Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Shutters

Shutters are one of the excellent way to add beauty, style, privacy and functionality to your home. Plus, the big choice of options available at Australian Plantation Shutters makes it easy to look out shutters that complement your home's style, and also we are ready to customize existing shutters.

To maintain its beauty and ensure the gloss of the finish, it is essential to clean the shutters regularly. To help you select the ideal cleaning regimen for your shutters, we've put together a guide to cleaning different types of shutters. This will answer any questions about what cleaning products to use and what to avoid to keep your blinds safe.

Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Shutters

Let's be honest. Cleaning the shutters isn't the best way to spend the weekend. Having to clean each slat is a boring and often postponed task. If only the shutters could clean themselves or just wash in the rain! Okay enough illusions, let's start with the most effective ways to clean your shutters efficiently so you'll be able to get back to your weekend.

If you dust your shutters repeatedly, they should not require deep cleaning for more than once or twice a year. But of course this also depends on the dust and dirt they are exposed to.

Plantation shutters

Dust regularly

Plantation exterior shutters can get especially dirty, counting on the weather. Interior shutters also collect dust, so it is essential to clean them regularly. Dust each interior shutter slat with a dry or microfiber cloth. You can also vacuum with a dry brush attachment on an occasional setting to clean each slat. Since the dust from the upper slats will settle on the lower slats, start at the top and work your way through each slat to the bottom. Make sure to clean the windowsill, as the dust will settle there as you clean its way down. Turn the slats and repeat the process. Likewise, dust your exterior shutters regularly as well.

Clean with a wet cloth

If dusting does not leave a clean surface on the shutters, wipe the interior shutters with a damp cloth to remove stubborn dirt. Use a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar with a touch of mild dish soap and wring the fabric almost dry. Pay particular attention to removing dirt build-up on the hinges and corners of the racks. An old toothbrush is good for getting into crevices and crevices.

Similarly, you can clean your exterior shutters at least once a month to prevent dirt build-up. However, in bad weather locations, cleaning more frequently is highly recommended to help maintain materials such as vinyl and painted finishes.

Shutters: aluminum, vinyl, painted wood and synthetic wood

Dust the shutters regularly so deep cleaning is just an occasional event. Close the shutters as flat as possible and dust with a shutter cleaner such as a feather duster or soft cloth. Start at the top and work your way through each slat. Work all the way down, then turn the slats over and repeat the process, remembering to dust the windowsill as well.

For an enhanced dust-resistant finish, "one more time" with a dryer sheet or duster lightly sprayed with a silicone-free antistatic spray. For quick and easy cleaning of the louvers, you can buy special tools that clean both sides of several slats at the same time.

Another easy cleaning alternative is to vacuum the slats with a brush attachment on a low intensity setting, starting with the top slat and working your way down. Turn the slats and repeat the process, finishing with the dryer sheet treatment.

Real wood shutters

When cleaning real wood shutters, it is important that they never get wet. It is recommended to regularly dust wooden shutters to maintain their shine. One way to remove the dust from your shutters, is to clean the sides, bottom and top of each slat with dry or microfiber cloth to achieve clean, and shiny appearance. Once a month, you can clean each slat (top, bottom, and side) with a soft cloth lightly sprayed with furniture polish or lemon oil. These ingredients help preserve the natural fantastic thing about the wood.

Deep Cleaning Real Wood Blinds

Very dirty wooden shutters can be cleaned with a clean cotton cloth and a mild detergent in warm water, wrung out almost dry. After cleaning, rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a cotton cloth immediately to protect the wood from moisture.

Exterior shutters: aluminum, vinyl and composite material

To clean exterior shutters in a two-story home, you may need to use a ladder, extension rods, and a helper for added security. For a quick clean, start by brushing all loose dirt off the shutters. Hose down your shutter first, then clean them with water with soap and a mop. Rinse immediately so the soapy water does not dry out. Keep drying them with a clean microfiber mop. An alternative cleaning method is to remove loose dirt and then pressure wash with a pressure washer, rinse and dry as just described.

