are many ways to arrange furniture
in a room and it doesn’t need to be placed
right against walls or windows. By leaving a
gap between the back of a couch and wall,
you create a walkway and, with the furniture
closer together, the room with feel cosier.
Grimsell says that if the layout of the room
does not allow you much flexibility to move
furniture around, you can close the curtains
during the day when you are not at home.
He notes that Venetian blinds or louvre
shutters are also very useful options as
they can be angled so that they let some
light into your home’s interiors, while simultaneously
minimising the amount of direct
sunlight that streams in.
NOT A JUNGLE GYM
Your lounge suite is a treasured investment
and it should be treated as such, says
Grimsell: “Do not let your children jump on
the couch as if it is a jungle gym and don’t
let anybody sit on the arms of furniture - it
puts extra strain on the structure and upholstery
of the seating and it will eventually
lead to your sofa losing its shape.”
UPHOLSTERY THAT LASTS
For maximum durability, choose strong,
long-lasting upholstery for your lounge
suite. “Generally speaking, woven patterns
hold up longer than printed ones, as do
higher thread counts. Thread count refers
to the number of threads per square metre
of fabric - the denser the fabric, the longer
it lasts. To ensure maximum durability,
even in high-traffic areas, Gommagomma
uses polyester chenille and microfibers
for upholstered items, which look and feel
luxurious, while still remaining exceptionally
hardwearing.
Keep the shape of cushions and seating
looking good by reshaping it to its original
form from time to time - you can do this by
using your hands to push microfibers into
place,” explains Grimsell.
WONDERFUL WOOD
If your furniture has wooden detailing, it is
essential that you keep it looking rich and
inviting. Be careful when you clean this,
as rough cleaning can stain the suite’s upholstery.
To negate this issue, Gommagomma’s
show-wood surfaces have all been
specially treated for maximum longevity
and simply need to be dusted or wiped with
a clean, damp cloth.
“There is no need to use wood polish or
sprays to keep Gommagomma’s wooden
finishes looking shiny and new,” states
Grimsell.
FANTASTICALLY FAUX
If you are really set on investing in a leather
lounge suite, but it’s just not within your
budget - why not choose a lounge suite
upholstered in faux leather? Faux leather
looks incredibly similar to real leather, it is
a much more affordable option and it is an
animal-friendly alternative to boot. Faux
leather comes in many forms and some are
better than others, explains Grimsell:
“There are two main types of faux leather
- namely, PVC and any material that starts
with ‘poly’ - most notably polyurethane and
polyamide microfibre. Gommagomma, for
example, uses PVC (poly vinyl chloride)
and PU (polyurethane) as an affordable
alternative to genuine leather. It can be
washed with mild soap and water. Strong
detergents and perspiration cause deterioration.”
If you can’t buy leather for reasons of personal
ethics or your personal budget, make
sure you know what type of faux leather
you’re purchasing, as Grimsell warns that
some options are better than others: “Generally
speaking, the poly-type materials are
easier to care for, more environmentally
friendly and more breathable, while PVC is
more difficult to clean and doesn’t breathe
as well.”
He says that the other benefits of faux leather
include the fact that it can be produced in
virtually any colour or texture, it is very durable,
a high-gloss finish can be achieved and
it requires very little maintenance.
MOVING MATTERS
“Furniture can easily get damaged when
moving,” cautions Grimsell. “You can prevent
this by lifting a sofa from its base, instead
of carrying it by the arms. It is also
advisable to wrap each furniture piece individually
in a blanket or bubble wrap and to
secure it so that it can’t move around in the
truck. Remember not to stack heavy items
against or on top of any of the seating, as
the upholstery could get damaged or the
cushions could lose their shape.
Get professional movers to help you if you
are making a big move. The initial cost may
be higher, but not as high as replacing your
furniture.”
Visit www.gomma.co.za or phone
032 439 3500 (ask for sales) to find a
Gommagomma retailer closest to you.

George Herald
Thursday 16 May, 2013
27
Be inspired by Velvet Home and Living
ADVERTORIAL
When you visit Velvet Home
and Living, to say you’ll be
bowled over is an understatement!
