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Tips for Wiping and Caring for Laminate and Parquet

These tips will keep your floors clean and intact for years. Parquet and laminate are the most popular floor coverings in Germany because they look chic and are practical. But you have to wipe and care for them in a special way.

Why is it necessary to take special care of parquet and laminate?

Because their surface is particularly sensitive. That is why the means that taking care of the cleanliness of tiles can easily destroy the surface of parquet and laminate. That would cause enormous new acquisition costs. Consequently, one should keep this in mind when choosing wood floor types.

Protect the parquet surface from mechanical damage

First of all, you have to make sure that no grains of sand or the like get on the surface of the parquet because hard materials can destroy the parquet surface even without the influence of chemical agents. To avoid this, you should put a rubber doormat in front of the entrance to the room with a parquet floor so that hard dirt sticks there. It is also important that all pieces of furniture are equipped with foot glides because this way you avoid scratching the surface of the parquet.

Wipe the parquet floor with proper cloths

Ordinary dirt can be removed by regularly wiping the floor with special cleaning covers. This is because using ordinary microfiber floor wipes could also damage the delicate ones. Specialists recommend wiping parquet floors with a dry cloth every day to remove dust and wiping with a damp cloth once a week.

The term “damp” means that the cloth is just damp enough for the floor to be completely dry again after five minutes at the latest. This recommendation results from the fact that even sealed parquet is only protected against moisture, but not against real moisture. Therefore, using wet cloths would cause the parquet to swell.

Use proper cleaning products

The use of scouring agents, aggressive cleaning agents, and steam cleaners would also destroy the parquet, which is why it is not advisable. Instead, you should rather use special cleaning agents for parquet, because they combine thorough cleaning with gentle treatment. It is advisable to treat parquet floors with floor wax once a month so that they remain not only clean but also shiny. And every 2 years, every parquet floor must be cleaned by a professional to ensure its longevity. In addition, note tips for removing grease stains from wood.

Laminate also needs special care

Therefore, always extend the bristling ring of the duster nozzle to avoid scratches. You should also use damp cloths made of special materials when wiping the laminate floor. But you should refrain from using floor wax so as not to ruin the laminate floor. Instead, you should use special care products for laminate floors that ensure shine without side effects. But just like maintaining parquet floors, it is important to use rubber or sisal doormats. Laminate floors are also sensitive to grains of sand and similar substances.

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10 Tips for Washing and Caring for Laundry

Tips on how to do laundry properly. Now it’s time for the laundry. With clever tricks, you can care for your textiles sustainably and prevent the colors from fading. For the cleanliness and longevity of your laundry. Sort things worth knowing about detergents, fabric softeners, laundry symbols, and the right laundry.

Hundreds of years ago, housewives had various tricks for getting their laundry clean and flawless. They also allowed the clothing to have a long life. Nowadays, this is primarily done for us by a state-of-the-art and fully electrically controlled machine. But there is still a lot to consider when washing clothes properly.

How do I get my laundry clean?

Sure we can just do our laundry by using the washing machine. But here, too, there is a lot to consider. Which detergent can I use? How do I dose it? Do I need a fabric softener? How can I wash gently? And those are all legitimate questions you’re asking yourself. Because not all of your clothes can take the hot water or the spin cycle. We give you the following tips for washing and caring for your clothes.

1) The right detergent for washing clothes

It is actually almost impossible to find the right detergent among the countless detergents on offer. Therefore, you should try several detergents to find the right one for your appliance. The most important criteria for your detergent should be the following:

  • Refrain from fragrances, because they could cause nasty allergies.
  • Using as few surfactants as possible damages the environment, especially our groundwater.
  • Avoid concentrates, as very few strictly adhere to the dosage recommendations.
  • Do not use detergents with optical brighteners, as these can fade colored and dark clothing.

2) Natural alternatives to conventional detergents

Anyone who walks past the shelves with detergents in the supermarket these days has a huge selection of different brands, fragrances, and promises. But how did our great-grandparents manage to walk out the door clean 100 years ago? Quite simply: In the past, they used completely natural resources. These can currently only be found in organic shops, health food stores, or online.

