ABC MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

This month's topics are:   

Persian Nain Oriental Rugs

DIY Bedbug Help

Cleaning Granite Countertops

Specials

Holiday Refresh Carpet Cleaning

COPS, KIDS, and TOYS

Special One Day Event - November 18th

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If there is a topic you would like us to cover in one of our upcoming newsletters, please call us at  607-272-1566 or contact us by clicking here.

 PERSIAN NAIN ORIENTAL RUGS

LOCATION

Persian Nain Oriental rugs are woven in and around the city of Nain in central Iran in Isfahan province. It is close to the western edge of the Dast-e-Kavir desert and approximately 60 miles east of the city of Isfahan.

This historical city dates back to antiquity and is home to one of the oldest mosques in Iran, a relic from the 10th century.

WEAVING HISTORY OF NAIN, IRAN

Persian Nain Oriental rugs, unlike most of the Persian rugs we study, are a relatively new phenomenon. Before the advent of the 20^th century, the city of Nain had been known for the manufacture of high quality woolen cloth for centuries. Around the 1920s, the decline in the handmade cloth business forced the authorities to turn to another form of manufacturing. Rug weaving became the viable replacement.

Because of Nain's close proximity to the city of Isfahan, the first rugs manufactured in Nain were Isfahan rugs. By the 1930s, Nain weavers began to produce their own style of oriental rug in workshops (which also extended into surrounding areas outside the city). The close proximity of the 2 weaving centers explains the noticeable similarities between Isfahan and Nain rugs.

The most famous of the Nain workshops was Habibian, run by Fathollah Habibian (sometimes called the 'Father of Nain rugs') and his brother, Mohammed, until their deaths. The workshop is now run by the son of Fathollah's daughter.

CONSTRUCTION OF NAIN ORIENTAL RUGS

FOUNDATION

The foundation of Persian Nain Oriental rugs consists of depressed* warps (up & down cords)  made of cotton and 2 shoots of cotton wefts (side to side cords). *Depressed warps occur when the wefts are pulled tightly from either side, displacing the warps into 2 levels. 

The pile is wool, woven with an asymmetrical (Persian) knot and the pile is clipped short, sharply defining the design elements. The wool used in Nain rugs, known as kork wool, is usually finer than the standard Persian wool.  

Like high end Isfahan rugs, it is possible to find some Nains woven with silk, rather than cotton foundations. Most Nain rugs will almost certainly have ivory silk outlining design motifs such as flowers and birds.

ENDS & SIDE FINISHES

A plain cotton kilim (a flat area of varying size woven at the end of the rug before the fringe is finished) with knotted fringes finish the ends. The sides are overcast with a single wool cord.

DESIGN

The designs (similar to the Isfahans) are relatively easy to recognize, making the Persian Nain Oriental rugs good examples for our study of Oriental Rugs by Design. 

The curvilinear type of this design allows for artistic and elaborate motifs. There is typically a center medallion on a dark blue or ivory field elaborately filled with flower motifs such as the Shah Abbas (a series of curvilinear floral forms) creating a garden-like background. It can be found in an all-over format or with a centrally located diamond-shaped medallion, as well as arabesques and birds and animals.

As with the Isfahan rugs, the Nain rugs may often use the Islimi motif, made up of multiple star medallions and intertwining vines.    

Buyer Beware: If you should happen to find a Nain with an Habibian signature woven into a border of the rug, understand that this will not always be an authentic signature and not necessarily a determination of quality.

COLORS 

For further information on colors, sizes, and ways to determine quality, etc. about Persian Nain oriental rugs, complete with photos, please continue reading here.

DIY BEDBUG HELP

CAUTION: 

The DIY bedbug help treatments we suggest should only be done if you suspect bedbugs (perhaps you have been bitten or have been traveling, or someone who has been traveling is visiting) or if you have actually found a few. A full-on invasion of bedbugs will require the services of a Licensed Pest Control Operator.

BEDBUG INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE

In a previous article, we pointed out reasons why there has been such a widespread return of bedbugs, where they hide, what they do, what you can do to avoid them, what to do in case you find bedbugs in your home or office, etc. That article can be found here. 