The shop - a vast display area of 2 000m² is
an absolute gem, with a plethora of modern
classic and country inspired furniture showcased
in individual room settings.
The owners, Frank and Sue Bartman and
Bianca Martinovic, have 18 years experience
in home furnishing and it is clear that
they are passionate about what they do.
They are always abuzz with new ideas.
Sourcing from factories and crafter’s around
the globe, they look for new and unique
pieces. It’s obvious they have a clear sense
and understanding of their discerning clientele
and deliver a product of inherent value
and beauty, says Martinovic.
With an eye for fine detail and functionality,
they feel comfort is essential to satisfaction
and ensure every piece they commission is
practical, stylish and above all comfortable.
The look and feel is pared down luxury at its
best. You will be enthralled with the selection
of timeless and inviting furniture, from
“kick your feet up” slipcover sofas in soft
natural linens to all-weather outdoor furniture.
If you are looking for stylish dining tables
and chairs, the selection is gorgeous. From
reclaimed Chinese elm wood to oak, ash
and teak.
“We know that furniture has to remain practical
and robust enough to withstand everyday
living, so I always keep this in mind on
my fabulous buying trips,” says Martinovic.
“We love re-claimed wood and the beauty
of this is that you don’t have to be over particular,
any blemish you may add will only
enhance the inherent beauty of the piece.”
One visit and you are destined to become a
regular. Instantly charmed and swept away
by their French café music, soft lighting and
a lingering subtle scent of lemon grass... it
is retail therapy from heaven and an absolutely
must see in George!
Joubert Plaza 2, at the corner of Market
The team from Velvet Home and Living front from left: Barrines, Georgina, Jules, Bianca,
Sue, Annelize and Simone. Back Row: Sam, Gerome, Vusumzi, Frank, Fernando, Erick and
Siyabonga.
and Meade Streets, is the host of this hidden gem who have been trading for the past
seven years.
The Velvet team can be contacted on 044 873 0385 or e-mail Bianca at bianca@velvethomeandliving.com.
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George Herald
28 Donderdag 16 Mei, 2013
Quick and easy laundry
Doing the laundry can be a real drag - that
is, of course, unless you have the right appliances
to make it as trouble-free as possible.
Liam Gawne from Miele offers some
pointers on what consumers should look for
when investing in a washing machine and
tumble dryer.
WHEN BUYING A WASHING
MACHINE
“When investing in a washing machine,
there are several key concepts that you
need to consider - these include the amount
of washing you do and the type of laundry
you wash, which will affect the machine’s
capacity and the wash programmes you require;
how you dry your clothes, which will
affect the spin speed you choose; the level
of performance you require, which will be influenced
by the added features the machine
offers, as well as environment considerations
and energy efficiency,” says Liam.
Spin speed: The faster the washing
machine’s drum spins, the more water will
be extracted from the washed clothes. If
you regularly use a tumble dryer to dry your
laundry, then it is very worthwhile investing
in a washing machine with a high spin speed
as your laundry dries much quicker. Miele’s
range of washing machines, for example,
offers spin speeds of up to 1 600 revolutions
per minute (rpm).
“The dryer the clothes come out of the
washing machine, the less time they will
need in the tumble drier, which in turn will
dramatically reduce the energy consumption
required to dry the laundry.”
Capacity: The bigger the washing machine’s
capacity, the fewer washes you will
need to do every week. It also allows you
to wash big items like duvets and sleeping
bags, for example. A washing machine’s
capacity is measured in kilograms of dry
clothes and they traditionally range from
between 5kg and 10kg. Miele’s washing
machines range between 6kg, which is the
ideal size for a small family, and 8kg, which
is recommended for larger families and big
items.
Energy efficiency: Washing machines
are all graded in terms of how energy efficient
they are on a scale from A to G, with
A being the most efficient. Energy efficient
washing machines use the least amount of
electricity possible and they cut water consumption
considerably. Although energy efficient
models may cost a little more from the
outset - their energy efficiency means that
they pay themselves off a number of times
during their life cycle.
Liam says all Miele’s washing machines
typically achieve consumption levels 20 per
cent lower than required fro an A-rating giving
them all a minimum of an A+-rating.” He
notes that it is also important that a machine
boasts an eco-programme for lightly soiled
laundry: “Colder washes mean less electricity
is used - for example a 20°C wash is 75
per cent more energy efficient than that of a
60°C wash.