In this country, the horse chestnut is considered a favorite alternative to conventional detergents. Because this ensures clean laundry. But evergreen ivy can also be used as a variant. The contained saponins have an excellent cleaning effect. You can also make your own laundry detergent. This saves you time and money. Or use the miracle cure baking soda on white clothes.

3) fabric softener, yes or no?

This is the question that most people ask themselves. If you are overly allergic to different products and foods, you should generally stay away from fabric softeners. Because there are too many additives in it. This promotes an allergic reaction. In addition, if a piece of clothing is washed with fabric softener in a single wash, it will still carry it up to 40 washes later. Instead, use our instructions for making your own fabric softener.

4) Substitute for fabric softener

As already mentioned, you can make your own fabric softener. So you can save money and have an environmentally friendly alternative. You can simply use effective vinegar for this. So you have to put a good shot in the fabric softener compartment before washing. This then ensures that the limescale that gets onto the clothing with the water dissolves from the fibers. This also makes the clothes nice and soft. The clothing itself does not smell of vinegar. Because the smell goes away after a few minutes. Vinegar is also used to care for the washing machine. Also, read our article on home remedies for cleaning washing machines.

5) Washing machines can also work quietly

Especially if you live in a multi-family or multi-party house, it is advisable to buy a washing machine that works as quietly as possible. Because old models no longer have to be in today’s technology. Since they make the subtenant’s blanket vibrate with every spin cycle. Therefore, quiet washing machines are an advantage for you and your neighbors. Therefore, pay attention to our tips for buying a new washing machine.

6) A washing machine that is too full cannot wash

The operating instructions for each washing machine state how much clothing the respective drum can and should hold. If you do not take this into account, you will not have an optimal washing result and the clothes may still be dirty. In addition, the drum will eventually rattle and no longer run smoothly. That’s why you should take the loading specification seriously. As a result, your laundry will be properly washed and clean. In addition, your washing machine will work longer. In addition, you’d better wash some clothes by hand. Read our contribution to the question washing machine or hand wash? And our easy hand wash guide for delicate clothes.

7) Does the sun really bleach?

Yes, she does! Experienced laundresses hung their white tablecloths and tops on the clothesline in the backyard as soon as the sun shone. Because that not only served to dry the laundry quickly but also to fade stains from the sun. And that works fine. So don’t use bleach, just wait until the sun shines and then get out with the light-colored textiles. Also, read our instructions on how to bleach your lawn.

8) Dose detergent according to water hardness

Different levels of water hardness can prevail in households. Depending on the hardness of the water, a different detergent is recommended. If you don’t know exactly how hard your water is, you can find out more from your local waterworks. And then dose your detergent accordingly. This way you can achieve an optimal washing result. And at the same time not burdening the environment with unnecessary detergent consumption. You can save on detergent with a phone call and also do something good for the environment. Also note our contribution to cleaning, drying, and caring for down comforters.

9) Gentle wash with a pillowcase

Nothing is more annoying after washing than small holes in the thin fabrics of clothing. That’s why you should always pay attention to the gentle cleaning of your delicates during the wash cycle. You should use an old pillowcase as a laundry cover when washing in the machine. And use the gentle cycle at the same time. This will prevent the lint filter in your washing machine from becoming clogged. Accordingly, the pillowcase is optimal protection for your clothes from holes and tears. Also, note our article on the 6 most common mistakes when doing laundry.

10) Close zipper when washing

Many people mistake holes in clothing caused by zippers for small moth holes. In reality, however, the small teeth of the zipper quickly tear holes in clothing. Therefore, you should close zips before washing. You also prevent your zipper from working after the wash cycle. Therefore, check your clothes for zippers before washing. If it does happen, you can loosen the stuck zipper with candle wax.

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Buying, Storing and Caring for Opal Jewellery

Opals are found almost everywhere in the world. However, 95% of opals in New South Wales are quarried in Australia. In Greek mythology, opals stand for the tears of the Greek father of the gods, Zeus. In ancient times, the opal was the protective stone for love and hope. The opal is made into jewelry.

Anyone who owns opal jewelry needs to know how to care for the opal jewelry and how to store it. We give you tips and tricks on the topic of caring for and storing opals. We also give the most important tips on buying opals, because even today the opal is considered to be one of the strongest soul stones in esotericism.

