Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Learn how to wash your home sofa fabric in 6 steps

Having a cozy and comfortable sofa to relax on is all good! But when this piece of furniture starts asking for a good cleaning, the dilemma arises - how to wash the fabric of the sofa? After all, each type of coating requires special care.


Do you want to know how to wash the fabric of your home's sofa and always keep it attractive and inviting? So, do not miss the 7 steps for the cleaning of upholstery fabrics that we have separated for you!

1. Cleaning the cushions

If the seat consists of loose cushions, cleaning is easier. This is because they can be washed separately and transported to a place more conducive to drying. Care should be taken with direct exposure to sunlight, as it may fade the fabric.

2. Weekly hygiene

All types of sofas must undergo weekly cleaning. For this work it is recommended to use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt particles.

This care is necessary to avoid the accumulation of dust and animal hair   or the decomposition of organic elements, such as food scraps, which can cause and aggravate diseases

3. Deeper cleaning

Even with basic weekly care, the chairs need a good cleaning, which should be done, at most, every semester.

Sofas covered with fabrics are comfortable and beautiful, but require more care for cleaning. It is important to know which type of washing is suitable for each fabric. This way, the coating will remain conserved and showy for a longer time.

4. Analysis of tissue classification

The upholstery comes with a label indicating the best way to do the cleaning. Check out this rating:

             letter O - indicates that it can be washed with water;

             letter W - must be cleaned using a damp cloth and specific products;

             letter P - dry cleaning is recommended;

             letter F - shows that it is essential to hire professionals to wash.

5. Choice of washing type

After checking the type of cleaning indicated for the sofa it is time to perform this task. Get to know each type of washing better.

Wet wash

This type of washing can be done on sofas covered with fabrics, such as cotton, linen and velvet.

There are specific products on the market, diluted in water for cleaning.

Just moisten a cloth or a soft sponge in the liquid and wipe the sofa. If the furniture is very dirty or stained, the process must be repeated until the dirt is completely removed. After that, wipe with a dry cloth and let it dry.

Dry clean

This service is offered by some companies and, if you want, you can do the cleaning at home, using baking soda and vacuum cleaner. To do this, sprinkle the product on the upholstery and let it act for at least 15 minutes. Then vacuum.

Dry cleaning in fabrics such as microfiber and polyester can be done with alcohol. First, spray the alcohol over a small area, as this product evaporates quickly. Then rub with a soft brush. Repeat the operation for the entire upholstery.

Washing with water

This type of cleaning is a little more laborious, since the water must be completely sucked in order not to damage the upholstery.

For this washing, the following materials will be needed: approximately 5 liters of water, soft brush, liquid vacuuming machine, sprayer and a sofa cleaning product. Follow the steps for this work:

             vacuum all the upholstery dust;

             dilute the cleaning product in water and put a part of the mixture in the sprayer;

             spray the entire sofa;

             use the brush to manually scrub the entire sofa with the rest of the cleaning mixture;

             vacuum up all the water - this step is very important, as the furniture can only be used when it is completely dry;

             repeat the operation until the water comes out clean.

This process is very efficient and if you choose this option, study the possibility of hiring a company to do the job. Some of them, like Porto Seguro Faz, use water-based products, which is good for your health and for the planet.

In addition, you will not have to worry about looking for the necessary equipment for this type of cleaning.

6. Removal of the most difficult stains

It is common for products that cause stains to fall on the upholstery fabric. Some of them resist some conventional washing. So, it is necessary to resort to other means to withdraw them. Check out some of these stains and learn how to remove them!

Fat spot

Apply a foam made with neutral detergent, let it act a little and dry it with absorbent paper.

Wine or coffee stain

Use absorbent paper to remove the liquid as much as possible. Then, moisten the area with sparkling mineral water and dry with paper towels. If you want, you can use ice instead of water.

Makeup stain

Remove as much of the makeup as possible by gently scraping the stain with a spatula. Soon after, apply baking soda in the place and leave for about 20 minutes. Then, use the vacuum cleaner to remove the residue.

