How to keep employees and customers safe in your retail store

With lockdown restrictions loosening as the curve of COVID-19 flatten, it’s important we all do what we can to prevent an increase in infections. As a shop owner, you need to ensure staff and customers follow strict hygiene rules so that everyone stays safe.

While daily cleaning practices are important, you should not depend entirely on them to curb the spreading of diseases, especially contagious ones. You have to ensure that you, along with your employees and customers, are conscious of following good health practices at all times.

Those rules are outlined below:

Make hygiene a priority

If there is one thing that slows the spread of viruses like COVID-19, it making hygiene a priority. Till we get a vaccine and even after that, keeping clean will help protect ourselves and others from a range of illness. Your shop needs to be held to the same hygiene standards you are, if not more so. To do so, you can take measures like:

●     Employees to frequently wash hands

●     Ensure that everyone is wearing a mask

●     Have hand sanitizer available for staff and customers at entrance and counter

●     If employees are unwell, make sure they stay home

Keep the store clean

You need to make sure your store is free from dirt, germs, dust and other harmful particles. You will have to:

●     Regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces, particularly high-touch areas (seek help from commercial cleaning services to get the best results)

●     Minimize items customers can touch if possible (e.g. have staff members get items, do not offer samples or testers)

●     Make sure your employees and customers are using their elbows to push and pull the doors instead of using their hands

Social distance

Social distancing minimizes the contact people have with one another, reducing cross-contamination. This decreases the risk illnesses spreading, diminishing the number of infected people. So, ensure that your retail shop has as much space as possible for people to walk around the store without coming into contact with other. For this, follow the below measures:

●     Change the store layout to allow maximum distance between customers and staff

●     Only let a few people into the store at any time (follow health authority guidelines for maximum capacity) – have someone keeping track of this at the entrance

●     Only use contactless payment if possible

Keep everyone informed

There’s a famous saying that “Ignorance is bliss”. But in situations like COVID-19, ignorance can be dangerous. Not keeping up-to-date with the latest information or rules you are supposed to follow can put you and others in danger. Make sure that all your employees and customers are well-informed about the latest changes happening around your store. For this,

●     Tell staff about changes in procedures or policy

●     Inform customers about services that may have changed or may not be available

●     Make this information easily accessible (e.g. website, social media)

Be understanding

Due to restrictions, your store’s hours may have changed or other aspects of your store may be different. As with the above point, it’s important to make this information easily available for staff and customers so expectations can be adjusted. However, you may need to encourage staff (and yourself) to be more understanding in these uncertain times.

●     Don’t tell a customer they cannot come in, rather explain that they will have to return later. Alternatively, you can direct them to make an online purchase. Remember to explain that it is for everyone’s safety that the store is closed or that the maximum occupancy has been limited. Be considerate and sensitive.

●     Train staff in conflict resolution techniques to help calm upset customers

●     Change your sick leave policies and allow your staff to stay at home if they exhibit any symptoms like sore throat, cough, cold, fever and headaches.  Read our another article on "Guide to Cleaning Office Chairs"

Let’s stay safe

Everyone around the world has been subjected to the adverse effects of COVID-19. The only way to stop the virus spreading is to keep our surroundings clean and maintaining healthy hygiene practices. As a responsible store owner and manager, ensure that your employees and customers are safe and are following necessary safety instructions.

How to stop a rug from slipping on a hard floor

Modern rugs are weaved using a variety of materials. Some of them are light in weight and are a better choice to fit in specific areas, like hard floors. But if you don’t choose the right rug, there is a high chance of the rug slipping. It could result in severe damage your furniture, as well as even injuring yourself. So, you need a good rug that won’t slip on hard floors.

To help you understand the importance of a safe rug, here are just a few of the problems you can expect if your rug slips.

What are the problems caused by slipping rugs?

·        Trip and fall hazards

Rugs placed on smooth floor can easily cause you to trip and fall. If there are elderly people or children in your house, this could be more risky as they are more likely to lose their balance and fall. They can get be seriously injured and need to recover for a long period of time.

·        Damage furniture

A rug that slips can also damage furniture. Your chairs and tables become unstable if a rug slips and become damaged or cause damage to the rug or floor.

·        Rug damage

The unnecessary stress put on the rug when it slips out from under your feet or furniture can damage it. It doesn’t matter if it is a cheap or expensive rug, it may tear. The rug may become so damaged you have to replace it entirely.

When is this likely to be a problem?