Caring for opals properly

The opal is a gem that wants to be worn. Incidentally, opals are only processed into gemstones. It is a relatively soft stone, with a hardness of around 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The hardness of minerals is classified using the Mohs hardness scale. It is, therefore, better to take off your opal when you are doing hard work or when you will be in contact with chemicals.

Also, the opal does not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations. It is often wrongly assumed that opals do not tolerate water. In fact, they even consist of 5-6% water. In fact, contact with water is beneficial for solid opals. However, it is different with the doublets and triplets. There is only a thin disk of opal; the piece of jewelry consists of several layers connected with glue. This can then come off through permanent contact with water.

Keep opals safe

Opal comes in many different colors such as pink, white, blue, green, purple, red, yellow, grey, orange, and brown. However, the most valuable among them is the black opal. It is very important to properly store such a valuable item if the opal jewelry is not to be worn for a long period of time.

Just like other gemstones or valuable pearl jewelry needs to be cared for in a special way, the opal also has species-specific care requirements. It is best kept in a soft jewelry cloth so that it cannot get scratched. Also, find out how to hide your valuables and keep them safe. Most importantly, in low humidity conditions, your opal should not dry out. It is therefore highly recommended to wipe your precious stone with a damp cloth every now and then.

Opal Buying Tips

When buying an opal, there are very different things to consider than when buying a diamond, for example. With opals, the size is not so important, but the type and the play of colors. Thus, even a small opal with a wonderful play of colors can have much more value than a large one without any special “glow”. Red tones are very rare and therefore particularly valuable.

Furthermore, the black opal is a very valuable gemstone. Even the jewelers often do not always agree on the appreciation. Approximately 95% of opals are mined in Australia. There are three main types: white, boulder, and black opals. The black one is rarer and therefore the most expensive and precious. Each opal is unique. Shakespeare once called it “The Queen of Gems”. Maybe you would like to buy such a piece of jewelery or read more about it.

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Pruning, Caring For And Planting Columnar Cherries: Tips For The Garden And Balcony

You don’t need a spacious garden of your own for a columnar cherry, because the plant also fits on a balcony or terrace. You can read here what you should consider when planting and caring for the special cherry tree.

If you don’t have too much space in the garden or if you don’t want to do without sweet cherries without your own garden, a columnar cherry is the ideal solution. The fruit-bearing trees grow narrow and low and can therefore also be kept in pots on balconies, roof gardens and terraces.

Pillar cherries and pillar fruit in general are the result of clever breeding. The trees grow to a maximum height of two to three meters, but beyond that they are normal cherry trees.

Tip: If you want to get a single cherry tree, you should use a self-pollinating variety. These do not need another tree for pollination. Example varieties include Campanilo, Claudia, Sara, Stella and Victoria.

Pillar cherry: The optimal location

As far as location is concerned, the cherry tree has the same preferences as conventional cherry trees. In the best case, you will find a location in full sun – the more sun the tree gets, the sweeter and tastier the fruits will be. A place that is sheltered from the wind and not at risk of frost is best.

The soil should be loose, humus and moist. Pillar cherries do not tolerate wet, heavy soil. The plants also prefer medium-heavy, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.

Planting cherry trees: Here’s how

When you have found a suitable location for your columnar cherry, you can already plant it. The best way to do this is as follows:

Dig a planting hole about twice as deep and wide as the diameter of the plant’s root ball. Tip: If you want to plant your cherry tree in a bucket, it should have a capacity of at least 30 to 40 liters.
If your soil is very poor in nutrients, you can mix in some humus or compost before planting the plant. By the way: If you don’t know what your soil is like, you can take a soil sample and have it analyzed.
Put the plant in the hole. The root ball should be flush with the soil. The plant should therefore be planted neither deeper nor higher than the ground.
Fill the hole with dirt and trample it down with your feet.
Water the plant generously.
Tip: If you want to plant several columnar cherries, you should keep a distance of at least 80 centimeters between them, preferably one meter.

