Fashion shows are suspended, catwalks, runways, and ramps are closed, and fashion models are staying at home. Reading this statement you may think that the textile and factic industry has just died because no model is walking on the ramp showing new creations but you are wrong. The trend of fabrics surprisingly has shifted into face masks and sofa! Yes, you heard it right and that is due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Masks is the number one product needed by all people since March last year while the sale of sofas and couches has been increasing after families are forced to stay at home. This article will show you what fabrics are used in face masks and anything you need to know about sofa fabrics.

I: The best fabrics to use in making face masks according to experts

Containment is still in force and masks remain a rare commodity anywhere for the time being. What are the best materials to make your mask? 

Between two free comic book or Manga readings and a batch of bread, you may have already wanted to make your barrier mask against the Covid-19. 

The effectiveness of homemade masks varies. It actually depends on the weaving, fibers, and clothing used.

If you’ve already cut out your curtains, sheets, and all your t-shirts, you’ll be pleased to know that a new U.S. study shows which materials are most effective.

There are many tutorials to make your mask yourself, it is important to choose a good cloth so that it is effective. This fabric should filter the air well and be comfortable enough to allow you to breathe well.

A study conducted by Smart Air, a manufacturer of air purifiers, found the top of the best fabrics to make a mask yourself with materials available at home. After testing dozens of clothing materials including brag caps, scarves of various materials, coffee filters, and other bandanas, the company has distinguished several materials for their efficiency and comfort. 

Among the best: denim, sheets, paper towels, or canvas! The bra also gets a good test result. These materials have been approved for their filtering power and comfort. And if other materials have been deemed effective, they have not been retained in the top because they are not comfortable to wear and do not allow to breathe well through such as the coffee filter.

Smart-Air also highlighted an important element regarding masks made from old cotton t-shirts, a subject recommended by Cambridge researchers. “Size matters!” warns the company before clarifying that to make this fabric effective and filtering, it is necessary to use several layers and promote a thick cotton t-shirt.

Researchers at the University of Chicago tested several materials and the study was published by the American Chemical Society.

They identified several materials. Combined, they become as effective as an N95 mask under certain conditions.

What is the procedure used to test these fabrics?

To test different materials, the researchers used a spray that produces particles between 10 microns and 6 microns in diameter.

Droplets are carried on tissues to simulate human breathing.

The team measured the number and size of particles in the air before and after passing through the mask.

What are the best fabrics to make a mask?

Researchers at the University of Chicago recommend using a tightly woven layer of cotton with two layers of polyester-spandex comparable to muslin.

The latter can be replaced with silk, flannel, or cotton-polyester cotton wool. The first layer of tightly woven cotton acts as a mechanical barrier that holds the particles and the other two layers form an electrostatic barrier.

According to their results, a mask made of this assembly filters between 80% and 99% of the particles depending on their size.

Beware, this combination must be perfectly adjusted because a 1% gap reduces the filtering efficiency of masks by half or more.

Using a scarf as a mask, a bad idea!

While one may be tempted to simply cover one’s nose and mouth with a scarf, Smart Air’s study states that it has tested the filtering power of three scarves (wool, cashmere, and ramie, a linen-like fabric) with disappointing results, ranked among the worst of all materials tested. These tissues filtered less than 10% of the particles.

II: What about sofas and couches? A big help for people staying at home!

We all love our sofas. Life revolves around them: family reunions, TV evenings with our spouse, and afternoon naps with your dog. That’s why sofas are an important part of our daily lives during this health crisis. Over time, our precious sofa, and more specifically its covering, show signs of wear. To avoid this, choose a high-performance material that can extend the life of your furniture.

Why high-performance fabric?

High-performance fabrics are carefully crafted to be durable and wear-resistant. They were originally designed to withstand the elements. Thanks to technology, we can now enjoy all the benefits of high-performance materials from the comfort of our living room.

Different types of clothing materials are available, from the basic print to the fashionable design collection. There’s something for every taste and every budget. Some of the most well-known brands are Sunbrella, Crypton, and Revolution but other brands are also produced by large textile factories.

Features of high-performance fabrics

Not all high-performance materials are the same. Some properties vary depending on the brand. Here are the most remarkable features of these fabrics:

• Sunlight-resistant: You no longer have to worry about direct sunlight, as the fabric won’t fade. So you can now place your sofa wherever you want in your room.
• Sustainability: The elastic nature of the material makes it ideal for frequent use areas. The material will keep its original softness longer.
• Easy to clean: Spilled liquids or dirt can easily be cleaned with water or common cleaning products.
• Stain-resistant: This is especially important when you think about the possible color replacement.
• Inodorous: Avoid unpleasant odors with encapsulation technology that protects the material.
• Moisture: Technology protects the material from moisture, which can cause the growth of bacteria that can threaten health.

