Martine Brisson – Page 32 – BrandSource Canada Blog

April 25, 2018

How to Wash Duvets and Comforters

Although duvets and comforters are both the last covering we place on our bed, there are distinct differences between the two, namely their fabrication, filling and care.

Follow me as I go through some of their differences and explain how to wash duvets and comforters.

Duvets

What is a Duvet?

Duvets are essentially bags filled with down, feathers or polyester fibres for a lofty soft comfort that sits gently on the top of your mattress. Their pocket stitched design promotes warmth in the winter and coolness during the summer.

They are stuffed into a fashionably designed bag, or duvet cover with a zippered or buttoned closure, and may have matching shams and decorative cushions. The overhang off the edges is minimal, so a bed-skirt to cover the base mattress is suggested.

How to Wash Duvets

Unless the manufacturer’s label states otherwise, washing duvets can be done in a standard washing machine, unless it is polyester-filled which may require industrial-sized-washers and dryers. Synthetic fibres do not flatten, as natural fibres do, so their volume remains the same requiring more room to agitate.

A small amount of gentle soap in the gentle cycle every season will be enough to restore its freshness and extend the life of your duvet. An extra cold-water rinse will help remove any soap residue. If there is any yellowing of the fabric, consider adding 1 cup of peroxide and ½ cup of white vinegar to your detergent, which will restore the whiteness.

Your duvet and cushion covers can be easily washed weekly along with your bed sheets. It all depends on how many sticky fingers or soiled paws come to rest on your bed. Throwing in a couple of tennis balls into the dryer on the low temperature setting will prevent clumping of the filling and help with the tumbling.

Make certain that the filling is completely dry before throwing it onto your bed to prevent mould. It may require a couple of hours. Once dry, a good shake to fluff up the pockets of filling will restore that soft lofty look that is customary on a duvet-covered bed.

Comforters

What is a Comforter?

Comforters have less filling, have an intricate stitched design throughout and typically hang to the floor. They are generally sold in the bed-in-a-bag concept where a complete set of matching items like shams, cushions, and sometimes even curtains are included. In many cases, these are mostly decorative and removed completely at bedtime while a blanket for warmth and comfort lies underneath it.

In many instances they have a usable reversible side, which can extend its washing cycle if it is soiled. Nevertheless, washing them regularly is still the best way to keep allergens at bay, and stains from forming when there are spills, sticky fingers, or muddy paws about. As with duvets, giving them a good wash every season is ideal.

How to Wash Comforters

Washing your comforter may not be very easy in your standard washer as most are polyester filled and as mentioned above, the fibres don’t flatten and require more space. Besides, they are much larger by design. Most of the cushions that come with the set have removable cases, but those that don’t can also be thrown in the wash in a standard machine depending on their size.

Following any specific manufacturer’s washing instructions, using a small amount of gentle soap in the gentle cycle will do the job. Any stains can be spot-treated beforehand. Although not as lofty as a duvet, there is some fluffing to do to get all the fibres back in their place. Using tennis balls in the dryer will restore your comforter back to its original state.

Whether you prefer duvets or comforters, keeping them clean and allergen-free for your comfortable sleeping experience is essential. Make it a seasonal thing!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

April 24, 2018

GE Knows How to Be Energy Efficient

Having the right appliances in your home can make a world of difference when it comes to paying your utility bill every month. Some kitchen appliances that haven’t been updated or some that have issues such as leaks can cost you more in the long run. It’s better to go out and buy a refrigerator or washing machine in that’s in good shape than hold onto one that does its job poorly.

We understand it’s hard to let go and spend the money on something else, but you must realize, you’ll actually be saving money! So, when the time comes where you decide to replace your appliances, we recommend going with GE. They are known for producing energy efficient appliances that are made to conserve energy and the environment.

Energy Star Certified

The Energy Star program is aimed at helping business and individuals save money while also protecting the environment through the use of superior energy efficiency. The only way to earn the “Energy Star” label is by testing the products in EPA-recognized laboratories.

GE now has been Energy Star certified for numerous appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, chest freezers, and more! One of the best parts about GE Energy Star certified products is that they don’t sacrifice performance to save on energy.

The Price of Saving Energy

You may not think it’s worth it to have an “energy efficient” refrigerator, but when you start looking at how Energy Star certified appliances affect your monthly bills, you’ll think differently.

GE Energy Star Refrigerators are at least 20% more energy efficient than standard models! Think of it this way: In 1980, it cost about $205 to run a refrigerator a year. Now GE Energy star models cost about $50 a year to run.