Other useful features include an EcoFeedback
function that shows you projected
consumption figures in the display so you
can actually see which programmes use
the least electricity and water as well as a
delay start functionality, which allows you to
programme the washing machine to turn on
when electricity is not in high demand.
Laundry care: The various wash programmes
offered by a washing machine will
go a long way to ensure that your laundry is
well maintained. Says Liam: “Gentle laundry
care tailored to the needs of specific textiles
is achieved in Miele washing machines
through a broad range of programmes. All
you need to do is to simply select an appropriate
programme from the plethora of options
and leave the thinking to the machine
for a perfect wash result every time.”
Miele’s washing machines offer the following
programmes:
Cottons, minimum iron, delicates
Woollens, hygiene, express 20
Freshen up, automatic plus, shirts
Denim, dark garments, drain/spin
Steam care, sportswear, trainers
Outerwear, proofing, soft toys
First wash, silks, pillows, curtains
Separate rinse, starch, eco, home XL
Hygiene and kids, medic, nursery
Beat to the drum: It is important to take
a look inside a washing machine before
making your purchase as the design and
shape of the drum will ultimately influence
the effectiveness of any machine. Liam explains:
“Miele’s legendary honeycomb drum
for example, continues to underline Miele’s
outstanding position in the field of laundry
care. Its unique sculptured pattern reduces
the mechanical strain on laundry, compared
with conventional drum designs, thereby ensuring
the gentlest and most effective fabric
care possible.”
WHEN BUYING A NEW
TUMBLE DRYER
It is not always possible to hang your washing
out to dry and this can pose a serious
problem if you are a busy household or you
don’t have a garden. Tumble dryers are the
obvious solution - they dry your laundry,
leaving it feeling soft and fluffy and they also
seriously reduce the need for ironing. However,
Liam explains that, as with washing
machines, with tumble dryers there are also
some very important considerations that you
need to think about before you make your
final purchase decision - these include:
Capacity: As a rule of thumb, the size
of your tumble dryer should be in line with
the size of your washing machine. Liam explains:
“The laundry load will be removed
from your washing machine and placed
directly into you tumble dryer. As such, the
tumble dryer will need to accommodate the
same load size as your washing machine.”
Energy efficiency: traditional condenser
versus heat pump dryers: Tumble dryers
have traditionally been known to be electricity
guzzlers, but modern tumble dryers
have become considerably more energy
efficient over the years. The most energy efficient
types of tumble dryers on the market
today are heat pump condenser dryers.
Liam notes the difference between the
two: “Traditional condenser dryers function
through the process of heating the laundry
and collecting the condensation. They are
relatively energy efficient, but not as efficient
as heat pump dryers as they use an element
to produce heat. Compared to a comparable
condenser dryer, heat pump dryers can
save as much as 50 per cent of energy consumed.
This equates to 40 per cent more
energy saved than required by an A-rated
model. Heat pump dryers also function by
means of condensation but use technology
more similar to a refrigerator but in reverse,
they recover heat energy from processed
air, as well as the residual heat from the drying
process, which makes them incredibly
efficient.”
Both types of dryers boast a container
where the water that is separated from the
moist air is contained. This container can
either be manually emptied after the drying
cycle, or an integral pump can be installed to
automatically pump it away.
Take a look inside: Like the washing
machine, the drum is an essential part
of the drying process, says Liam: “Tumble
dryers tend to have larger drums compared
to washing machines, because the larger
the drum, the better the efficiency of hot air
flow through the machine, which ultimately
results in faster drying times.
Allowing fabrics to tumble freely also means
less creasing and, ultimately, less ironing
which is always a bonus. The best quality
machines should have stainless steel
drums such as Miele’s honeycomb drum for
example, which boasts a smooth finish so
that fabrics don’t get caught or snagged.”
Something extra: Generally speaking,
Liam says that the less expensive tumble
dryers boast very few programmes, usually
around three or four. “High-end dryers on
the other hand offer the conclusion to a holistic
laundry solution – finishing off what the
washing machine started. As such, the better
quality tumble dryers offer a range of programmes
for the ultimate in laundry care.”
