As the winter chill sets in, there’s no better time to improve the warmth and comfort of your sleep. Acknowledging the significance of quality sleep for overall well-being and productivity, it becomes essential to focus on preparing your bedding for colder nights ahead. In this blog, we will look at ways to ensure a cosy haven during the winter months!
This month the team at ufurnish.com are giving us their top tips to choose winter friendly living room furniture and how best to subsequently care for these items.
ufurnish.com is the search and comparison platform revolutionising how we search and compare furniture and furnishings online. Bringing together 100+ furniture retailers all onto one website from high street names like Dunelm and John Lewis to smaller independents including French Bedroom and Rockett St George, you’ll find everything you need to create your perfect home.
As the winter season well and truly sets in, transforming your living room into a warm and inviting space becomes a top priority. Creating a cosy winter retreat involves more than just adding blankets and throw pillows; it’s about selecting the right furniture and adopting effective care practices. In this guide, we’ll explore winter living room ideas that will keep you snug and stylish throughout the colder months.
Continue readingThose winter days yearn for cardigans as they keep you warm and cosy! Cardigan is essential for the winter but because of its delicacy, it does need special care and attention. With proper care, your cardigans will last for years. In this blog, we’ll give you the best tips to care for your cardigans!
Winter brings hot chocolate, cosy nights, and crisp fresh air in the morning. With all the joy winter can bring, it can also be the source of laundry frustrations. Clothes take longer to dry in the winter due to the cold air but with better preparations, you can stay on top of your laundry. To help you do just that, we’ve compiled a list of winter laundry tips!
Nothing says the winter season is here like the days getting shorter and colder. For hotels, winter is a period where you will get an influx of tourists booking to stay. For this reason alone, it’s important to start preparing how to cater to guests in this season. To help you do just that, we’ve compiled 4 ways to prepare your hotel for winter!
Copenhagen turns into a wonderland during the festive season. Twinkling lights hang above the streets, shops are filled with people completing their Christmas shopping, and the true spirit of hygge is embraced. It is a truly magical experience, and these are just 5 things to do at Christmas in Copenhagen.
Every winter Frederiksberg Runddel, by the entrance of the iconic Frederiksberg Garden, is transformed into a glorious ice rink. Despite not being the biggest ice rink in Copenhagen, it is one of the prettiest. As you skate around the rink you can see the tops of the parks beautiful trees and a peek into the grounds. Admission to the ice rink is free, and you can hire a pair of skates for DKK 50, or have yours sharpened for DKK 70. Skating at Frederiksberg Garden is the perfect way to begin your Christmas in Copenhagen, so get your skates on and start, well, skating.
Tivoli Gardens is transformed into a mesmerising winter wonderland during the festive season. The park is decorated with fake snow, glittering Christmas lights, and finished with over 1,000 Christmas trees, decorated with more than 70,000 baubles. The feeling of stepping into the North Pole would not be complete without a visit from Santa and his reindeer’s, as well as Christmas performances and parades. In addition to this magical fun, Tivoli also hosts a Christmas market with more than 60 stalls of traditional food, drink, and perfect stocking-filler gifts. Tivoli Gardens is truly a magical Christmas experience for all ages.
There are many Christmas markets to wander around in Copenhagen, but Højbro Plads Christmas Market is the best. Located between Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe, and the Christiansborg Palace, it is the perfect market to get your Christmas shopping done. The market area exudes the Christmas spirit with its Christmas trees, 280,000 sparkling lights, and festive decorations. Vendors sit inside log cabins, which are imported each year from Tyrol, selling Christmas gifts, sweet treats, and traditional Gløgg. Whilst you’re busy shopping and taking in the festive atmosphere, look out for Santa and his reindeer who circulate the market, greeting children and making sure that you stay on the nice list. If you don’t find all of the gifts that you are searching for at Højbro Plads Christmas Market, head to Strøget to finish the task.
Juleøl is Danish for Christmas beer, one of the most beloved drinks in Copenhagen during the festive season. Traditionally, Juleøl is strong and spiced with cinnamon, orange peel, cloves, and vanilla. Today, more than 220 Danish breweries produce a record number of Christmas beers of roughly 350 varieties. From bodegas to trendy craft beer pubs, you will see Copenhagers across the city toasting the festive season with a Christmas beer. It would be remiss to be in Copenhagen during the festive period and not join in on the tradition. Cheers!