Our current article, DIY Bedbug Help, presents you with some steps you can do yourself if you suspect the beginnings of a possible bedbug infestation.

WHERE THEY CAN BE FOUND

Since bedbugs must feed off human and animal blood to live, they are most likely to be found in places that will bring them closer to their hosts, especially at night or in the early dawn. Mattresses, bedding and other furniture, etc., are fair game.    

Lately, though, bedbugs have actually been found in offices, in cubicles, break rooms, and filing cabinets, even behind pictures on walls and in electrical sockets!  

Bug behavior experts have also warned that since bedbugs are attracted to the odor of sleeping humans, dirty clothing may possibly attract them as well. Leaving soiled clothing on the floor or in an open suitcase or gym bag in a bedbug-infested area may be one way they are able to travel so far and wide. They could come home from the office in a computer bag or lunch bag as well! 

IF I KEEP MY HOUSE CLEAN, WHY WOULD I HAVE BEDBUGS?

First and foremost, bedbug infestations are not related to an environment's cleanliness. But it is definitely easier to control if an area is clean and free of clutter.   Also important is that they do not carry or transmit any known diseases. Some people are not  even affected by their bites, while others can possibly be allergic. It is certainly disgusting though, to think insects are feeding on your blood while you are fast asleep!  

Bedbugs were actually almost completely eliminated in the mid-20th century due to the use of insecticides. These are now banned and this is the main reason for their return in such great numbers.   

DIY Bedbug Help can offer you certain steps to take if you find some bedbugs, as well as ways you can minimize your risk of having bedbugs enter your home. These suggestions may give you more peace of mind when you travel by airplane, stay in a hotel, or buy used furniture or bedding, or when you are expecting that international traveler as a guest in your home.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

The bugs themselves can be seen by the naked eye. They are about ½" long, oval-shaped, flat, and wingless. They can also range in color from almost white to brown and will turn a rusty red color after feeding.

Try to capture some live bugs. You can stick double-sided carpet tape around the edges of your mattress and leave it there for a few days.

WHAT DO BEDBUG BITES LOOK LIKE?

The bug bites are usually in a line but can be welts as well. As mentioned above, not all people are affected by bedbug bites.

Those who are not allergic may never know they were bitten because the bedbugs will first inject anesthetics so you don't feel them biting and anticoagulants so they can feed continuously for up to 10 minutes at a time.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND EVIDENCE OF BEDBUGS?

CLEANING GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

Most homeowners today, if they had a choice, would choose granite for their countertops, but cleaning granite countertops may pose a challenge for some.    

Granite is beautiful, strong, and sturdy. But Buyer Beware! If you wish to protect your investment, you must understand some basic good and bad about maintaining and cleaning granite countertops.

THE GOOD

• Granite countertops are very resistant to bacteria. A good thing to know, especially when installed in the kitchen.  

• Granite is also very stain-resistant as long as the granite is sealed.

• You do not need any specialty products for cleaning granite countertops but they won't harm the surface, so go ahead if you must.

THE BAD

• Granite must be sealed properly to prevent permanent stains.

• If you have inherited granite countertops in a home you have purchased, check to see if the sealant is still secure by splashing a few drops of water on the surface. Wait a few minutes. If the water beads up, the seal is secure. If the water has soaked into the granite, it is time to reseal. (See below).

• Granite is very absorbent and can become discolored under standing water. Wipe it down but wring out the cloth thoroughly beforehand.

• Granite is not as porous as marble but you must clean up spills as soon as possible so they won't have time to penetrate the surface and make permanent stains.

• Extra care and attention is called for when cleaning granite countertops with various cleaning solutions.

• You cannot use acids such as full-strength vinegar, window cleaner, bleach or even ammonia-based cleaners when cleaning granite countertops. They will break down the sealant and eat away the surface.