He says that higher-end models also boast
silent operation: “Sound operating models
on all Miele’s tumble dryers, for example,
are exceptionally low.”
Miele’s tumble dryers offer the following
programmes:
Cottons, minimum iron, delicates
Automatic plus, shirts, denim, woollens,
silks
Express, outerwear, sportswear,
Standard pillows, large pillows
Timed drying warm air, timed drying cool
air
Drying basket programme warm air
Visit our Facebook page to view the current promotion valid from
01-31 May 2013 / www.facebook.com/ontapsa.
Low temperature option for cottons
and minimum iron
DURABILITY AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
It is important to consider how long your
washing machine or tumble dryer will last
for, as the longer it lasts, the more bang
you will be getting for your buck and the
lower its ultimate carbon footprint will be -
meaning it is a ‘greener’ choice, explains
Liam.
“All Miele’s products are designed, manufactured
and tested to last for a minimum
of 20 years. When compared to the average
7 year lifecycle of most appliances,
this means that although Miele appliances
might cost you a bit more initially,
when you consider the fact that they will
offer superlative performance for 20+
years - the reality is, that they will end
up saving you money in the long run. So
choose a well respected brand - one that
you can trust and that has earned a reputation
for offering both supreme durability,
as well as excellent quality and functionality.”
Kloppers George situated in the Pacaltsdorp
Industrial area is the only agent in
the Garden Route that stock Miele products.
Singing
in the rain.
You could go for a massage, buy a stress ball
or relaxation device of some description, or you
could just go home to something magnificent.
We prefer the latter.

George Herald
Thursday 16 May, 2013
29
What to do in your garden in May!
May is a wonderful month in the garden and
as the cold winter days approach, gardens
in frosty regions revel in brilliant displays of
berries and the autumn foliage of deciduous
trees and shrubs.
In the subtropical regions colour is provided
by flaming poinsettias, strelitzia, bougainvillea,
red-hot pokers and tabebuia and in
the winter rainfall regions the roses will be
bursting into bloom.
If your garden always looks dull at this time
of the year, visit your local garden centre
to select some late summer and autumn
beauties to plant in your garden; these will
be well established by next autumn and reward
you with their bountiful displays.
Remember that as the weather cools down
germination of seeds will be slower and in
very cold regions it may be prudent to buy
established seedlings of slower growing
varieties of winter flowers to plant out, so
visit your local garden centre to select your
winter favourites.
Nip out the first flowers on pansy and poppy
plants to encourage bushy, strong growth
and feed your sweet peas every two weeks
with organic 3:1:5.
Tie taller growing sweet peas to a framework
or trellis for support and remove any
unnecessary tendrils and side shoots to
ensure strong and healthy plants that will
provide you with an abundance of flowers
in spring.
Fast maturing annuals like bokbaai vygies
(Dorotheanthus), African or Namaqualand
daisy (Dimorphotheca), pot marigolds (Calendula),
nemesias, cornflowers and Virginian
stocks can still be sown directly into
garden beds.
VEGGIES
Sow your last crops of cabbage, Chinese
cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, parsnip and
Swiss chard and continue sowing and
planting broad beans, broccoli, leek, let-
tuce, onion, parsley, peas, turnip, celery,
radish, true spinach and beet. If you have a
shallow pond in full sun why not try growing
some waterblommetjies (Aponogeton distachyos)
for those delicious stews.
They are indigenous to the winter rainfall
regions and are very pretty with their long
lance-shaped green leaves and scented
white flowers in spring and autumn. They
should be planted out now, either directly
into the mud at the bottom of shallow ponds
or dams, or into pots which are then submerged.
(www.gardeninginsouthafrica.co.za)
Bokbaaivygies
Waterblommetjies (Aponogeton distachyos)
Chinese cabbage
In the winter rainfall and subtropical
regions roses put on a
beautiful show in autumn and
should still be fed. If black spot
is a problem, spray them with
Ludwig’s Copper Count-N Fungicide
and remove all diseased
leaves. In very cold regions you
should have stopped fertilising
and your roses should be having
their last flush of blooms
and will start going dormant
now, so reduce watering.