Each year the Christmas lights on the Hotel d’Angleterre are a wondrous spectacle for all to marvel at. They tend to be extravagant displays, based on characters from the iconic fairy tales of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who had spent Christmas in the hotel. Once you have marvelled at the beautiful lights adorning the Hotel d’Angleterre, head inside to warm yourself up with a glass of gløgg. The Hotel d’Angleterre is known across Copenhagen as the best place to enjoy a traditional glass of gløgg or their bespoke Snow Queen’s gløgg. The perfect way to get you in the Christmas spirit.
After spending your day enjoying the festive spirit, you don’t want laundry to pull you out of your festive haze. Instead, let Laundryheap do your laundry for you. Book your Laundryheap order today by heading to the Laundryheap website, or downloading the free Laundryheap app.
It’s going to take more than just a coat to keep you warm this winter. Luckily, your trusty winter warmers are here to help. Just make sure that you look after them by following our handy guide.
10% of your body’s heat is lost through your head. Luckily, a warm hat will help prevent this heat from being lost. In winter, the most common type of hat to wear is a beanie, a close-fitting hat that clings to the head and can be worn over the ears. In the autumn and winter seasons, you will find yourself wearing your hat most, if not every, day, so to keep it clean it’s best to wash it 3-5 times each season.
Most beanie hats are made from polyester or wool and cotton blends, which are safe to wash in the washing machine. Before machine washing your beanie, first, check the care label. This will tell you if you can wash your hat in the washing machine and, if you can, what temperature and cycle to use.
To machine wash your beanie, first put it in a laundry bag to prevent it from being snagged in the machine. Next, select a cool wash setting, ideally 30 degrees Celsius, and a gentle cycle. Beanies are made to be stretchy so that they can fit over your head, however, they can stretch in the washing machine and become misshapen. A gentle cycle and cool temperature will help to prevent this from happening.
If you are worried about machine washing your beanie, hand wash it instead.
To begin hand washing your beanie, first fill a sink with cool water and add a teaspoon of mild laundry detergent. Submerge your hat in the water, and gently move it around. Make sure that you are not wringing or scrubbing your beanie whilst it’s in the water as this will cause it to stretch. Gently swirl your hat in the water for roughly 5 minutes. If it is heavily stained, allow your hat to sit in the water for 15-30 minutes so that the dirt and oils can break down and be removed.
After you have washed your beanie remove it from the detergent water and submerge it in fresh, cold, water. Swirl your hat in the fresh water until all of the detergent has been removed- you will need to replenish your water frequently until no more detergent is released. You may be tempted to hold your beanie under a stream of cool water, however, this will only result in it stretching.
Regardless of how you wash your beanie, the drying process is the same. Lay your beanie flat on a clean, dry, towel, and lay another clean, dry, towel over the top of it. Leave your top towel over your beanie for a few minutes to soak up as much excess water as possible, before removing it completely to finish air-drying. Do not wring or twist your beanie to remove water, or use a tumble dryer, as this will stretch and misshapen your hat. Leave your beanie to completely dry before wearing it.
A scarf is perfect for keeping your neck warm whilst you brave the brisk winter day. Most winter scarves are made from cotton, wool, or cashmere as these materials are thick and therefore better at keeping you warm. To ensure that your scarf keeps you warm throughout autumn and winter, wash it 3-5 times per season.
Washing machines are too harsh for some materials, such as wool and cashmere, so before washing your winter scarf make sure that it is made from cotton or polyester.
After checking that your scarf is safe to machine wash, place it in a laundry bag and into your washing machine. The laundry bag will ensure that your scarf doesn’t get snagged whilst being washed. Next, select a gentle and cold water cycle on your machine. Even though your scarf’s material is safe to machine wash, it is still delicate and therefore needs to be washed using a delicate cycle. Finally, add gentle laundry detergent to your machine and begin the wash cycle. Make sure that you are using a gentle laundry detergent as they are softer on fabrics and don’t contain dyes or harsh chemicals.
If your scarf is made from wool, cashmere, or any other delicate material, it must be hand-washed only.
To begin hand washing your scarf, fill a sink with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of gentle laundry detergent. Completely submerge your scarf in your detergent water and gently swish it around. You may want to gently squeeze each section of your scarf to ensure that it is absorbing as much water as possible. After you have swished your scarf in the water a few times, leave it to sit for 10 minutes, giving it ample time to soak up as much detergent as possible.
After 10 minutes, remove your scarf from the detergent water and rinse it under a cool running tap. Make sure that your tap is on a low water pressure to avoid any damage to the fibres of your scarf. Avoid wringing or twisting your scarf whilst you are rinsing it as this can also damage its fibres. Continue to rinse your scarf under the cool running tap until no more detergent runs from it.