Rugs usually become more slippery when they're placed on smooth flooring like timber, glossy tiles, vinyl tiles or polished stone. If you have lightweight rugs over such floors, they will slip easily, leading to injury and damages.

The movement of rugs on such floors can be a huge problem. To avoid this, you need to find a solution, like the ones suggested below.

Different ways to stop rugs from slipping

·        Rubber or felt rug pads

If you have flat weaved rugs which are more prone to sliding, it is best to place a rubber rug pad underneath them. These pads do a great job at keeping rug sin their place without damaging them. Use natural rubber pads that are made of non-adhesive materials that will hold your rug still without sticking to them.

Felt rug pads are also a good option. These are made from combining rubber and felt through a heating method. This process produces a non-slippery, natural and long-lasting material which is also recyclable. These rug pads are also recommended for larger rugs and you can place heavy furniture on them without any fear. Read our another article on "How to Up cycle your Old Rug"

·        Non-skid rubber shelf liner

Rubber shelf liners are a good alternative to rug pads. They can be cut down in several strips according to the length or width of your rug. These strips are laid down on the floor and then the rug is placed over them. Make sure there are no wrinkles in the liner before laying the rug down.

This is one of the most economical options to keep your rugs from moving, although you will need to regularly check that dust and dirt aren’t getting trapped under the rug and liners.

·        Double-sided rug tape

Double-sided rug tape is another good option to stop your rug from slipping. For this, place the rug where you want it to stay, ensuring there are no creases. Roll it back halfway, sticking tape on the edges of the underside. Roll the rug out again, patting it down where the tape is to ensure it sticks. Repeat this process to the other half of the rug.

·        Secure rug under furniture

A simple way to stop rugs from slipping is by anchoring them with heavy furniture, like a couch or dining table. This could be a good alternative if you don’t have any of the above materials available or you want to avoid using adhesives and other products on your floor.

This is a popular approach with many homeowners but remember only heavyweight furniture is can be used for this method. If you place your rug under a light piece of furniture, it can still slip, injuring you and even damaging the furniture.

What’s a car ceramic coating and what does it do / what are the benefits?

Continuous use of your car will lead to wear and tear, especially to the paint. Whether it’s as minor as scratches or as major as dents, the paint may come off. Your car may not look as good as it once did and even lose power.

So, to keep your car paint looking as good as new, you have to regularly wash it and wax it every few months. Washing will remove stains, dirt, grime and water spots. Waxing makes your car sparkle.

This seems like a simple solution to keep your car paint intact. But are there other ways to also protecting the paint from damage? Yes there is and it’s called ceramic coating.

Ceramic coating:

Ceramic coating is a sealant made of liquid polymers. It acts as a protective layer when applied to your car. The sealant chemically bonds to your car paint, protecting it from UV rays, chemical stains and scratches.

The sealant contains silicon dioxide,titanium dioxide and other components that improve the durability of the coating layer. It also creates a hydrophobic surface that can repel dirt and water. The repellent properties of this coating make washing and cleaning easier, giving you both protection and functionality.

The coating makes your car look better by adding a glossy shine. The transparent coat has great reflective properties that make your car stand out under sunlight and streetlights.

What are the benefits?

1.   Longevity

 Though car polishing and waxing procedures are effective, they don’t last long. You have to redo the process regularly to maintain the shine and protection. However, that’s not the case with ceramic coating as it protects the paint for longer. Once you apply this coating, you can enjoy its longevity for many years. You get years of shine and protection with a single investment.

Though the coating process is costly compared to other procedures, you can reap its benefits longer, allowing you to save money in the future.Some companies also offer a warranty for this type of coating.

2.   Protection

Weather is the enemy of your car’s paint. From colour-fading in summer to moisture absorption in humidity and leaving water spots on the surface, your car’s paint will look less appealing over time. Also, when water is evaporated, it leaves a residue of salts and dirt that can become etched into your paint. It not only makes the paintwork dull but is also difficult to wash off.

But when you apply a layer of coating which is hydrophobic, it repels water and dirt, keeping the surface clean. It also provides protection against corrosive chemicals that can make the paint bubble or fade. It acts as a shield against UV rays, protecting the surface from damage and oxidisation. It also keeps your car’s paint safe against pollutants like gasoline and brake fluid.

The coating also doesn’t allow the moisture from the bird droppings and mud to go into the deeper levels of the surface. Also, as the coating makes the paint's surface smooth, you can easily wash away the stains without much effort. You can save your car paint from the permanent damage caused by some pollutants.