It is also advisable to use a support rod. You can dig this about 30 centimeters deep before you put the plant in the hole. Then tie the cherry tree to it with a piece of string.

Caring for the cherry tree properly

Pillar cherries are quite easy to handle and do not require much maintenance. Just stick to the following tips and you should be rewarded with a rich harvest:

In summer and when it is dry, the cherry tree needs enough water. Then water them regularly and generously. But be sure to avoid waterlogging.
In spring, as soon as the first shoots appear, you can provide the plant with some compost to provide it with nutrients. Finally, you should fertilize in August so that the new shoots can still sprout before frost.
You can protect columnar cherries in tubs from frost in winter with fleece, jute or coconut mats. Also place the pot on a piece of wood so that not too much cold gets in from below.
If you cultivate the plant in a pot, you should repot it every two to three years.

Cutting cherry trees: tips and tricks

In principle, sweet cherries, which also include columnar cherries, often sprout strongly and are very vigorous. Therefore, you should make a pruning every year after harvest.

Remove all weak and diseased as well as very old and heavily woody shoots.
All side shoots should be cut back to two or three eyes. Eye is a synonym for bud – so you can recognize eyes by thickenings on the shoots where the tree sprout. The side shoots should remain about 20 to 30 centimeters long.
If some shoots grow very dense or cross each other, you can trim those too.

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Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Porcelain

Would you like to professionally clean heavily soiled porcelain? Here you will find helpful home remedies for cleaning and cleaning porcelain. Beautiful and durable porcelain with the right care.

You won’t only find porcelain as crockery. Works of art sink and bathtubs can also be made of porcelain. Unfortunately, porcelain can become dirty and unsightly over time. In this case, you should think carefully about how to professionally clean simple crockery and expensive porcelain.

Porcelain as an everyday object

The history of porcelain goes back a long way. And meanwhile, porcelain has become an everyday object. As a result, we often do not think long about storage, care, or proper cleaning. When porcelain items break, new ones are bought. But when it comes to valuable objects, we want to preserve them for a long time. But how do I care for ceramics that are often fired or sealed differently?

Proper cleaning of porcelain

Porcelain is not just porcelain. That’s why you should always pay attention to the information provided by the manufacturer when it comes to porcelain. Because there can be differences in care. You should pay attention to the categories “dishwasher safe” and “dishwasher safe” when buying. If the porcelain crockery is marked “Dishwasher safe”, you can put it in the dishwasher. You should make sure there is enough space between the dishes to achieve better water circulation. In contrast, “dishwasher-safe” does not mean that the dishes can be put in the dishwasher regularly. Because there is a risk that it could fade. Also, note our contribution to optimal drying of dishes without water stains.

Home remedies for cleaning porcelain

Particularly sharp and scouring cleaners are not an advantage for porcelain with ornate patterns or gold-rimmed decorations. Although they quickly loosen dirt and clean reliably, they damage the glaze. Thus, the surface and decorations are broken. Consequently, the protection of the porcelain is irreparably damaged. Likewise, it can lose its beautiful shine. Therefore, cleaning with simple home remedies makes more sense. And you can protect decor and shine. Also, note how you can clean narrow bottles and vases.

1) Clean porcelain by hand

Collector cups, valuable vases, or decorative plates are mostly made of high quality. And therefore very sensitive. You should always wash such valuable porcelain crockery carefully by hand. Particularly thin, decorated, and particularly expensive porcelain should be cleaned in water and with a soft cloth. Although porcelain is made of durable, hard material, it can quickly become unsightly if not treated properly. So you shouldn’t scrub hard. And don’t use harsh cleaners either! Also, see our article on cleaning stainless steel and removing stains from stainless steel.

2) Clean porcelain with cork, oil, and salt

If your chinaware doesn’t go in the dishwasher but needs to be cleaned, you can use cork, oil, and salt. In particular, the use of salt in the home and the use of olive oil as a household remedy are well known. But how can you use it to clean your porcelain? Very easily. To do this, take a cork and dip it in some oil. After that, you need to sprinkle it with a little salt. You can then use it to clean the dirty or discolored areas of your porcelain dishes. Move over the affected areas with light circular movements.

