Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Brand Name versus Non-Brand Name

How many times have you opted out of a brand name product and found the results to be substantially better than you expected? This might not happen every time you decide to purchase something other than brand name, but it happens more than you would think. There is comfort in buying brand name, but that doesn't always mean that you will be comfortable with the product. Take brand name beds for example.

Many people have noticed that certain brand name beds do not seem to last the expected amount of time they are given. Although this can be the case when it comes to non-brand name as well, if so many people have experienced poor quality products, then why do they continue to purchase them? It's simple. Brand names have the marketing, advertising and promoting ability to make their products look more outstanding than others. If you see a commercial a million times that name sticks with you more than a name that you hear once. It's common sense.

Brand names have the capability to put their name in front of your face. This does not mean that their product is the only, or the best, product out there. Non-brand names can be just as well, if not better, built as a brand name product.

The best thing for you to do: research. Google is a powerful tool, and although you will see those brand names at the top (paid advertising!!), reading blogs and forums can help guide you in purchasing the right product for you, not the right product with the brand name that sounds the best. If you are looking for quality bedding and soft products, American Down and Feather guarantees your satisfaction and we will help you find what is best for you.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

How to Clean your Down and Feather

Spring allergies can be a pain in the butt, but what is worse than waking up in the morning with scratchy eyes and itchy skin caused by your comforter or pillow? Overtime, dust mites can accumulate in your bedding, something that over 20 million Americans suffer from. By cleaning your down and feather products you are going to reduce your allergies and sleep comfortably! Here's how you can clean your down and feather at home without them getting destroyed.

Remove pillowcases and duvet coverings. Ensure that all seams and stitching are tight and that everything is in pristine condition. You do not want to have any fill spilling out of the bedding before you throw it into the washer to properly clean your down and feather.

Don't overfill the washer. A typical washer can hold a comforter or two pillows, but a comforter and one pillow is too much. Use a tiny amount of laundry detergent. Since you are using fluffy products, it is easy for the washer to over-foam with too much detergent, so use less than you would if you were doing a load of clothing. Use the gentle cycle on your washer to prevent the items from getting ripped or unbalanced.

By using a high heat hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the dryer you are going to kill dust mites and get rid of those morning allergies. However, if you are concerned about color fading dry the bedding at the hottest dryer setting, which will be lower than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also hang your bedding on a clothesline on a nice summer day to avoid any high temperatures or risk of fading colors.

Which ever way you decide to dry your bedding, take the time to break up clumps of bedding so that it can dry properly. As always, follow the instructions on the bedding for proper cleaning and maintenance to be sure that you clean your down and feather properly. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Repairing your Soft Products

After years of use, your comforter, upholstery and other soft products are going to become worn down and old. Those beloved materials can only withstand time for so long, so what are you to do when you get to that dreaded point of deciding whether to throw them away or repair them? Repairing your soft products does not have to be time consuming or a hassle.

At American Down and Feather we have the tools and means to repair your soft products. A repair could mean replacing old fill that has become flat, fix leaks, make a new cover or even completely change the size of your soft product.

Repairing your soft products requires you to send your product to us and we will do what is necessary to make your product just like brand new. Using quality polyester fibers we can blow over 1200 pounds an hour of blowable fiber. 

If you have products that require a repair we will work with you to fit your price desires and product needs. Contact us at 1.866.601.3696 today to discuss repairing your soft products!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

What is Polyester?

The material in your bedding is an important part of what makes your bed comfortable for you. There are a wide variety of materials that can be included, polyester being one of them. Polyester is different than a lot of the materials, here's how:

1. Many people mistake polyester and silk because both fabrics are sheen and silky. Silk is a natural fiber and polyester is a man-made product that was created from chemicals. Both are used to make clothing and other such items, but you will be able to tell the difference between the two of them, such as polyester does not have any flaws whereas silk can have tiny flaws in the material.

2. Polyester has naturally occurring chemicals such as cutin. It also has synthetics that can be biodegradable, although not all are.

3.  Polymer units are linked by ester groups to create a synthetic resin for polyester. This is what creates the fibers in the material. 

4. Polyester is extremely strong and durable. It is resistant to most chemicals, will not stretch or shrink and is resistant to mildew. 

5. This material is very quick drying, which makes it excellent for unslation. 

6. It is often used in outdoor clothing and gear because it will retain its shape and is great for harsh climates.

7. Polyester is one of the easiest types of material to wash and dry. Most of the time it can be washed and dried without any hassles.

Polyester is a great material and provides a great level of comfort. We provide many polyester bedding products. Go to www.americandownandfeather.com to learn more.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Spring Clean Your Room!

Now that it's spring time, baseball is back, the snow is melting and you no longer have to wear multiple layers of clothing. Here are some tips for thoroughly spring cleaning your room.
http://www.healthyhomecleaning.com/category/spring-cleaning-2/

First off, get all of your cleaning supplies ready. Window cleaner, furniture polish, floor cleaner, etc. are just a few examples of the type of cleaning supplies you might want. Ensure that all of your cleaning supplies will not irritate your skin and that you aren't allergic to any of it.

Focus on one area in your room at a time. Whether you start with your desk, bed or closet, start in one area and clean that area first instead of trying to tackle your whole room at one time. This will help keep you focused and motivated as you see parts of the room starting to look sharp and clean.

Spring clean your room by getting rid of the clothes that you no longer wear. This is a great way to clean out your room because your clothes clutter up and overtake much of what can be a nice, clean room. There is nothing better than getting rid of stuff you no longer need, this goes along with items other than clothing.

Change your sheets, which you should already be doing frequently, and this is going to make your bed fresh and comfortable. This can be the last thing you do, completing the whole spring cleaning process. Spring clean your room to get you started for the spring and summer, providing you with a comfortable bedroom. Consider getting new bedding to complete the new feel of your room!