When the time comes to buy a new appliance, take some time to look at GE Energy Star Certified appliances. You’ll get back more than what you paid for!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

April 19, 2018

What Are Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Made of?

When you lay on a Tempur-Pedic Mattress, it feels like nothing you’ve ever laid on before. It feels like memory foam, but Tempur-Pedic beds are made of something a bit different: Tempur material.

Originally, Tempur was being used by NASA when developing material for aircraft seats that would ensure the passengers’ safety in case of an accident. Because tempur material distributes weight and pressure evenly, this material was ideal for lift-off. Through this usage, it was quickly realized how great Tempur material was for more than just a safety net and that it could be used for fantastic support while sleeping.

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses are not similar to other memory foam mattresses, Tempur-Pedic uses their patented Tempur material. Learn more about Tempur material functions to see why Tempur-Pedic Mattress beds are ranked number 1 in consumer satisfaction.

What It Is and What It Does

You understand that Tempur is a material, but what makes it different from another kind of memory foam? The difference is in the unique formula created at the company’s production facility that only a handful of individuals know.

What we do know is that it’s an open-celled viscoelastic material that conforms to every curve of the sleeper’s body, evenly distributing weight, and supporting the spine. Sleep scientists and engineers have designed Tempur to conform and adapt to your shape so that when you lay down, you feel as though you’re weightless.

Variety

Tempur-Pedic is a brand that provides a variety of mattresses so that people with different preferences can get what they want. The TEMPUR-Contour, TEMPUR-Finesse, and TEMPUR-Cloud all give different levels of firmness ensuring everyone gets the mattress that suits their comfort needs.

Tempur Material doesn’t stop at mattresses – there are pillows, mattress toppers, travel items, and more that uses this powerful technology.

Touch and test it out for yourself at your local Tempur-Pedic Mattress store to get an idea of what this magic material feels like. If you end up liking it, check out the lifestyle Power Base that goes under the mattress and gives you the control to numerous ergonomic sleeping positions.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

April 19, 2018

Introducing the Whirlpool Sunset Bronze Suite

Deciding on your kitchen’s colour scheme can be a difficult one when you have to base it around the colours of your appliances. What if there was a kitchen appliance colour that went with almost any colour of cabinetry and flooring?

We’re happy to announce that Whirlpool will be releasing a kitchen collection that will do just that! It’s called the Sunset Bronze collection, and the colour was not only designed to give you more convenience but also inspiration.

Colours and Features

The rose gold trend has reached kitchen appliances, but we believe this isn’t a fad that’s going to fade out. The colour is vintage-inspired blending gold, copper, and bronze tones into the mix. It’s a warm colour that has the ability to stand out or blend into the background of your kitchen’s colour scheme.

Lighting plays a large role in the sunset bronze aesthetic and can come off looking more of a champagne colour at times and a copper at others. The Sunset Bronze Suite is painted on stainless steel, giving it both brawn and beauty!

Not only is Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze Collection stainless steel, it’s also fingerprint proof! Fortunately, this suite will be including the following appliances:

• Whirlpool Smart Door-within-Door Refrigerator
• Whirlpool Smart Energy Star Certified Dishwasher with Third Level Rack
• Whirlpool Smart Over the Range Microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology
• Whirlpool Smart Front Control Range

A kitchen is a place families gather to not only eat but to be together. It’s a place of warmth and comfort. Making sure your kitchen sets the right tone can make it a much more enjoyable place to be for everyone.

Whirlpool is a reliable brand that is constantly trying to create useful and innovative products that are better than the last. The Sunset Bronze Suite is smart appliances with a subtle finish that truly combine beauty and efficiency.

Talk to a sales associate at your local appliance store to find out more about Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze collection. They may not be available yet, but we have a feeling they’re going to be a hot commodity once they are.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

April 19, 2018

Make Your Small Laundry Closet Look Nice With Maytag Appliances

If you could put your washer and dryer anywhere in the house, where would they be? In a perfect world, maybe they would have their own room where there was plenty of storage and space for folding.

Unfortunately, we don’t always get to choose the size of the laundry room. Sometimes you get a little closet and that’s it. But instead of being glum about it, why not try fixing it up to be the laundry closet of your dreams?

Luckily, there are ways to make the room functional while keeping it organized and beautiful. Take a look at these tips below on ways to make your tiny laundry closet work!