Years pass and sofas may have their share of damages and wear and tear. But there is no reason to mistreat your couch. Choose a good, high-performance fabric to avoid headaches during repairs.

How To Save Money

Saving money is important since it can come in handy if you lose your job or have an emergency on your hands. You do not know what life will throw at you so it is always a good idea to be prepared. Saving your money does require some self-control. That money is in case something happens not to spend it when you have an itching to buy something. Therefore, we will give you tips on how you can save your money.

How Much Do You Spend

The first thing you should do is to work out how much you spend monthly. This includes all the little items like a quick cup of coffee on the way to work, loot boxes in games, etc. You should keep an accurate track of where and when your money goes. This can help you determine how much of your spending is useful. However, do remember that you also have to have fun so do account for that as well.

Saving Goals

You should figure out how much you want to save, and for what. There are two types of saving goals: short-term and long-term. The long term is for those big projects like a new house, car, retirement, education, etc. These can take years but you should aim for them. And, how much you are willing and able to add to them monthly.

Short-term goals are for vacations, laptops, furniture, etc. These are items that do not take years to save up for. They are the little projects you want to do. And if you achieve them then it will motivate you to keep going for the long-term goals. And it is here where you have your emergency fund which should be about three to nine months’ worth of funds.

Saving Budget

Now that you have worked out how much you spend and your goals; you can figure out how much you can save per month. It is suggested that you save 10 to 15 percent of your earnings. You can decide which goes into what goal. Plus, you can also figure out ways to cut down on costs. Like canceling subscriptions you do not use or cutting down on online gambling.

And, a very good idea would be that you also give yourself time before you buy a new item. You may think you want it at first glance, but give yourself a day or two before you buy it. You could change your mind.

Or you can wait for the sale that you know is coming up. Researching other companies and seeing what they offer can also save you money. You could get more for the same price or find something of better quality. For example, youselect the best welcome bonus instead of the first one that comes to you. Plus, saving money does not only mean what you put aside. It can also mean what you hold back on.

Where To Save

It is important to have somewhere where you can save your cash. Such as that of a savings account. But, you should check the interest rate and what kind of savings account it is. There are ones that you cannot draw out for years, but you can add to them. These could be good for long-term saving goals. However, they can be bad for the short term because if something comes up you would need the money right away.

Keep Adding To It

One of the ways that you can make your savings grow is by adding to it monthly. You can do this manually or you can go the automatic route. Some banks let you do automatic transfers where you can split a portion of your paycheck or that a part goes directly into your savings.

Whichever way you choose to save your money, the important thing is to be consistent about it. This is the only way that your savings can grow. And when the time comes to spend it, you would have more than enough.

Saving money can give you peace of mind if something bad happens in your life. Life is unpredictable and it is best to be as prepared as you can be. Having cash on the side can help you get out of hot water if things get rough. Therefore, saving for emergencies or the unseen future is highly important and needs to be done. But, everyone knows this. However…

You Can Also Save For Your Dream Job

There are many people who are stuck in jobs that drain their lives and energy. They would be rather doing something else, but they cannot afford to. This is where savings can really help you. If you have enough money on the side you can venture out into a career that you want to do. With backup to help you get to it or to fall back on if it, unfortunately, does not work out.

Save For Small And Fun

One of the things that are often overlooked when people talk about saving is that you can save for smaller things as well. You can save for a holiday, a new gadget, or something silly that you have been craving to have for a long while. Putting a bit aside so that you can have fun with it later can make you feel relaxed. Plus, this is when you can feel rewarded. Think of it this way, you put in the effort to save up and your reward is enjoying it.

Save For Big And Huge

The point of saving money is to spend it in the future. This can be the near one such as getting a new computer, or car or the long-term one such as a house, or retirement. Saving for big-cost items is something that many people do. Working people know that they are going to have to retire and that is a big deal to some. Having financial backing can make it easier to do so where you can live comfortably while you enjoy the time off from all your years of hard work.

Save For Your Family and Marriage

You can also save not only for your save but for your family as well. You would want them to have something to fall back on, would you not? And leaving a stable financial legacy and certainly help them in the long run.

And as for marriages. While many couples tend to fight over money in terms of stability. This can lead to long arguments and even divorce. So having savings can help you avoid all of this since you and your partner both know that you will both be fine.