See how important it is to know how to wash the fabric of the sofa? A good solution to this demand is to hire qualified and efficient service providers, such as those from  Porto Seguro Faz.

Thus, you will have more time to enjoy the comfort of this furniture, in the company of your  family  and friends and have all the security of quality service, in addition to the cleaning of mites, fungi and bacteria.

Did you like to know the steps for cleaning sofa fabrics and want to see more tips on how to take care of your home, your vehicles and all your belongings? So, share these tips with your friends on social networks!

Source: Latest colour trends for living rooms 2021

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Technology In Civil Construction: Overview, Trends And How To Prepare For What Is To Come


Learn about the main trends in the use of technology in civil construction and how to follow the changes caused by these movements.
According to a study carried out recently by McKinsey * consultancy with more than 2,400 technological solution companies focused on the engineering and construction market:
- Between 2008 and 2012, technologies aimed at our segment received approximately US $ 9 billion in investments.
- Between 2013 and 2018, the total invested was US $ 18 billion.
In other words, investment in technologies aimed at the engineering and construction market has doubled in the last decade!
And it couldn't be different.
After all, changes in the behavior of consumers and professionals and the rise of digital tools are causing a profound transformation in our sector, and the digital technologies and solutions that are emerging because of this are fundamental to ensure that the days of conservatism and the low productivity in the engineering and construction market are left behind.
To help you understand how technological evolution is impacting the engineering and construction sector and how to keep up with the changes caused by these movements, in this article we explore the main trends in the use of technologies in our market. Follow!
The McKinsey survey identified four areas in which new technologies are being applied more widely in the engineering and construction market. Are they:
1) 3D printing, modularization and robotics
The study pointed to a movement by the construction sector towards the use of prefabricated and standardized components that are produced externally.
According to McKinsey's analysis, consistent adoption of these techniques can increase industry productivity by up to ten times.
Technologies such as:
- Fully automated prefabrication processes that transform a 2D drawing or 3D model into a prefabricated building component.
- Construction robotics, such as masonry or welding robots.
- Autonomous heavy machinery to make construction safer, faster and more accessible.
- Exoskeletons and wearable robotics to improve mobility of injured workers or harness the strength of robotic arms.
- 3D printing on metal of long production items, allowing the production of high performance components and, ultimately, more efficient and economical parts. This is the case with joints, for example.
Learn more!
3D printing in civil construction: current scenario and future perspectives ? Prefabricated and modular constructions help to reduce costs and accelerate production ? What will the engineering and construction market look like in 2050
2) Digital twins
Digital twin (digital twin or digital copy) is a virtual version of a product / system / project / object.
In practice, a digital twin behaves in the same way as its real-world counterpart. For this very reason, it can simulate performance conditions and features .
Therefore,  using a digital twin, it is possible, for example, to carry out tests to check, among other things, the need for adjustments - without harming the “real” brother.
In the engineering and construction market, digital twin platforms and reality capture solutions ( drones or satellite images) minimize rework in the field, allowing a dynamic view of the project and real-time comparison of the work's evolution with the projected design.
McKinsey's study indicated that currently the most interesting applications of digital twins can be found in the seamless integration of 3D models generated by images of drones that capture performance indicators through connected sensors (internet of things).
“This approach creates an exact digital replica of the physical project, generating high accuracy of the data and allowing real-time updating, according to the evolution of the project. This technology also allows users to interact virtually with 'mixed reality' models, which combine 3D design and as-built configurations ”, detail the researchers.
