Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Spring Cleaning Tips for your Car Interior

In many parts of the country, warmer weather is slowly arriving; a sure sign that spring will be here soon. With warmer temperatures comes the urge to go outside and work on projects, after spending several months stuck inside waiting for winter to pass.

Besides sweeping out the garage, putting in the screen doors and washing windows, one of the annual rites of spring for many people is cleaning out the car. After exposure to snow, grime and salt for months, you need to take time to give your vehicle a thorough cleaning inside and out.

The interior, in particular, can get dirty quickly not just from the elements but also from dirty shoes and clothes, spilt drinks or food, and a number of other causes. Over time, your car may begin to smell; the leather or vinyl may dry out and become brittle; stains become eyesores; and the color of the upholstery may fade. All of these problems will impact the resale value of your car or truck.

You should clean your car's interior about every month to prevent dirt and grime from settling into materials. Wipe up stains as soon as they happen. The longer you wait, it will be harder to remove a stain. Always use a clean sponge or cloth when cleaning.

Here are some tips for how to clean various materials in your car.

Carpeting and Fabric

Cleaning carpeting and fabric can do a lot to improve the overall look of the interior. Matted-down, dirty carpeting or stained fabric make a vehicle look old. While there is not much you can do for worn-out carpeting, you can make dirty carpeting look almost as good as new.

Be aware, a common mistake people do when cleaning carpet or fabric is using too much water. Extra moisture takes a long time to dry and can stay in the carpet or fabric, which may lead to mildew and a musty smell, which will leave these materials worse off then when you started.

The first step is to vacuum everything thoroughly. You can either use a house-hold vacuum with a hose attachment or go to a car wash that has coin-operated vacuums. Make sure to get all the way under the seats. Also vacuum floor mats, under the floor mats and the trunk.

Once you vacuumed once, pound your seats with something large like a baseball bat. Watch all the dirt that likely will come flying out. Now vacuum again. Remember, the more you vacuum the less chance your carpet will be permanently matted by ground-in sand or soil.

You next want to tackle any stains with a good stain remover.  Stubborn stains may require a multipurpose degreaser, although you may want to experiment on an unseen location before using it. You don't want to use a product that will discolor your carpeting or fabric.

When cleaning the entire carpet and fabric, use a stiff scrub brush and a foaming carpet shampoo that doesn't leave a lot of moisture. Afterwards, wipe down the carpet with a dry cloth. While cleaning these materials, it's a good idea to leave the doors and windows open to let it dry out.

Once the carpeting and fabric are completely dry, treating it with a protectant such as Scotchguard can help it resist future stains.

Leather

When it comes to selling your vehicle, well-maintained leather is a significant plus. On the other hand, leather that looks old and worn could negatively impact the resale value of your car.

Fortunately, leather is one of the easiest materials to maintain. It's important to care for leather regularly, about every six to eight weeks. There are number of quality leather products on the market. Don't use saddle soap because of its high alkaline content.

When cleaning your vehicle's leather, work on one section at a time (like a seatback, cushion or door panel). Make sure to clean along the stitched lines, since dirt can wear into the upholstery thread over time. Scrub soiled areas with a stiff brush. Once done with a section, wipe off the cleaner with a clean cloth.

If a stain remains, you can use a diluted general-purpose grease remover. Again, just as with carpeting, make sure to test it in a hidden area to be sure it doesn't discolor the leather.

Once the cleaning is done, you want to treat the leather with a conditioner designed to replenish its oils and maintain its suppleness. Apply the conditioner with a slightly damp cloth. Use it sparingly and go over all the leather at one time. Let the conditioner sit for 20 to 30 minutes and then use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess conditioner.

Vinyl

This material is subject to the harsh effects of sunlight and pollution, especially at the top of the dash. Treatment of this material is easy, but it should be done on a regular basis.