Why Saving Can Feel Rewarding

Saving money takes time, effort, and self-control. It is great for the long-term and short-term. And when you get to spend that money on something worthwhile it can be rewarding. It is, for lack of a better word, the payoff for your effort. And there is a certain feeling you get when you buy something with your own money. Not borrowed money or a loan, or very own money that you saved. It makes the items feel like it is completely ours. That you have earned it. This can make it feel more special in a strange way.

In Conclusion

There are many reasons why saving is important, so much so that they cannot all fit in this list, and we will still miss some. Saving can also be rewarding besides when you finally get to spend it. It can be rewarding in that you can see it grow. Knowing that your outcome will be okay and that you are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.

Saving can be a skill that comes with self-control and time. Everyone can save but some just find it a bit more difficult to not spend their cash as soon as they get it on items that they end up forgetting about.

Seats, beds, and other furniture are essential equipment for comfort on board. Like the engine, the boat’s upholstery must be maintained regularly and repaired when needed.

If you have an old boat that needs upholstery maintenance, we will explain here what you need to know about the boat’s upholstery. If you are looking to buy a used boat at ZeBoats, read this article so you will know what to expect and the maintenance needed for the boat’s upholstery before you buy one.

Here are the things you need to know about the boat’s upholstery.

1. Poorly maintained, the cushion has passed overboard and is now soaked with seawater. What to do?

Knowing that the salt in the seawater absorbs moisture at all times, the first thing to do is to remove it entirely from the foam to avoid further mold development. Salt also has a powerfully corrosive effect on metal accessories. But to access the foam, you have to start by removing the cover.

Most of the time, the seat cushion has an opening at the back controlled by a zipper, Velcro fasteners, buttons, or lacing that should facilitate the operation. If stapled to a plywood stand, do not hesitate to disassemble the staples and, if necessary, replace them later with stainless steel staples (the steel ones rust and leave indelible marks on the fabrics). 

The residual water should then be drained and allowed to evaporate. With a low-volume cushion, it is possible to make direct exposure to the sun, whose heat will speed up the drying. If the volume of the foam is large, it will be prudent to dry in the shade because the foam, like many synthetic materials, is sensitive to sun exposure and heat. As gravity pulls the residual water down, the cushion will have to be returned regularly on all sides to ensure even drying.

2. The covers have gone in the sun and are sometimes encrusted with mold. How do I clean them?

As always when it comes to maintenance, prevention is better than cure! Limiting the exposure of textiles to solar radiation and rain is one of the useful precautions to increase their longevity. Salt is also an enemy that must be fought in the long run and, in this case, regular freshwater rinse is by far the most effective method.

A bar of equally regular soap and soft brush cleaning will help to curb the deposition of dirt and the development of mold. There are also specific products that have some efficiency, but it will be necessary to complete their stripping action by a renovation of the covers. A simple canvas cover will perfectly protect the upholstery from the sun and bad weather provided it is installed properly.

3. What are the most effective products and methods for routine maintenance of boat upholstery?

The supply of cleaning products is plentiful and most boat parts stores offer them. Their effectiveness is generally correct, but their price can be quite high. Regular fresh water rinses and periodic soap and brush cleaning are good practices, both effective and economical. As long as you devote a little of your time to it, a long-term interview is always better than heavy one-off interventions. Remember that a thunderstorm is enough to flood an upholstery with a large amount of seawater, even in the middle of summer.

4. A crew member accidentally tore the fabric from the seat. How do I fix it?

A return to the upholstery workshop is necessary; the latter will be able to propose several solutions, depending on the type of fabric, expanded or acrylic. The first is almost irreparable, the second can receive a piece sewn overcoat. But, even done with care, this type of repair is visible, and the general aesthetic will suffer. A more elegant solution is to remove the damaged panel and replace it with a new one, cut from the same material.

Of course, the cost is not the same since you have to partially or completely replace the cover and make a replacement panel, but the result is much more technically satisfying than aesthetically. If the damage extends over several panels at once, it may be necessary to replace the entire cover, as the manpower time of a repair may exceed that of using a newly-manufactured one.

5. Some seats have collapsed over time. Is it possible to renovate them?

Depending on the quality of the original foam and the level of use of the boat, occasional or intensive, this phenomenon will appear more or less quickly, with greater or lesser intensity. Again, the expertise of a professional is necessary, because his experience allows him to propose the best strategy. It is quite possible to place an insert in the critical locations in order to restore the inflator to the seat and regain the original comfort. But this operation requires a labor time that can quickly reach, or even exceed, the cost of new foam. The rates are not insignificant (the price of materials alone can reach several hundred dollars), a quote is more than advisable before making a decision to repair or replace.