Among the main benefits of this system, we highlight the reduction of decision-making cycles in a construction project . This is possible through the complete automation of project schedule and budget updates.
Learn more!
Drones in civil construction: an (r) evolution underway ? Necessary precautions for the use of drones in civil construction ? How the internet of things contributes to efficient construction management ? Smart cities and the future of civil construction
3) Artificial intelligence and data analysis
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing more and more rapidly. So much so that it is difficult to predict the parameters that it should reach in the future.
However, the application of AI systems in the engineering and construction market is still timid.
McKinsey's study revealed that few leaders have the data strategies, processes and resources needed to power the algorithms and significantly implement this technology in construction.
However, the trend is that this will change very soon. Therefore, no company in the industry should ignore the evolution of these systems.
Among the possible applications of AI in civil construction, the following stand out, for example:
- Systems that optimize project schedules can consider thousands of alternatives for the delivery of the work and continuously improve the overall planning.
- Image recognition and classification allows you to evaluate data collected on video in the field of work. Thus, it is possible to identify, for example, behaviors that pose risks. This information can be used to train the workforce.
- Analytical platforms can collect and analyze sensor data. This allows you to create and target solutions in real time to:
-> Cut costs.
-> Prioritize preventive maintenance.
-> Avoid unplanned downtime.
Artificial intelligence in the engineering and construction market ? Big data in construction management - the importance and benefits of data analysis in civil construction ? How to create a culture of analysis and use of data in civil construction
4) Optimization of the supply chain and marketplaces
The survey also identified a growth in the emergence of companies that offer digital solutions to facilitate the process of acquiring materials, equipment and labor.
Startups that offer platforms for the purchase and sale of goods and services in the areas of engineering and construction, as well as for hiring professionals in this sector, are gaining strength in several countries.
McKinsey researchers believe that these companies have enormous potential to optimize the supply chain, improving productivity and profitability - just as this process automation has also revolutionized other sectors, such as retail.
“In construction, these markets can also improve bidding processes, improving the transparency of costs and the availability of materials, labor and equipment for future and ongoing projects. They will also become increasingly important, due to the increasing use of prefabricated components ”, highlight the experts.
What construtechs are and how they should impact the engineering and construction market ? 7 Brazilian construtechs to keep an eye on in 2019 ? How to choose the best digital tool to manage civil construction projects
How to follow the changes caused by the use of technology in civil construction
Can you already see the impact of the use of technology in civil construction in your daily life?
No? Believe me: it is a matter of time before they become part of your routine and significantly transform your company's positioning and processes, in addition to your work as a whole.
The question is, will you be prepared for this?
What will define whether your company will be able to keep up with the main movements in the engineering and construction sector - and remain relevant in the market for years to come - is the level of knowledge of your team and the alignment of your processes with such trends.
The articles below provide important information and tips in this regard:
The fourth industrial revolution and the engineering and construction market ? 7 major movements that are shaping the future of engineering and construction ? Engineering management: how to successfully conduct changes ? The foundations of an innovative company in civil construction
Need help knowing where to start? We can support you on this journey into the future!
Celere consultants are experts in improving the management and processes of engineering and construction companies to bring more efficiency and profitability. With our help, your business will have better results and more productivity, through methodologies and tools aligned with the main market trends.