3.   Resistant to scratches

It’s inevitable to get some small scratches when you use your car for daily commute. This often happens when you’re parking or reversing the vehicle. But with the coating, you can reduce this damage greatly. The layer acts as a shell and decreases the chances of scratches whenever you drive your car.

4.   Improves the paint

Finally, besides the many functional benefits, the ceramic coating also looks great. The coated layer adds a high gloss finish that looks spectacular. It can improve the paint colour giving a deep and sparkling effect. You can enjoy your car’s improved looks for a long time as the coating lasts for years.

How to do you apply the coating

Whether you seek the help of a professional or make it a DIY project, there are certain steps to follow to complete the process correctly:

·        Wash the car

Before you jump into the coating, ensure that your car is clean, and free from dirt and stains. For this, use soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to wash away the dust and grime. While washing, always start from the top and then move down to the bottom half of the car.

·        Removing stubborn stains

Now, it’s time to deep clean the surface to remove any stubborn stains and marks. Use a clay bar and knead it onto the surface after applying a lubricant. Work in small sections and clean each part with the clay bar until the surface is clean.

·        Correcting the paint and cleaning

In this step, look for any scratches, faded paint or swirls, and correct them by using rubbing compounds, car scratch removal products, or even polishing. Doing this will give a deep and shiny finish after you apply the sealant.

After you correct the paint, clean the surface again and make sure that you removed any remaining polish, oils, waxes and contaminants.

·        Apply the coating

The final step is to spray the sealant and spread it evenly using a soft, microfiber cloth. Work in small sections to avoid missing any part of the car. After applying, leave the coating for 10 minutes for the sealant to bond with the paint.

Finally, your coated car is ready to show off and protect your paint from scratches.

What does a naturopath do?

A range of therapies and treatments are available to improve people’s livelihoods. Among them,is naturopathy, which aims to help in preventing diseases by approaching common root causes. Naturopathic therapies include things such as changes to diet, lifestyle and nutrition, as well as massage, and acupressure.

Let’s now learn more about it in detail. Below is a brief introduction, including the qualification needed to practice naturopathy and the reasons to choose naturopathic treatments.

Who treats naturopathy?

A naturopath is a health practitioner who treats people with natural therapies. It is also known as a system of health care which promotes the self-healing mechanisms of the human body. They collaborate with other medical practitioners for treatment or diagnosis when needed. 

Qualification required to be a naturopath

To become a naturopath, you need to complete graduate-level study in a conventional medical science. This could be study in subjects like gynaecology, pathology, pharmacology, cardiology, biochemistry, neurology, paediatrics, immunology and neurology. Naturopaths also have to graduate medical college after meeting admission requirements that are the same as for amedical science college. 

In addition, the standard medical curriculum advises that naturopathic students have to do extensive coursework on natural therapies that include different theories from homeopathy, nutrition, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling, hydrotherapy, botanical medicines and exercise therapy studies.

What kind of treatments do they provide?

The major goal of this treatment is to treat the whole person, which means mind, spirit and body. It doesn’t only stop the symptoms of the illness, but also heals it from the root cause.

The doctor spends can spend up to two hours examining the patient. They will ask questions related to your lifestyle habits, health history and stress levels, including ordering lab tests. They may use other techniques such as:

• Blood analysis
• Iridology
• Kinesiology
• Hair analysis
• Stool and urine analysis
• Functional testing

Treatment they provide

A naturopath employs a range of non-invasive treatment techniques and these include

• Herbal medicine to support the body.
• Homeopathy to stimulate the body.
• Hydrotherapy to stimulate body heat and blood flow, using hot and cold water.
• Physical therapies, likebio-puncture, massage, mechanotherapy or acupressure.
• Lifestyle counselling whichaddresses all aspects of your daily routine. This will identify and address the impact that stress and life events have on your health, and assisting you to make effective changes to your lifestyle.

They also go through some additional treatments like

·         IV therapies

·         Minor surgery

·         Colon therapy

·         Chelation therapy

·         Prescribing  

When you receive treatment, it’s important to note your condition at each appointment. You can then track your treatment process since your first appointment. 

Reasons to consult a naturopath

1.     It is natural treatment 

They will advise you on medicine which is self-healing. All the treatments are safe, gentle and natural and can even be personalised according to the needs of individual. These natural treatments include hydrotherapy with water,flower spirits and other treatments like dietary changes and herbal medicine, among others. In general, they can make a treatment plan to suit people of all ages and backgroundsto achieve great results. 