1. Separate With Curtains

Some laundry closets/nooks don’t come with doors. If you don’t like looking at your washer and dryer every time you pass, you may want to get creative with the door situation. One way to hide your laundry appliances is by simply using a tension rod and a curtain. It’s an easy way to disguise your laundry room and it takes little effort to pull open.

2. Colour and Wallpaper

Give your laundry closet the pop of colour it needs and paint it! If you want something even more exciting, get a bold wallpaper print and paste it behind your laundry pair. Maytag Washer and dryers come in white and metallic slate colours so the will blend well with any colour or design you decide to choose!

3. Pedestal or Stack Them

If you’re really in need of space, there’s always the option of stacking your Maytag Front Load Washer and Dryers. If your room isn’t tall enough for that, try investing a Maytag Pedestal to both your washer and dryer which will instantly give you space for detergent and other cleaning supplies.

You may not have much to work with, but it’s more than possible to make your dreary hole of a laundry room a delightful place to be. With a bit of organizing, some colour, and clever assembly, you’ll love folding laundry in there! Get crafty with your laundry closet and let us know if you had any other clever ideas for making it work!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

April 12, 2018

Your New Mattress Can Help Improve Your Sleep Disorder

Endless nights of tossing and turning, or perhaps excessive snoring and getting up in the morning like you had no rest at all, can signal a sleep disorder. There could be many reasons for poor sleep quality like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia.

Hereditary or physical factors can play a role in sleep disorders, as can environmental issues. Poor sleep quality must be investigated at the onset because your overall physical, mental and emotional health will be negatively impacted.

Sleep Changes Over Time

The mechanics of sleeping is not obvious at times. Your body changes over time and so do your sleep needs. I remember using my favourite pillow for years very comfortably until that changed. Then, I suddenly felt that the extra firm mattress type I had loved over the years was not so comfortable anymore. As we age, our body shape changes. Additionally, some of us might be suffering from sports or other injuries, develop arthritis in our hips, knees, shoulders, or neck making it sometimes difficult to sleep.

When I realized that despite my efforts to manage the pain from my changing body, I was still not getting the proper sleep and that only made my symptoms worse. I made a checklist of everything I was doing, and it finally dawned on me that I always felt worse in the morning. My neck would be very stiff, my shoulders sore and tender, and my hips burning with pain and inflammation. I often wondered if I ran marathons in my sleep.

Finding the Culprit

Further investigations proved that my extra firm mattress, although only a few years old was not helping my symptoms. Furthermore, my pillow was no longer giving me the support my neck, head and shoulders now needed with all those sore areas from years of playing tennis!

In some cases, you should always look for sagging areas on your mattress as these will certainly cause more aches and pains. When our body is not properly supported while we sleep, even if you are the best physical shape, your body will let you know.

Symptoms of not sleeping on a properly supportive mattress will include body pains that will cause insomnia as we toss and turn to find the best spot, as well as snoring and sleep apnea if our neck and upper body is not comfortably cradled. Sleep apnea, however, may require further intervention when not resolved with a new mattress and pillow.

Poor quality sleep will add to our stress levels and the cycle begins, so before you throw out your exercise routine or other healthy habits you think are not working on your sleep issues, consider updating your mattress and pillow to something your body needs! It has been a game-changer for me as I educated myself on what my body needs to get the best sleep, and found the mattress and pillow that have alleviated many of my sleep issues. Get some mattress shopping therapy!

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

April 12, 2018

5 Functional Traits of Fabulous Foodie Kitchens

It takes a well-thought-out kitchen to help make those Instagram food pictures happen, every good amateur chef and true foodie knows this. Watch any YouTuber with a cooking show, and you’ll know it’s not about the size necessarily but these five fabulous traits of a truly functional foodie kitchen.

1) The Layout

The layout of your kitchen can really have an impact on how you use and enjoy your space. While historically we’ve looked to what designers call the ‘kitchen triangle’ (the ideal arrangement of your key working kitchen elements: the sink, refrigerator, and cooktop) as a guide for a harmonious kitchen environment, we now know it can also be a matter of personal preference and the space available to you. A great galley kitchen can be incredibly functional don’t forget!

2) Functional Food & Beverage Storage

Wine cooler, a must in a Foodie’s kitchen like this KitchenAid Wine Cooler.

The more cold storage the better is the mantra of any avid at home chef. With drawers for cold beers and a wine fridge keeping reds and whites at the perfect temperature, extra cold storage is the hidden secret of any foodie’s kitchen. Even if there isn’t room in the kitchen, a wine fridge and extra cold storage elsewhere in the house can help immensely when hosting family and friends.