Unless your winter scarf is made from fleece, you should never use a tumble dryer to dry your scarf. Instead, lay it flat on a clean, dry, towel, and place another clean, dry, towel over the top of it. Gently press down on the top towel to remove as much excess water as possible. After removing as much water as possible, remove the top towel, and leave your scarf to air dry. If your scarf is made from cotton or polyester, you can hang it on a clothes horse or outside to continue air drying.
If your scarf is made of fleece, you can dry it on a low heat setting in your tumble dryer. Make sure that you are not using a high heat setting as this will damage the fibres of your scarf.
When your hands get cold they become stiff and achy, not a particularly pleasant feeling. Gloves keep your hands warm and mobile by insulating them. To ensure that they stay in top shape, wash your gloves roughly 3-5 times each season.
Gloves can be made from a variety of different materials, however, cotton or those made with synthetic fibres are the only ones that can be machine washed. Before machine washing your gloves, check their care label to make sure that they are safe to wash in the washing machine.
To machine wash your gloves, first put them in a laundry bag and then into the washing machine. This will firstly ensure that your gloves don’t get snagged whilst in the machine, and secondly prevent them from getting lost. Next, select a cold and gentle wash cycle that won’t be too abrasive on the fibres of your gloves. Finally, add oxygen bleach to your wash and begin your cycle. Oxygen bleach will help keep the colour of your gloves vibrant, whilst killing any bacteria that may be on your gloves.
If your gloves are not made from cotton or synthetic fibres, then you will have to hand wash them. Not all gloves can be hand washed in the same way though.
To clean your leather gloves, first use an oil-based soap to remove any stains. Gently rub the soap onto your gloves, paying extra attention to the heavily stained areas, before setting to one side to dry.
Once your gloves have dried, use a microfiber cloth to polish your gloves. This will help keep them looking shiny. Be careful not to press too hard with your microfiber cloth as this could lead to scratching the leather of your gloves.
Once you have cleaned the outside of your leather gloves, sprinkle a light dusting of corn-starch or baking soda inside your glove. The powdery particles will absorb any oils and odours inside your gloves, leaving them smelling good as new. Leave your corn-starch or baking soda for 15 minutes, before shaking it out of each glove.
To hand-wash your wool gloves, begin by filling a sink with warm water and adding a drop of gentle laundry detergent. Make sure that you are only using a drop of detergent as gloves are reasonably small and don’t require a lot of detergent.
Next, submerge your gloves in the detergent water and use a swishing motion to allow the detergent to soak into each glove. Leave your gloves for 10-15 minutes, before draining the detergent water and re-filling the sink with fresh, warm, water.
Repeat the swishing motion with your gloves, removing all of the detergent from each one. You will have to refill your sink with fresh water each time it becomes too soapy. Once you have removed the detergent from your gloves, drain the water and leave your gloves at the bottom of your empty sink. Using your hands, gently push down on each glove to remove as much excess water as possible.
Waterproof gloves are often used for skiing and don’t require much cleaning. To clean your waterproof gloves, generously spray the outside of each glove with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This will help disinfect the outside of your gloves. To clean the inside of your gloves, sprinkle either corn-starch or baking soda into each glove and leave it for 15 minutes. The powder will work in the same way as with leather gloves, removing oils and odours.
Regardless of what material your gloves are made from you must avoid using the tumble dryer to dry them. Your waterproof and leather gloves won’t require drying because they have not come into contact with water.
To dry your cotton and wool gloves place the gloves on a clean, dry, towel and roll the towel up so that the gloves are encased. This will help squeeze any excess water from each glove without causing them to lose their shape. After a few minutes, unroll the towel and rearrange your gloves so that they are lying flat. Leave your gloves in this position to air dry, refraining from wearing them until they are completely dry.
The best way to take care of your winter warmers is by letting us take care of them. We can pick up, launder, and have your hats, scarves, and gloves back to you, and ready to wear, within 24 hours. All you have to do is head to the Laundryheap website, or download the free Laundryheap app, to book your order.
A winter coat is a wardrobe essential this time of year. In order for it to last the whole of winter, and beyond, you must make sure that you are taking care of it.
Every time you take off your coat make sure that you empty out your pockets. Leaving heavy objects, such as keys, in your pocket for an extended period of time can lead to sagging and your coat becoming misshapen.
Hanging up your coat will prevent it from becoming wrinkled and dirtied by people interacting with it. It’s best to hang your coat on a wooden hanger as these are sturdy and less likely to break. Make sure it is hung in an airy location so that it has room to reshape and rid itself of any lingering smells it may be carrying. For the best results, leave your coat for 24 hours before re-wearing.