2.     Offers a holistic approach to health care

The mode of self-healing that focuses on the person’s whole body is known as holistic medicine. It aims to treat the root cause of problems rather than simply focusing on the symptoms. Once, the cause is identified and treated, the chances of the illness returning are very low after the treatment is completed. 

3.     It’s a popular alternative medicine

It is a popular alternative medicine. People who start taking this treatment may have found that other treatments failed to produce beneficial results. Seeing a naturopath is a similar process to seeing a GP. First, they will study yourmedical history and order some lab tests to confirm their diagnosis. They will likely, however, have different point of views in regards to the present condition of your body and how to treat it.

Conditions that an expert can commonly treat 

There are many illnesses which can be treated by naturopaths such as, 

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Diabetes
• Acne
• Eczema
• Arthritis
• Cancer (as adjunctive care)
• Obesity
• Infertility
• Insulin resistance
• Headaches and migraines

Final thoughts

There are many different ways to practice naturopathy. Some people prefer traditional while others prefer treatments which are only scientifically founded. So, it’s essential to see an expert that suits your belief system because when you feel more relaxed and comfortable with your doctor, you will likely see better results.

6 Tips for Keeping your Kids Safe at Home

Parents want to bubble-wrap their kids and keep them away from harm, but that’s unfortunately unrealistic. You cannot be with them all the time, especially when you have to work. Therefore, you need to prepare them for the good and the bad, the right and the wrong. Raise street-smart kids who know how to stay safe.

Try not to wait for your children to become a teenager to teach them about personal safety and responsibility. Sit with them today and educate them about your home security systems as well as their safety. For your guidance, we’ve jotted down 6 tips for keeping your children safe at home.

1.   Secure your home

Lots of things can happen at home when you’re not there. For instance, a fire could occur. So, as a safety measure against fire, you should place smoke detectors around your home. You can also go one step further and install carbon monoxide detectors too.

Secondly, install window and door sensors.Suspicious entry, like a window breaking, will send you an alert. Depending upon your preference, these sensors could trigger a loud alarm or a notification on your phone.

You can even consider installing a security monitoring system as it can dissuade the potential intruders from trying to enter your home. The best thing about fitting the system is you can also arm and disarm it from your phone or tablet. Thus, you can install security cameras and keep on eye at your place whilst sitting in your office.

2.   Educate your kid to operate any security systems

If you already have security systems, then demonstrate how to operate the system for your kid. As many traditional monitoring systems are monitored by an external security company, teach your child to answer the security company’s call. What should they say? Are their passwords they need to learn? How do they ask for help if they need it?

3.   Protect your yard

If you own a swimming pool, then make sure to surround it with a fence and keep access points locked. This will stop children from swimming along and potentially drowning.

If you’ve use pesticides in your backyard, then do not allow your kids to go into your yard for at least 48 hours. The chemicals they may be exposed to can affect their vital organs like livers and kidneys. Read our another article on “Top Tips for Home Security Camera Placement”

4.   Teach kids about front door safety

Kids can be trusting. Hence, you need to teach them to not talk to any strangers who knock on the door. Also, educate them to not open doors for people they do not know. They should also not let anyone know that they are home alone.

You also need to teach them how to use locks and alarms when they are alone at home. Show them how to arm and disarm the alarm system. Also, show them how to secure the locks on all the windows and doors. Kids tend to forget such things, so check in with them every now and again to make sure they’re still doing it.

5.   Prepare your kids for an emergency

It’s necessary to prepare your children for all reasonable types of emergency. For this, you need to first make sure that your kids access to a mobile phone or landline. After that, provide them with a list of emergency contact numbers like emergency services, family members and trusted friends.

Teach them who to call depending upon the emergency. For instance, if your home catches fire, then educate them to call the fire department. Also, you should teach your children to reach out to a known and reliable person in case of any emergency. It could be your neighbours or friends.

6.   Provide children with Internet safety tips

It’s impossible to avoid the Internet in the modern age. Therefore, it’s part of your responsibility as a parent to teach them how to use the internet safely. Set up some clear rules and make sure your kids follow them. Here are a few examples.

·        Do not respond to share strangers

·        Do not share passwords with anyone except parents

·        Do not meet an online friend unless you have your parent’s permission

·        Talk to your parents before opening any email attachment or downloading software

·        Be aware of online ads and ask your parents before buying anything online

Final thoughts

Personal safety isn’t some thing to just bring up once with your kids. It needs to be a part of regular calm discussions. Start talking with your kids about a few points mentioned above as early as possible. It will allow you to rest easier, letting them gain independence and feel safe at home when you’re not there.