Inexpensive blinds for all your window covering needs

With regular dusting and regular deep cleaning, you can keep your shutters looking new. However, if the shutters are beyond cleaning stage, consider installing new ones from Australian Plantation Shutters. We have a wide range of shutters to meet both your aesthetic and functional needs.

If you have specific requirements or want help deciding the perfect window shades for your home, schedule a free in-home consultation. Our experts are trained to assess your requirements, take precise measurements, and outfit your home with window treatments that are perfectly tailored to your needs.

How to conduct investigations in the workplace?

Five actions employers should use when conducting harassment investigations:

1. Selection of the researcher

Employers should take the time to train an internal person or hire an independent expert workplace investigator like Edge Investigations, who can conduct workplace harassment investigations. This person generally has extensive experience and training on how to investigate reports of workplace harassment. First, the person must be able to conduct appropriate investigations to limit the company's liability. Second, the person's experience and training is likely to be closely scrutinized, if not challenged by the opposing attorney if the case turns into litigation. Therefore, someone with experience and well accredited is preferred.

2. The research must be free from any appearance of influence or bias.

The investigator must not have any personal involvement with any of the parties that are part of the investigation. To avoid any appearance of undue influence, the investigator should not be subject to any oversight or supervisory control by the alleged harasser. This means that for smaller businesses, or in cases where the owner or president of the business is alleged to have harassed someone, it is recommended that an external third party who is independent of the business be engaged to conduct the investigation.

3. The investigation must ask the right questions.

Questions to ask the complainant:

• Who, when, what, how, and where: Who committed the alleged workplace harassment? What exactly happened or was said? When did the workplace harassment happen and is it still ongoing? Where did it happen? How often did it happen? How did it affect you?
• How did you react to? What response did you give when or after the incidents occurred?
• How did the bullying affect you? Has your job been affected in any way?
• Are there people who have relevant information? Was someone present when the alleged harassment occurred? Did you tell anyone about it? Did anyone see him immediately after episodes of alleged bullying?
• Did the person who harassed you harass someone else? Do you know if someone complained about that person's harassment?
• Are there any notes, physical evidence, or other documentation related to the incident (s)?
• How would you like to resolved the situation?
• Do you know any other relevant information?

Questions to ask the alleged harasser:

• What is your response to the allegations?
• If the harasser claims the allegations are false, ask why the complainant might be lying.
• Are there people who have relevant information?
• Are there any notes, physical evidence, or other documentation related to the incident (s)?
• Do you know any other relevant information?

Questions to ask third parties:

• What did you see or hear?
• When did this happen? Describe the behavior of the alleged harasser towards the complainant and towards others in the workplace.
• What did the complainant tell you?
• When did he tell you this?
• Do you know any other relevant information?
• Are there other people aside you that have relevant information?

4. The investigator must conduct credibility assessments.

The EEO again provides some guidance on the factors to use when determining which witnesses are most credible:

• Inherent plausibility: Is the testimony credible at first glance? Makes sense?
• Behavior: Did the person appear to be telling the truth or lying?
• Reason for falsifying: Did the person have a reason to lie?
• Corroboration: Is there witness testimony (such as eyewitness testimony, people who saw the person shortly after the alleged incidents, or people who discussed the incidents with him or her around the time it occurred) or physical proof (such as written documentation) that corroborates the group's testimony?
• Past record: Is there a history of a similar behavior that the alleged harasser has?

None of the above factors determine credibility. For example, the fact that there are no eyewitnesses to the alleged harassment does not necessarily invalidate the credibility of the perpetrator, as harassment often takes place behind closed doors. Also, the fact that the alleged harasser has had similar behavior in the past does not necessarily mean that she has done it again.

5. The final determination of the investigation

After making credibility determinations and evaluating the facts, company management must make a determination as to whether or not the harassment occurred. The parties must be informed of the determination. Even if the employer determines that the harassment failed to occur, the EEO takes the position that the employer must take steps like preventative training and ongoing monitoring.