3) Cleaning with vinegar

If porcelain items are calcified, you can decalcify them with a mixture of diluted vinegar. Using it with vinegar is quick and easy. To do this, pour the diluted mixture onto a soft cloth. Then wipe the dishes or sink with it. The lime stains should then be removed. But don’t forget to rub the treated items dry. Otherwise, the lime will come back quickly. Lemon juice is just as good for removing limescale stains.

4) Special porcelain cleaner for polishing

There are also special polishes for porcelain in specialist shops. This is carefully applied to the surface and seals it again. Afterward, you can enjoy the beautiful pieces again for a long time.

5) Baking soda to clean the porcelain

If you have a porcelain teapot that cannot be put in the dishwasher, you can remove internal deposits with the effective home remedy baking soda. So fill your teapot with hot water and add half a packet to a whole packet of baking soda. Then leave it on for a few hours. You should then be able to easily wipe away the deposit. You can also use baking soda as a cleaning agent.

6) Clean porcelain with denture cleaner

You can also gently clean your porcelain dishes with denture cleaner. Although not everyone has this in the household, it is worth buying, especially when it comes to valuable porcelain crockery. Because the effect of the denture cleaner is very effective. Consequently, you can put your dishes in the sink, fill them with water and add a denture cleanser tablet or two. And the dishes clean themselves as if by themselves. Then rinse them off with a little water.

7) Heavy-duty detergent to clean porcelain

Likewise, some people swear by cleaning the china with detergent powder. If old deposits or stubborn stains have settled, then you can use the detergent powder. To do this, take the porcelain vessel or the porcelain plate and add the powder. Then add water and let everything soak in. After a few hours, you can rinse the whole thing off with water. This is just one of many household tips. Also note our household tips for single households.

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Tips on Caring for Antiques and Old Furniture

Caring for antiques and old furniture is very important as old and antique furniture often has a high value. With simple means, e.g. B. from the household you can easily and safely care for antique furniture and remove stains that have developed over the years.

We have put together suitable tips and home remedies for care, which you can use to remove annoying stains, for example, and what you should consider when caring for furniture.

1) Maintain old furniture with wax

Antique furniture and old cupboards or old chairs should be treated with antique wax about once a year. Special antique wax protects and cares for the wood on a natural basis. Antique wax is suitable for refining and refreshing raw wood surfaces. This will make old and antique furniture shine and smell fresh again.

2) Consider room temperature and humidity

The right humidity and room temperature are particularly important when caring for antiques, as it has a major impact on the wood and the condition of the piece of furniture. Living rooms used to be cold and damp and rarely heated. As a result, the humidity was up to 70%. Nowadays, however, the humidity has to be increased. Especially to avoid cracks and brittle wood, you can increase the humidity with water bowls with distilled water.

3) Care treatment depends on the type of wood and surface

If old wood cracks and cracks, you should treat the wood surface afterward. A distinction should be made between different surfaces. There is usually special cleaning milk available in specialist shops that are tailored to the wood. This or a care solution should always be applied evenly and thinly to the wood. Usually, you have to let the milk work in and then you can polish the antique furniture wood.

4) Smooth cloths for antique wood

For proper furniture care, you should always treat antique wood and antique furniture with clean clothes with a very smooth surface. With such clothes, furniture can be cleaned quickly and easily. Especially fluffy cloths or scratching sponges should be avoided at all costs so that no scratches or major damage can occur in the old wood.

5) Green soap for perfect care

If the special cleaning agent for the existing type of wood and wood surface does not clean sufficiently, a splash of green soap in lukewarm soapy water will help as a home remedy. However, it should never be wiped too damp. Even then, it should never be quickly wiped down and wiped dry so that no damage occurs.

6) Remove stains from furniture

If you notice ink stains in old wood or in fabrics such as leather, the ink has usually seeped in and settled in years ago. Ink stains can be removed from untreated wood with weak oxalic acid. Old stains such You can easily remove e.g. those from tea with soda dissolved in water.

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Caring for Wool and Washing Wool Sweaters

Lots of useful tips for caring for wool. Now properly care for woolen clothing and wash woolen jumpers gently. Because clothing made from the natural material wool is still trendy. But many do not even know about the special care for the extremely sensitive material.