8 questions for your tattoo artist (before getting your first tattoo)

Finding the best tattoo artist in any city is like finding a needle in a haystack. You have to be cautious and thorough with your selection process as an inexperienced tattoo artist can potentially cause some serious health issues. It’s not worth the risk.

Now, for first timers, this journey can be scary. Just thinking about needles piercing  your skin for an extended period can make you nervous. But this anxiety can be reduced if you are aware of all the ins and outs associated with the process.

Thus, one should always ask certain questions to get an idea about the artist’s skill set and what to expect when getting a tattoo from them. To earn their name and to work at the best tattoo parlour in the area requires hard work and professionalism.

While asking sensitive questions of a tattoo artist, be polite and professional. They’ll understand why you’re asking those questions and they will be happy to answer them all. The following is an example list of questions to ask your tattoo artist before getting your first tattoo.

Ask to see their work

Social media has turned out to be a blessing for those who are into the arts industry. Anyone can showcase their talent on Instagram and other social media feeds. On these platforms, you can get a feel for an artist’s work. The majority of tattoo artists and parlours love to showcase their work and style on Instagram and other social media platforms.

You can simply ask them about their profile to get an idea about their work. You can also find out more by looking at saved stories and posts. Looking at these images, you can learn about their style and how they approach their work. If they’re happy to be directly messaged (check their bio), then you can even discuss their art with them.

Do they do custom designs?

It is important to know whether the artist is happy to do custom designs or only works from their collection of flash designs. While you are checking their social media feed, keep an eye out for custom work. A lot of artists like to use their own designs, but many are also open to creating custom options for customers. But don’t assume anything. Remember to ask and be polite whatever their response. 

How long will it take?

The size and intricacy of the tattoo you want will affect how long the entire process will take. After getting all the specifics about the design and your personal preferences, the artist will give you an estimate of time.

Ask about price and payment options

In the tattoo business, the price is usually based on the design you choose, the size you want, its location, and the colour or detailing it needs. Some tattooists might charge fees based on an hourly rate, while others might have set charges for types of tattoos. Ask for an estimate if not a definite price.

Remember to find out how they want to be paid as well. You might have to pay in cash, via card or by bank transfer. Be prepared to pay in full on the day.

Sterilisation and safety procedures

Before choosing a tattoo parlour, ask them about the sterilisation measures they follow. This should include their policies on reusing or replacing needles as well as cleaning equipment. It is better to be thorough with your concerns to ensure you get a professional and hygienic experience. You can also search on the internet for reviews about any particular shop.

Allergy concerns

If you have any cosmetic allergies, then it is important to discuss this with the tattoo artist before starting. You can discuss the ingredients in the ink and make sure that you won’t be affected. Your tattoo artist can then source an appropriate ink for you.

What type of ink do they use?

There are lots of inks available for tattooing but not all are of good quality or suitable for everyone. For instance, some are better for sensitive skin, while others produce brighter colours. Talk to your tattooist about your needs and concerns.

Additionally, if you are vegan, you can get vegan tattoo ink. This can be more expensive than other options so remember to talk about pricing with your tattoo artist. 

Aftercare and healing

Once your tattoo is complete, cleanliness should be your biggest concern. Ask the tattooist about their aftercare procedure before you get a tattoo. You should be confident in how to care for your tattoo before you get one.Your tattoo artist may even be able to recommend products to help your tattoo heal. Read our another article on “Most and least painful places for tattoos”

Do they do touch-ups and alterations?

While hopefully you won’t need to worry about them, ask your tattooist about getting touch ups or alterations made to your tattoo. The ink may not sit well and distort, or you may later on notice a problem with the design. It is important to know about what additional services the artist offers. Most artists will provide a free touch-up soon after if there are any issues.

The above questions will help you out with your first tattoo experience. The more questions you ask, the more you will understand the process, putting your mind at ease.

Common furniture upholstery materials

Part of your home’s aesthetic comes from the kinds of furniture you use. This includes choosing the right fabric for your furniture too. Your choice of fabric isn’t only about aesthetics, however, and can directly affect how durable your furniture is.

Visiting your local furniture upholstery shops can be overwhelming with all the kinds of fabrics available. From natural to synthetic – there are tons of materials available. But which one is right for you?