6. Should the upholstery be wintered?

When possible, wintering onshore and dry upholstery is the best solution. However, it will be necessary to clean and dry thoroughly beforehand. This method also applies to interior cushions, which remain sensitive to ventilation, especially if the boat is sheltered in a thermoplastic tarpaulin overwintering cocoon. Store all items away from moisture and the sun, such as in a garage. Beware of attics, a favorite area of rodents who, attentive to the comfort of their nest, like to shred in small pieces all textiles falling under their teeth … Non-removable textile elements will benefit from being protected by wintering.

7. How to secure the upholstery safely?

There are different methods of fixation, each with its advantages and disadvantages, and none can claim universality! In order to save money and assemble quickly, some yards are content with an ordinary Velcro-based fastener, stapled or sewn, which is very resistant to the marine environment and has a low-hold grip.

More innovatively, an original solution has been developed by fast-tracking manufacturer Fastmount, which, under the TC-F6H reference, allows you to instantly solidify a cushion with its support and disassemble it just as quickly. The composite clip features a female part, with a tongue lock sewn on the textile part, and a male, self-stick or screwed part on the support, deck, or bench. Invisible, the clip easily withstands a 23 kg unit snatching pull and the locking mechanism is handled by hand and without tools.

8. If the boat’s upholstery is replaced, what budget should be spent on it?

As many variables are to be taken into account (type of materials, quality of manufacture, comfort level …), a preliminary estimate is essential, as well as the consultation of several professionals. The price of hourly labor varies from company to company, as well as their practices. A serial manufacturing specialist is not necessarily the best equipped to respond to a custom renovation job. Whatever the final choice, be aware that the bill will not be proportional to the size of the cushion, as dismantling a small room can be technically more complex than removing a sunbathing.

9. Fuel was spilled on the boat’s cushions. What needs to be done to minimize the damage?

The first reflex is to prevent fluids from soaking the foam and tissues. Therefore, the fuel must be absorbed with a sponge, fabric pads, or Sopalin-type paper towels, without pressing so as not to penetrate it deeper into the materials. Then carefully wash with Marseille soap, alkaline laundry or bridge cleaner, lukewarm water, and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and allow to dry well. Fuels have a detrimental effect on fabrics because they tend to dissolve the coating layer that serves as waterproofing and UV protection, especially on expanded fabrics, PVC, or vinyl. 

10. Can you choose any fabric color?

In general, the darkest colors are the ones that warm the most in the sun and are least resistant to UV. But they can also be combined with clearer parts, the renovation of upholstery can be used to give a new aesthetic touch to the boat. Don’t hesitate to consult the professionals who will advise you in a company that can change the pace and comfort of your unit. Important detail, do not wait for spring but winter to get interested in the issue. The specialists will then have much more time to devote to you than at the beginning of the season when pressed by the emergency, many boaters come to bring their cushions to repair, the upholstery most often coming last in the preparation of a new season of navigation.

It’s easier than you think to get a wrong ladder that won’t fit at home. I’ve done it once, thinking they are all universal, and “I’ll figure something out.” When I had to return the product, embarrassed that I’ve made a poor decision, it was time to learn how to consider stuff before buying it.

And so I decided to share my knowledge with you.

Choosing the Right Ladder: 5 Points to Consider

In my experience, when looking for the best ladders for home, here’s what you have to consider:

1. Height.
   The most important thing is whether the ladder is of proper height. One of the most misleading thoughts is, “I don’t have to check the height, it looks like it will reach there.” It might not so be meticulous about the measurements.
2. Materials.
   What are your priorities? Extra durability and maximum security/weight capacity or lightweight and portability? If it’s the first one, opt for fiberglass. It’s extremely durable and provides the safest conditions of use. If it’s the second one, an aluminum ladder will work the best for you. It’s lightweight yet very strong and also quite safe.
3. Performance.
   What do you need the ladder for? It might be necessary for simple tasks like putting something on the highest shelf or taking heavy construction materials up. Decide on the major workload and choose the ladder accordingly.
4. Unique needs.
   Do you have an unusual floor or something else that might require a special kind of ladder? There are tons of design opportunities at the moment, so you can definitely find a model for any needs. But it’s important to consider those beforehand or at least know where you can buy accessories.
5. The brand.
   While not the most important factor, you should know who makes the ladder. By knowing what brand to take, you’ll be able to find a suitable ladder at any store, online or offline. Read reviews, ratings, and comparisons to choose the brand you’ll stick to in the future.

You can add more personal points to the list, but these are the ultimate base. Go one by one, and you’ll get to the perfect ladder for home. Hope this helps, and you’ll find a perfect ladder for your home very soon!