3) Intelligent Appliances and Storage Solutions

Rethink how best your cupboards and drawers can work for you. Think about the space you need access to on the regular, and the items you use most frequently and make sure to give these items priority when looking at how best to organize your kitchen. House Beautiful has 35 great ways to help get and keep your kitchen organized.

And don’t let your storage be the only intelligent solution in the space, today’s appliances are redefining normal and helping you at home in so many ways.

4) Lots of Lighting

Lighting can’t be pushed to the shadows! Proper kitchen lighting means plenty of it. A great kitchen has task lighting above your counter/workspaces, overhead lights on dimmers for a variety of moods and tasks, under counter and in cupboard lighting to spotlight family cookbooks and collectable mixing bowls.

5) Plenty of Prep Space

A home chef’s kitchen should have lots of preparation space. Image source: Hibou Design & Co

Countertops can sometimes come at a premium, so if it’s prep space you crave for, be sure to banish that countertop clutter and maximize your working area. Any good at home chef knows it’s better to have room for proper knife technique than to have the entire baking row of Bulk Barn in jars nicely displayed on the counter. (That is unless, of course, you have room for it, in which case display away!) Make sure to light your prep space properly (see above) and also have it centrally located to other appliances (as part of your triangle, perhaps?).

What is something you look for in your dream kitchen? Not too sure how your kitchen can become more functional? Pop into your local BrandSource store to chat with our appliance experts who can help make your dream kitchen a reality.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

April 11, 2018

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a BBQ this Summer

Whether you’re a grill master or buying your first barbecue, knowing what to look for is key if you want your food to have that authentic outdoor flavour. Now that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, but you do have to keep certain principles in mind if you want to get the most from your grill. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get confused, but with my help, you’ll be able to find the perfect BBQ for any budget.

You’ve got the apron, you’ve got the spatula and with that perfect barbecue, you’ll finally be ready to take your place as King (or Queen) of the backyard!

So let’s get started.

Fuelling the Fire

One of the first questions you’ll get when shopping for an outdoor grill is what type of fuel do you want to cook with? If you’re just starting out or looking for portability than propane may be the way to go. Like natural gas, propane burns cleaner than charcoal and is easier to control. If you’re looking for a more permanent set up, then natural gas barbecues are fuelled directly from your home gas line and require less maintenance than propane tanks.

If you want to stay away from gas, then charcoal or wood chips burning grills are your best bet. Although they take a little longer to cook, charcoal and chips are both available in a wide variety of flavours and are still the easiest way to maximize that smoky barbecue flavour.

Cooking Power vs. Cooking Efficiency

When talking about outdoor cooking, there’s nothing more seductive than power. A barbecue’s heat generation is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and determines how hot the burners will operate. Most consumer grills fall within 25,000 and 60,000 BTUs depending on the size, the model, and the manufacturer of the machine.

That said, power isn’t everything. It’s much more important to cook efficiently with the heat you are generating, and a well-made 25,000 BTU cooktop will cook better than an inefficient 40,000 BTU model. Look for a good burner system with even heat distribution, a vapourizer system that covers the full width of the cooktop, and heavy cast iron or stainless steel grates that retain more heat. Price matters here, and expect to pay more for a more efficient machine.

When Size Matters

Most people barbecue to feed their immediate families. For the average consumer, a 400 – 600 cubic inch area will easily feed 8 people or more. A good rule of thumb is that a small grill will cook 18 burgers, a mid-size grill will cook 28, and a large grill will cook 30 and up.

If space is tight, make sure you measure your BBQ area before you buy. And remember that warming zones and side burners allow you to expand your usable cooking space without a huge size upgrade. If you do purchase a smaller grill, lean towards one with a distinct burner system so you don’t have to sacrifice versatility or the ability to cook with indirect heat.

Built to Last… or Not So Much

In addition to improved efficiency, a well-made barbecue is going to last longer, requires less maintenance, and will be safer than entry-level machines. When you’re inspecting a grill ask the sales professional what it’s made of. At the lower end, most barbecues are made of some combination of painted sheet metal and cast iron compared to stainless steel and cast aluminum in more expensive machines.

The ideal cooking surface should be one seamless piece of cast or welded metals. And the thicker the better. Carts should feel sturdy, and like a good cooktop, you want to find one that’s welded together instead of one constructed with nuts and bolts.

Finally, what are the grates made of? Cast iron and stainless steel grates will both give you great sear marks but expect stainless steel grates to last a lot longer. Cast iron grates will also require more maintenance, although porcelain coated options are less time consuming. Whatever material you’re considering, make sure you test the weight of the grates. Lighter grates may be hollow, or of inferior construction, and therefore less durable and effective than a grate with some heft.