 


Friday, February 7, 2020

Set up the sofa in front of the window - stylishly furnish the living room with a couch


Aligning a sofa with your back in front of a window is often the logical decision and, above all, the right choice. The walls in the room are more suitable for a flat screen television, or a television wall or entertainment center. If you really prefer it cozy, you can also install a fireplace there and thus delimit another area of the room. However, a sofa in front of the window gives you the opportunity to enjoy the view during the day and to have an ideal interior view at night while relaxing or entertaining.


 



Focus on sofa in front of window
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A large couch in a small room or a sofa in the middle of a room is usually in front of a central point, because both are a comfortable seat and the usual first choice when sitting. If there is nothing on the wall opposite the window or behind the couch, a television or a large painting is of course also included. When sitting on the sofa you will want to see something without having to turn your head several times. Other seating in the room should also offer a wide view of the central wall.

The right distance from the window
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When you place a sofa in front of a window, however, you also have to think about the necessary privacy during the night. Such a piece of furniture, which is at least 30 centimeters from the television, also offers space for curtains or drapes so that they can be closed properly. You can also use this room for dusting and cleaning. So make sure that the curtains or blinds are dark enough to ensure nighttime privacy. Curtains should be sufficiently lined for privacy, lightfastness and insulation.

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For this reason, you can combine the sofa in front of the window with a sofa table in a large or long living room. This enables you to create a practical and flexible device that you can easily redesign. A set of table lamps on both ends of the coffee table, for example, also provide additional reading light, while the view on the window remains clear.

Combination with carpet and plants
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A carpet in the middle of the room or partially under the sofa can draw attention to this area. This also allows the window area to serve as a secondary focus and bring the beauty of the outside in. This also makes the room look more cozy, since a carpet gives the appropriate warmth. The right plants also contribute to the desired ambience.

Groupings of furniture
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A sofa in front of a window is obviously not the only piece of furniture that you can use to furnish a living room. Other upholstered furniture or furnishings can create a generally pleasant atmosphere in the room. For example, arrange the chairs inside to the sofa so that you can have a conversation or bring them close to the couch for a social conversation.

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Add extra seating on the walls if the room is exceptionally large, for example. A coffee table in front of the couch sets this area as an anchor for the room, which works well because you'd be more likely to sit on it than on a chair. Also try to keep the center of the room, except the carpet, open. In this way you ensure unhindered and naturally flowing freedom of movement, while at the same time creating a feeling of energy in the room.

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If you place your couch in front of a window, you can brighten up the entire living room and supply it with energy. Looking at the handcraft of nature in front of your window replaces art. Natural daylight will illuminate your sofa in front of the window and the surrounding furniture, creating a stronger focus. This cannot be offered by a couch or the window alone. So if you place upholstered furniture under the window, an additional wall becomes free for other furniture or your television.

Practical considerations
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What factors should you consider when deciding to position your couch in front of a window? The window becomes the focal point above your sofa, so the view outside should do the job. All natural elements such as trees, forests, flowers, mountains or water are natural works of art for interior design. However, if your window faces a parking lot or the wall of another building, you may want to think again before putting a couch there.

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How high is your sofa? It shouldn't block the window too much. As a rule, such a piece of furniture in standard size should not be more than 32 cm high. So if your window is floor-length, blocking shouldn't be a problem. The upholstery of your couch is also an important aspect, especially if your window is exposed to direct sunlight. Synthetic and artificial fabrics are generally more resistant to fading than natural fabrics.

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If your couch is made of natural material, you should also consider the lightfastness of the material. Silk and natural leather fade easily, while cotton and linen are more lightfast, but easy to soil. On the other hand, wool, especially when mixed with synthetic fibers, offers good resistance to both light and pollution.

Is your window secured?
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For example, if children in your neighborhood tend to play a lot near your window, you probably won't want to put your couch there for security reasons. Pets are also attracted to what is happening outside the window, especially when it comes to other animals or birds. If you don't want your sofa to be covered with fur or paw prints in front of a window, you may want to think again about whether you want to do this.

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Where can you place your television ? If you set up your television directly from the couch, the daylight will bounce off the window and cause glare and reflections. If your TV screen is not equipped with an anti-glare screen, it is best to place it on another wall that is not facing the couch.

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Also make sure your windows are sufficiently insulated so that you and your guests can sit comfortably on the couch in winter. Curtains and certain types of blackout blinds can provide additional insulation. Also make sure that your couch is not above the ventilation openings.

Accessories for your sofa in front of a window
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As mentioned above, the view from your window provides natural art for your living room. Therefore, color and style should not only fit well with the rest of the decor in the room, but also blend in well with the view outside. If you have a lot of trees outside your window, rough textured pillows or throws in forest green and brown will give your couch a woody and rustic look.

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Spring flowers growing in front of your window can be combined with a few colorful pillows. If you have a view of a lake, the mountains, or the sea, decorate your couch with blue or turquoise cushions that catch the blue tones outside. You can set up a sofa table behind your couch and decorate it with a few objects such as vases, frames or plants. Too many elements can obscure the view outside the window.