Wool is a natural material that is comfortable to wear. And with the right care, it can keep you nice and warm for a long time. But good, high-quality wool, such as mohair, cashmere, or silk, is expensive. You should also take good care of your woolen clothing so that you can wear it for as long as possible.

The advantages of soft wool

Wool has the extremely useful property that its outer skin repels both water and dirt. It is often sufficient if you shake out clothes made of real wool. Or brush the woolen clothes to get them clean again. Since the wool fiber has a scaly structure similar to that of human hair, it requires a particularly gentle washing program. If you look at them under the microscope, you can see the scaly structure of the wool fiber.

How do I wash wool sweaters?

How should I care for my new wool sweater? Should I wash the new wool sweater in the washing machine or by hand? Most of the time, the label on the sweater will give you an answer. Because if it is a machine washable knitwear, you can wash the sweater in the washing machine without hesitation. Because in this case the wool is covered with a wafer-thin layer of synthetic resin. Otherwise, you should prefer a hand wash. Consequently, we give you tips for washing wool.

1) The right detergent for wool

Basically, wool consists of creatine, a protein that makes it very elastic. In order to maintain this elasticity and not lose it during washing, you should always wash wool garments with a special detergent for wool. Or at least use a mild detergent. Because the detergent must be tailored to the sensitive fiber. If it is too strong, there is a risk that the wool fiber will become brittle and hard or otherwise damaged. You might also be interested in our article on making your own laundry detergent.

2) wool sweater in the washing machine

There are many tips for washing and caring for laundry. But you should wash wool at a maximum of 30 degrees or cold. If the sweater is to be washed on the full cycle, you can first put a large amount of water in the washing machine before adding the knitwear. However, you should only fill the washing machine a third full with clothes. You should also avoid using fabric softener. Because this would smooth the surface of the wool fibers too much. This allows the wool to wear out.

3) Hand wash program for wool

Some washing machines have a special hand wash program. That’s why you can use it to wash your woolen clothes without hesitation. Because the clothes are only moved slightly, as would be the case with hand washing. Here too, the rinsing water has the same temperature as the washing water. But if you want to be on the safe side, wash your wool clothes by hand. This way you can avoid matted laundry.

4) Note sorting of the same color

If you want to wash several items of clothing made of wool, you should always sort them by color. Because colored clothing is often chemically treated. If the color is then not washfast, the color may bleed. Color bleeding from dark clothing causes light clothing to discolor quickly. You should also avoid other common mistakes when doing laundry.

5) Dry wool clothes properly

After each wash, you should only wring out the woolen clothing moderately. Then lay them out on a dry towel. Thus, the moisture is sucked out of the garment more quickly. Under no circumstances should you hang up the wool sweater on a clothes hanger or clothesline. Because this would lead to unsightly deformations. Drying in the tumble dryer should also be avoided, as the sweater would otherwise shrink enormously. Also, read our clever tips for drying laundry.

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Tips for Caring for and Cleaning Patent Leather

Patent leather is more delicate than some other types of leather. You should therefore protect it particularly well and take proper care of your patent leather. So your shoes made of this material will stay with you for a long time.

What is patent leather?

Patent leather is a high-gloss, mostly scar-free material. Various items are made from patent leather. For example shoes, bags, hats, or purses. In contrast, this material is less suitable for clothing and is used more for the manufacture of clothing for sexual preferences.

1) Cleaning patent leather

To keep your patent leather shoes or bags made of this material clean and shiny, you should clean them regularly. A damp cloth is usually sufficient for cleaning. If you discover stubborn dirt, such as ballpoint ink, then you should react quickly. You can use cleaning spirit for this. But test this on an inconspicuous spot first. Please also note tips for cleaning leather.

2) Maintain patent leather properly

If you own shoes, bags, or other items made of patent leather, you should take care of the patent leather. Because this is very sensitive and needs certain protection. And with the right care, it stays attractive for longer. Therefore, note the following care tips for your patent leather. Also, note the helpful article on repairing minor paintwork damage.