Grilling Accessories

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start expanding your cooking experience. Side burners, smoke trays, rotisserie kits, and sear burners are all upgrades to consider if you want to expand the versatility of your grill.

If you really want to take the next step, then consider a full outdoor kitchen. A built-in grill with an independent side burner, outdoor refrigeration including an ice cold beer dispenser is every summer entertainer’s dream.

But whatever your dream, just keep these handy tips in mind when you’re buying a barbecue and you’ll be grilling to perfection in no time.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

April 11, 2018

Don’t Put These 5 Things in Your Microwave

Microwaves tend to be the simplest of all the kitchen appliances, but that doesn’t mean you can put anything inside them. Most people know that metal and foil containers are no-no’s, but is there something else we should be avoiding? In order to prevent a fire from occurring in your home, or releasing toxic chemicals into the air, try watching out for these items so you can keep your microwave in pristine shape.

1. Aluminum Foil

Obviously, you should never put aluminum foil in your microwave. We know that fireworks are exciting, but when you start seeing sparks flying from your microwave, you better stop it immediately. The interior of a microwave is normally metal, so when aluminum foil is placed inside, the radio waves that emit electromagnetic energy to heat up your food, reflects off it, which causes a light show in your microwave.

2. Paper Bags

Paper bags were not made to be put in a microwave. Of course, popcorn bags are different and were made to handle the radio waves emitted from microwaves. It may seem like nothing, but your regular paper bag is not protected and can release chemicals into the air and your food when warmed up. Not to mention, the bag could catch fire so it’s probably a good idea to just not test it out.

3. Plastic Bags and Containers

Plastic isn’t the best material to go inside a microwave. When it’s heated, BPA, an organic compound, is released, which can heavily disrupt your hormones. Keep your hormones natural by never using plastic to warm up your food.

4. Hot Peppers

Heating up peppers is bad for a couple reasons. One being that they could catch fire – which no one wants. Also, microwaving hot peppers is essentially the same as being pepper-sprayed. As soon as you open the microwave, your eyes and throat could be vulnerable to burning – so maybe don’t heat up your peppers in a microwave.

5. Styrofoam

Leftovers have come in Styrofoam containers since the dawn of time, it would seem. Unfortunately, they don’t belong in your microwave for warming up. Remove your food before heating up to prevent harsh chemicals from infecting your next meal.

Microwaves may seem like simple appliances, but they’re very powerful tools that should be used carefully. With your newfound knowledge, you’ll keep your microwave in better shape so that it can stick around to heat up your food for a long time.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

April 11, 2018

DIY Dishwasher Detergent to Save Money

If you’re looking to cut back on spending money, doing it in an environmentally friendly way is always best. Instead of purchasing pricey dishwasher detergent at the store, why not make your own? This way you have the option of putting only healthy, natural ingredients in the mix to ensure harsh chemicals aren’t destroying your dishes.

Before you ignore this idea because it sounds too complicated, you should know that making your own dishwasher detergent takes very little effort and time. Did we mention it also saves you money?

What You’ll Need

1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Cup Baking Soda
½ Cup Lemon Juice
1 cup Kosher Salt
1 Cup Water

Mix It All Together

The ingredients are completely safe to use on your dishes, so feel free to add a little more or less to the concoction to make it your own. This special recipe will cleanse your dishes, fight grease, reduce hard water buildup, and smell lemony fresh.

Once you’ve mixed everything together thoroughly, you have the option to leave the detergent in powder form, or you can add water. If you decide to add water, you’ll be able to scoop the mixture into an ice cube tray so that it sets in that shape. Let them dry in the sun for about 24 hours before cracking the trays opens to retrieve them like you would with ice. Store them in Ziploc bags or an airtight container for best results.

Is It Worth It?

Yes! It’s fast, easy, and the ingredients are natural! The longest part of this whole project is letting the dishwasher detergent dry in the sun – which isn’t even necessary if you decide to keep the detergent in a dry powder form. The best part? You’ll save greatly on this do-it-yourself project!

Your built-in dishwasher needs a detergent that won’t harm it, and with this DIY detergent, you won’t go wrong. If you happen to be looking for a new dishwasher for your specially made detergent tabs, visit us to find great stainless steel dishwashers from brands such as Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid. Your new stainless steel dishwasher will be durable and powerful and ready to take on anything – including your dirty dishes.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

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