In this guide, we will take you through the kinds of materials available for upholstering furniture, as well as helping you make your decision for what fabric to choose.

Measuring the durability of fabric

Durability is an important factor in choosing the right material. Depending on how you intend to use your furniture, you may need a stronger fabric. You need to find a fabric that meets your needs.

The durability of fabric is measured in double rubs. The greater the double rubs number, the stronger and more durable the fabric is.

If you are upholstering furniture that you don’t regularly use, then it’s okay to pick a fabric that is 3,000–9,000 double rubs. For more regular use, ask see fabrics that are rated between 9,000–15,000 double rubs.

Generally, anything between 9,000–15,000 double rubs is suitable for regular use in the home. However, if the furniture is going to be used very frequently or in a commercial setting, it’s better to get something that is 15,000–30,000 double rubs rated.

Apart choosing the appropriate double rubs rating, you should also know consider if the fabricneeds to be stain-resistant, water-repellent or UV resistant.For furniture that is used regularly over a long period of time, you’ll also want to choose a fabric that doesn’t fade over time.

When you have a clear idea of how durable your fabric needs to be, you can start thinking about your preferences for texture, colour and design. This can help you draw together a room by choosing complementary colours and designs.

Choosing your fabric

Typically, you’ll find that fabric is divided into two categories: natural and synthetic. There are pros and cons for both categories, as well as the individual fabrics.

Natural

1.   Linen

Natural and strong, linen is the fabric that’s best suited for both casual and formal areas, like dining rooms. It has a smooth and soft texture and doesn’t easily pile or fade. However, it can soil and wrinkle quickly and hence is not suitable for heavy usage. It needs regular care and shows great elasticity when blended with cotton.

2.   Cotton

Like linen, cotton is also durable and fade-resistant but wrinkles and soils easily. Used mostly as slipcovers, cotton can resist heavy wear and tear. When it comes to cleaning cotton, you only need soap and water.

You may not find a 100% cotton finish upholstery fabric. However, 45–60% cotton can be a good choice.The durability of the cotton blend fabric can depend on the weave and finish. For instance, for formal areas, Damask is the best option whereas, for casual spaces, you can use canvas material.

3.   Wool

Also a natural and durable material, wool can be a better choice than cotton and linen. It doesn’t wrinkle or soil easily and lasts a long time. To increase its durability, it may be blended with the synthetic fibres, making it easier to clean also. The only drawback is that the texture can be scratchy.

4.   Leather

Leather is the toughest fabric of all. Made from animal hide, there are different grades of leather based on its quality. It’s an easy-to-clean fabric; it can be wiped with a damp cloth or gently vacuumed to remove any dirt.

5.   Vinyl

Vinyl is a cost-effective option and alternative for leather. It is perfect for budget-conscious homeowners and those looking to decorate their furniture in living and dining rooms. It is also easy to clean, available in different grades and looks good on your furniture.

6.   Silk

Certainly, the softest and smoothest fabric to decorate your furniture. It looks perfect in any kind of room. However, whenever it’s soiled, you need to hire a professional to clean it.

Synthetic

1.   Polyester

Polyester is a material that’s often combined with other natural fabrics like wool and cotton to improve resistance against wrinkling, fading and abrasion. As this is a high-performance synthetic fabric, the blended material will become more durable and easier to clean as well.

2.   Velvet

Velvet glides smoothly under your hand and looks fantastic on your furniture, giving a rich and royal look. Made from cotton, silk or polyester, velvet is stronger and more durable than some natural fibres. However, the only downside is it attracts dirt and is relatively hard to clean.

3.   Acrylic

Acrylic is the synthetic version of wool. Like wool, it is resistant to fading, wrinkling, wear and tear, and soiling. But to get all these benefits, you need to choose a high-quality acrylic as low-quality ones tend to pill excessively.

4.   Rayon

Rayon is the synthetic version of silk and is blended with other materials to create a suitable material for upholstering different kinds of furniture.

5.   Sunbrella

If you have furniture that’s exposed to the direct sunlight and outdoor elements, then sunbrella is the perfect choice for you. As it is designed to be used on outdoor furniture, you can enjoy decorating your pergola, patio or deck with colourful upholstered furniture.

Make your choice

While you may prefer natural fibres like wool and cotton, synthetic fibres are equally worthy. Whether you need fabric for furniture re-upholstery or to cover your new furniture, we hope this guide will come in handy and clear up any confusion you have.