  • Put on the patent leather shoes at least half an hour before going out. Thus, the material is pre-warmed by the feet, and cracks from the cold are avoided.
  • Use a shoe tree to avoid creases and to care for the patent leather. This ensures optimal air supply and moisture removal.
  • To protect and care for patent leather, you should impregnate your patent leather shoes with a good product. Consequently, the material is protected against moisture, wind, dirt, and other environmental influences.
  • It is best to store patent leather products in a cupboard or box. A sufficient air supply should be ensured so that the leather can breathe.

3) Maintain patent leather with special products

Whether shoes or handbags made of patent leather, they all should be cared for regularly. Because only those who care for their patent leather ensure long-lasting suppleness and shine. That’s why you should use the right product for your patent leather care and avoid tried-and-tested home remedies.

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8 Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Leather

Connoisseurs have always appreciated leather. Because the furniture with leather covers becomes more and more beautiful with age. Provided they are properly cared for and cleaned over the years. We show you which cleaning agents are good and which should be avoided.

The leather and its properties

Leather is a material made from animal skin. Centuries ago, people used the material as tent walls and for the production of clothing and containers. Because the leather has positive properties, such as its durability and breathability. In addition, it is flame-retardant and keeps you warm. It is so popular because it is very durable with proper cleaning and care. But you should use the right tools. Otherwise, you can destroy the leather during cleaning.

Tips for the correct cleaning of leather

Leather is hard-wearing, but if you want it to look good for a long time, it needs gentle cleansing. In addition, you should take care of it regularly. You shouldn’t do it thoughtlessly. Because there are some important things to consider in order not to ruin the beautiful leather furniture and leather upholstery. That’s why we’ve collected tips for the right treatment of your leather covers. Also, read how to refresh and polish old leather.

1) Refrain from using chemical cleaning agents

The following substances are considered absolutely unsuitable and dangerous for the leather fabric: stain removers, solvents, floor wax, and shoe polish. You should also avoid using petrol and turpentine when cleaning leather. All of these detergents can damage the fabric. Instead, use natural home remedies for cleaning or a special cleaner for leather from the internet.

2) Note the type of leather when cleaning

Contrary to popular belief, simple leather care does not necessarily have to be expensive to be effective. But different types of leather require special care. Thus, the effect can be targeted. Therefore, you should first determine the type of leather. Once you know the species, you can start cleaning.

Cleaning aniline leather

These are the so-called uncovered leathers. This type of leather does not require complicated maintenance. But you should protect it from too much sunlight. You should also dust it off regularly with a damp cloth (at least once a week). And twice a year, treatment with a special cleaning agent should be carried out. Also, note how you can clean leather upholstery with cornmeal.

3) Use a little curd soap

If you want to remove stains from smooth leather, using curd soap can help. You should be careful not to use too much of it. Large-scale use is also not advisable. And you should foam up the curd soap a little beforehand. Then test it on a small spot before you really start. Then care for the material with leather grease. So it doesn’t dry out. Also, note our tips for removing carpet stains.

4) Clean leather with hair shampoo

If you don’t have a special leather cleaner on hand, you can use hair shampoo to clean smooth leather. To do this, dilute it in water. Then you can rub it into greasy spots and dirt. But you should also test the mixture on a small area beforehand. And it is important to let everything dry well afterward. Also, read our ideas for making hair shampoo yourself.

5) Make your own leather care products

Leather furniture tends to develop its own beautiful patina with age. You can make your own care product to keep the leather soft and elastic. To do this, mix 150 ml of water and milk with an egg white. Then use a sponge to apply the mixture thinly to the previously brushed furniture and let it work for a short time. Finally, remove the excess solution with a dry cloth. After this procedure, your leather furniture will be well cared for and shine like new. In addition, note how to remove ink stains from leather.

6) Remove bad smell from leather

If your leather sofa or leather jacket has gotten a bad smell, you don’t have to throw it away right away. Instead, use the popular home remedy vinegar to neutralize the smell. To do this, take a cloth and add some vinegar. Then wipe the respective piece of leather with it.

7) Protect leather upholstery from sunlight

Leather suites are sensitive to light and should not be exposed to direct sunlight over the years. Because they can easily fade in this way or darken in patches. Also, note our article on cleaning and caring for car seats.