For example, although the underlying harassment may not have occurred, a supervisor could be held liable for retaliating against the employee who made the report of harassment. Therefore, it is important for employers to inform the parties involved of the outcome, the unacceptable behavior as a result of the determination, and to ensure continued compliance with the findings and legal obligations of the company.

Invest in diamonds this 2021

In the mind of a successful investor there are no negativity and mistakes, optimism is very important to them. And that is, something that they always take into account when they decide to invest in diamonds. If you plan to do the same, but don't know how or where to start, then let us help you. In this article we will tell you everything you must take into account so that you can have the success that many people have achieved with the diamond.

How can I invest in diamonds?

The diamond is considered as a physical product and as such, it can be bought anywhere in the world. For this reason, many people make the decision to invest in colored diamonds or also in common ones.

If you have thought about investing your savings in this market, then you have to take into account a series of guidelines so that you do not have problems in the process. And we will tell you which ones, but you just have to pay close attention.

Learn the basics

Like any business, you should focus on starting with the basics, mainly knowing the language of diamond. You can start with the 4-C of diamonds, this will be the first step so that you can invest your money in diamonds quickly and safely.

Set a budget

You may not know it, but it is worth investing in diamonds. Since not only does it guarantee long-term profitability, but also because it is an investment that adapts to a certain group of people. That is, only those who have a high budget can do it, but with the security that stocks do not have.

Diversify diamonds

In the investment of diamonds, as in other types of investments, it is advisable to diversify the portfolio. At this point what you should consider is that you do not settle for investing in the same type of diamond, if you can buy a blue and yellow diamond it will be recommended.

Compare prices

A diamond does not work like a stock, but with a large retail market for diamonds, price comparisons are possible. This task becomes easier when you decide to invest in different colored diamonds.

Buy what is recommended

The market for diamonds is very broad, that causes a low demand than usual, but a high demand for rare diamonds. If you want to generate a return on your investment, then you should bet on rare and rare diamonds.

Know what you are getting

Do not trust the seller or the price when buying a diamond, you should only focus on investing in certified diamonds. When we refer to a document that guarantees its legality, we refer to the GIA certificate.

Assembled or loose

Maybe invest in gold or diamonds is very laborious, but the results offered are unique and fascinating. That is why when we mention mounted or loose, we refer to the type of sale you want to make with the diamonds.

Why should I invest my money in diamonds?

Diamonds are a good investment these days for a number of reasons. These precious stones have managed to prove their value over time, as it offers protection against credit risk for banks or financial institutions.

Even macroeconomic law considers investing money in diamonds to be safe, since their price on the world market is constantly increasing. If you want to earn extra money investing, then bet on this type of investment.

Advantages of investing your savings in diamonds

Diamonds have many meanings, precious, unique, rare, magical, and even as symbols of love. Well that is how ordinary people see it, but it is a gemstone that goes beyond that, and can also be considered as part of a good investment.

If in the previous section we explained why to invest in diamonds, now we will discover what the advantages are in this type of investment and, they are the following:

• It has protection against inflation or collapse in the market.
• It is an anonymous investment without the need to register.
• It has world convertibility.
• Tax is not paid if there are profits.
• It is a prestigious gemstone.
• No maintenance costs.
• Precise and robust performances.
• It has a strong supply and demand in the market.
• It is a gem that does not lose its value over time.

Investing in this gemstone may not have completely convinced you. It may not be to your liking or it does not fit your current budget, but neglect there are other options. If you want, you can invest in public debt, but we'll talk about that another time.

Is it profitable to invest in diamonds 2021?

If you dared to buy diamonds as an investment, it is normal that you have an interest in knowing whether it is profitable or not to do so. To find an answer, the first thing you should take into account is that the diamond is a long-term investment.

As it is a natural product, there is a limited stock on the world market, even though there are active mines, the process to find the gemstone is very complex. This scarcity will only cause its value to increase over time.

As you have seen, diamond investments can be a good alternative, it is profitable and there are not many risks regarding losses. It is an investment that can change a person's lifestyle in an incredible way. So do not miss this opportunity, take advantage of the information in this article so that you can start in the right way.