To maintain the cleanliness of your coat, brush it after every wear. A suede brush will help to remove any oils that have built up throughout the day, and a lint roller will remove any lint, fluff, or threads on the surface. This will increase your coats longevity and help you maintain a presentable appearance.
If you find a stain, do not panic. Use a damp cloth to gently pat the stain, making sure that you do not rub it as this could damage the fibres. If your coat is woollen, you can add a small amount of laundry detergent to your cloth and continue patting. If your coat is suede, try using a pencil eraser to remove the stain.
Remember, it is always best to treat stains as soon as you notice them.
Your coat should be washed at the beginning and end of every season. This will help prevent moths from infesting it during the spring and summer months. In addition, washing your coat twice a season will remove the dust, bacteria, and pollution that it picks up as you wear it, ensuring that it remains in top condition.
Before you wash your coat you should always read the care label. Some coats, such as those made of wool, can be hand washed at home using a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Other coats, such as suede ones, may be dry clean only. To make sure that you are taking care of your coat in the appropriate way you must always check the care label first.
If you are not confident when it comes to washing your coat, we’ve got you covered. We will pick up your coat, wash or dry-clean it depending on the care label instructions, and re-deliver it back to you, in top condition, within 24-hours.
To book your Laundryheap service, head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app.
It’s out with the cold and in the heat! Spring is finally here and that means making room in our wardrobe for our spring and summer clothes. But how and where do we store our winter clothes for the time being? Fortunately for you, we have some tips on how to store away your winter clothes properly.
Here a few things you need to do before you go to store your winter clothes away:
Before you even think about storing away your winter clothes, make sure to laundry and dry clean everything first. You don’t want to be storing them along with the dirt, bacteria and germs that your clothes have accumulated during the winter. Keep them fresh and ready to wear when the winter season comes again.
A missing button? or loose a thread? Repair anything that appears damaged or broken before you store them away, so it’s ready for the next wear. Minor repairs can be done yourself, but you can send clothing with more difficult repairs to a local tailor to get them fixed.
Noticed a few winter sweaters that you no longer wear? Set those pieces aside to be donated. Get rid of the winter clothes that you no longer wear anymore. Give them to your friends or family, donate them or sell them.
Keep all your clothes neatly folded and stacked away inside plastic storage containers with tight fitting lids. Make sure not to overfill the box though as this will crease your clothes as well as not giving them air to ‘breath’. Don’t forget to include the chunky knits- it wouldn’t be a good idea to hang them as it will deform its shape.
Hang your bulky coats and jackets on sturdy plastic or wooden hangers.
Hang your more delicate coats (such as fur, down or leather) and other delicate clothing in garment bags to keep them protected and in good condition.
Make sure to store your clothes in a well-ventilated area. This means avoid storing them in humid areas such as the attic or garage.
WINTER IS HERE!
For most of us, that means turning the heating up and spending ridiculous amount of money on our energy bills. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can stay warm at home this winter AND save money on your energy bill with these 5 tips:
The number one reason why it’s cold in our homes is because of poor insulation, letting in draughts! Nevertheless, there are a few ways you can stop the draught from coming in through your windows and doors.
Patch up the gaps around your windows and doors and invest in self-adhesive rubber seals or insulation tape. This is a great investment that will save you money on your heating bill! You can also purchase a door drought excluder for extra insulation.
If you’re feeling creative, do a DIY door draught excluders or if you’re feeling cheap, why not use a pool noodle or an old pillow/cushion to block out the draughts, it will look awkward but it will do the job!
It’s cheaper to turn on the heating at a low temperature (18-21°C/ 64-69°F) than it is to turn it on at a high temperature at your preferred time. If you’re going to use your heating, set it at a low temperature and time it to turn on an hour or 30 mins before you wake up so your house is already feeling warm. Also, avoid keeping the heating on whilst you’re out of the house.
If you have curtains, here are some things you can do to try to keep the warmth from escaping through the windows:
The heat from the radiators usually go upwards than around the house. To get the warm air to spread properly, cover some card (that matches the size of your radiator) with tinfoil and place behind the radiator to reflect the heat to go outwards rather than up. This will help retain more heat. You can also purchase a ready made foil insulation.
Whether you already have a carpet or wooden floor, it’s always nice to add an extra layer on top of that, especially during the winter.
Add a rug to your carpet or wooden floor to keep cosy! You can also add a roll of carpet onto the wooden floor to keep the warm air from escaping.
Don’t forget, if the cold weather is making you lazy to do your laundry, Just schedule a collection with Laundryheap and we’ll take care of it for you! That way you can relax and enjoy being cosy and warm at home.
How do you keep your house warm and save money on your bills in the winter? Leave a comment!