8) Enough humidity for leather

You should also ensure that there is sufficient humidity in the living room. Because the leather needs moisture to stay soft and supple over the long term. This is just as important for the care of old furniture and antiques.

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Food

Planting, Caring for and Using Wild Apples: This is How It Works

Wild apple is a small tree that attracts attention in summer with its lush flowers and provides you with numerous fruits in autumn. Here you can find out what you should consider when planting, caring for and eating.

The winter apple (also known as the crab apple) is a native plant: it has been cultivated regionally and its fruits eaten for centuries. Today, however, the winter apple is rarely found in Germany. It is also a popular refuge for birds and mammals and an important food source for various insects.

Characteristic is the thin trunk, which only reaches a diameter of two to four centimeters, and the slightly woody consistency. Some branches have thorns. Some varieties also have slightly wrinkled skin. However, this does not affect the health of the tree or the taste of the apples.

The flowering period of the tree extends from April to May and lets it shine in a white to light pink splendour. The apples ripen in early autumn and are yellowish to reddish in color, depending on the variety. Be sure to choose local varieties for planting.

Plant wild apple: The basic conditions

Before you plant wild apples, you should think about the time and place of planting. Please note the following:

Timing: Autumn is the best time to plant. In principle, however, it is possible all year round.
Location: Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot. The tree likes sun and warmth and should not be overshadowed by other plants. Otherwise it is quite robust, so that wind and rain cannot harm it. Note that the apple tree can grow between 3 and 6 meters tall. However, this varies depending on the variety. At the same time, the roots grow quite extensively and close below the surface of the earth. There are also varieties that are suitable for hedge planting.
Soil: Since the wild apple tree is a wild tree, it can get along with almost any soil. He just doesn’t particularly like extremely wet soil like moor. Nevertheless, you can enrich the particularly nutrient-poor soil with nutrients and sand.

This is how you plant the wild apple

Planting a wild apple is not difficult. To do this, follow the steps below:

Place the young tree in a bucket of water so the roots can soak.
Dig a planting hole. This should be at least twice as large as the plant ball of the wild apple tree.
Enrich the soil with some compost or other organic fertilizer.
Place the small tree in the hole and refill the soil. Squeeze them tight.
Water the freshly planted wild apple tree properly.
Depending on the location, it may make sense to initially secure the young tree with a stake.
If you sprinkle bark mulch around the tree, you prevent weeds and at the same time protect the tree from unwanted competing plants.

Caring for a tree: tips and hints

The wild apple tree is robust and quite undemanding. For care, it is sufficient if you observe the following tips:

The most important thing is that you protect the wild apple from drought. Especially when young, you should water the tree regularly during long periods of drought. We recommend collecting rainwater and using it to feed your plants.
If you want to do something good for your wild apple, you can fertilize it in the first half of the year (spring to June), preferably with compost.
Basically, it is not necessary to trim the wild apple tree. However, if it is not developing in the way that is best for your garden and other plants, or if you want to shape it, you should cut it from time to time. You can read here how to best make the cut: Cutting an apple tree: The right tree cut in spring and autumn
Wild apple is hardy. So you don’t have to take any special precautions for the cold season.
If you want to propagate the apple, the best way to do this is by sowing: Scatter the seeds of the fruit in a pot outside in autumn and keep it moist. Cutting a cutting and cultivating it is often not successful.
Diseases and pests do not worry the wild apple tree for the most part. However, typical apple tree diseases such as apple scab or fire blight can sometimes occur.

Here’s how you can use the wild apple

Wild apples are edible. However, young apples of the tree are rather sour and tart because they contain a lot of tannin. You can cook them to tone down the flavor. In addition, the kernels of wild apples, like other apples, contain the substance amygdalin, which is converted to toxic hydrocyanic acid in the body. Even if you bite into the seeds, they are harmless in small amounts.

Wild apples contain a comparatively large amount of pectin. You may know the substance as a vegan gelling agent. They also have a firmer consistency than cultivated apples. You can take advantage of these two properties by using the fruit for homemade applesauce or apple jelly. You can also make tea, juice or syrup from wild apples.

The fruits are also often used as a decorative element in arrangements or wreaths.

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