• Granite scratches easily so DO NOT use abrasive scrubber cleaners. Use soft cotton or microfiber cloths or a soft sponge.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

• Best everyday cleaning solution: A mild dish soap diluted with water. 
• Best cloth to use: A microfiber cloth is the best cloth to use. It is soft and won't leave a lint residue. Let it soak in the cleaning solution to permeate. Then wring it out to remove excess liquid before cleaning. Use a fresh clean cloth to dry the counter thoroughly if the first cloth gets too wet.
  
• Remove dried up liquid or sticky residue first: If allowed to dry on the counter, take a hot wet cloth to loosen and remove it before continuing the cleaning.
  
• If Disinfection is needed: Use a mixture of half water and half 91% isopropyl alcohol in a spray and mix well. 
• CAUTION: Do not use too much isopropyl alcohol! It is a strong solvent and can break down sealers. It is okay to use periodically to disinfect, remove soap residue, and restore shine. Spray it on the granite, allow it to sit for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse with warm, not hot, water. Dry thoroughly. 
• To eliminate any streaks, make sure to completely dry the cleaned surface.
  
•  For general stain resistance: Use a little bit of cooking oil on a soft microfiber cloth and wipe it on the countertops. Then buff it gently. 
• To make the granite shine after cleaning:Use Armor All. This handy product is not just for cleaning inside your car. Just spray a small amount onto a microfiber cloth and wipe a thin layer over the counter. Then take a clean cloth and wipe until the granite shines.

HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

• Baking soda: Always start with a paste of baking soda and water. That is because baking soda is a very effective cleaning agent on granite. Gently scrub the spot with the paste using a soft cloth and then rinse thoroughly with water. This procedure might have to be repeated.
  
•  For Water Based Stains: Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 5 tablespoons of a mild liquid dish soap and then enough hydrogen peroxide to make the mixture resemble a smooth thick batter. 
• For Oil-Based Stains:Mix 1 cup baking soda with 5 tablespoons of a mild liquid dish soap and enough water to make the mixture into a smooth thick batter. Spread the thick paste over the stain and cover it with plastic wrap. Tape down the edges and leave on overnight or for a couple of days before rinsing and wiping down the granite. When it is dry, use a soft cloth to wipe it away and rinse thoroughly with warm water. 
• Cornstarch:This common baking product can help remove grease stains. Sprinkle it over the area and leave on for about 15 minutes. Then wipe it off with soap and water. If the grease spot has already set and caused a stain, spray the area with water, spread a thick layer of cornstarch over it and leave it on for at least 24 hours before wiping it off. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry thoroughly. 
• Iron & Rust Removal: Mix an iron removal product such as Iron Out with flour to make a thick paste. Spread the solution over the rust stains and tape plastic wrap over it for at least 24 hours. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the paste away and then wash with water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. 
• Razor Blades and Fine Steel Wool: Use the razor blade to help scrape off hard water build-ups. Follow with a fine steel wool pad to get rid of any remaining stain. 
• Vinegar: Although full-strength vinegar should not be used for cleaning granite countertops, it can be useful for removing lime stains if used very carefully. Just soak a paper towel in vinegar and place it on the lime deposit. Leave it there for about 20 minutes and then use a single-edge razor to remove the rest of the deposit off the countertop.

SEALING YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOP

For more information on sealing granite countertops as well as how to seal your granite countertops by yourself etc., please continue reading here.

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'HOLIDAY REFRESH' 

CARPET CLEANING

SPECIAL FOR NOVEMBER

The Holidays are fast approaching. 

Let ABC clean 2 areas and a hall 

in your home for only $125.

• Cleaning of traffic areas only
• NO furniture moving 
• Maximum 400 SF
• Additional treatments priced accordingly
• Special only available in these service areas

DON'T MISS OUT!

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE 

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ABC IS READY TO CELEBRATE

THE GIVING SEASON! 

We are partnering with 

COPS, KIDS, AND TOYS

to bring toys to children 

in our community
whose parents may need assistance

during the Holiday Season.

~~~~~~~~

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP...

HO, HO, HO HOLD ON!

The giving doesn't stop at the box!

ABC will donate $2.00 per customer to Cops, Kids, and TOYS for the entire month of November.

Please help us with this worthwhile project.

If you need more info, please call our office at 

607-272-1566

THANK YOU!