Dirty vinyl can be cleaned with a vinyl upholstery cleaner and a scrub brush. Be careful how much cleaner you use on the dashboard. You don't want the moisture from the cleaner to get into the electronic controls and instruments. When cleaning the dash, use cotton swabs to clean around the vents. Once done cleaning, apply a vinyl protectant to keep the material pliable.

Wood

Whether your vehicle has real or imitation wood, never use a harsh cleaner on it. Fake wood often has a polyurethane coating that's easily scratched. Wipe the wood with a damp, clean cloth. Apply a small amount of wax to give the wood new luster.

When using cleaners on your car, make sure you follow the application instructions on the product's label. Afterall, you don't want to go through all the trouble of cleaning the car and then end up using the product wrong.

Although you may think cleaning your car's interior is a lot of work, you will be happy with the results!

Carwashing

Courtesy of ultimatewash.com

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Astronomy Nights: Planet Parade

Space
Join the fun at Millard Observatory, the largest public observatory in the Omaha metro area. Led by trained staff and volunteers, these programs are designed to introduce adults and children to the wonders of the night sky. If clouds prevent sky viewing, only an indoor presentation is offered.

Visit http://bit.ly/wBPAGC for more information

 

Courtesy of Fontenelle Nature Association

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Best Spots for a Romantic Dinner in Omaha

Dinner at a nice restaurant is often an important part of a couple's Valentine's Day plans. But choosing a restaurant that is good and not booked solid can be difficult on this holiday. Here are several suggestions to help you find a nice, romantic restaurant to kick start your Valentine's Day plans.

Brother Sebastian's Steakhouse and Winery is well-known in Omaha for their excellent steaks and extensive wine list. In 2004, they won the Best of Omaha Award from Omaha Magazine. They first opened their doors in 1977, and it is was through their ability to deliver such fine cuisine that they have been able to maintain their position at the top of Omaha restaurants. They offer selections that are considered unusual for Omaha, and even throughout the entire midwest. Such selections include escargot and frog legs. They offer 155 wines by the bottle, and a large selection by the glass. The wine ranges from inexpensive to quite pricy. Almost everyone in the Omaha area would include Brother Sebastian's on their list of most romantic dining spots. Brother Sebastian's is located at 1350 South 119th St., and their phone number is (402)330-0300. Call now if you are searching for Valentine's Day reservations, because they will fill up fast.

Many people have heard of the Flatiron Building in New York City, but did you know there is also a Flatiron Building in Omaha? The Flatiron Cafe is a romantic spot that serves fine cuisine to patrons that demand high-quality, innovative dishes. Their menu changes seasonally so that they can provide the freshest dishes. Currently their menu includes such items as a half roasted duck in a blood orange and anise reduction, with kumquat cherry marmalade and forbidden rice. The prices are exceptional considering the quality of the dishes. This is truly one of Omaha's finest hidden gems. The Flatiron Cafe is located in the Old Market at 17th & Howard Street. Their phone number is (402)344-3040.

The Drover is a restaurant located in South Omaha, which has been delivering fine meals for many years. Most of the patrons rave about the whiskey strip, but their seafood dishes are also excellent. The Drover is the type of restaurant that draws people from other states, just so they can experience a meal at this restaurant. The decor is a bit old-fashioned and the lighting it dim, even for a couple looking for a romantic setting. But the food cannot be beat, and it's a nice, quiet restaurant for a date or night out. The Drover is somewhat hidden in South Omaha. It is located at 2121 South 73rd St., and their phone number is (402)391-7440.

The French Cafe, located in the Old Market, won two awards in 2006 from Omaha Magazine, and awards from many other places. These awards were for Best French Restaurant and Best Romantic Restaurant. And they certainly earned the distinction. The restaurant has a sophisticated French style. With low lighting, menus presented in French, and some of the best food presentation anywhere, The French Cafe is definitely romantic. A recommended dish is the Chateaubriand, which is prepared for two. After leaving The French Cafe, you may be inspired to take a moonlit ride through the Old Market on a horse-drawn carriage. The French Cafe is located at 1017 Howard St. in the Old Market. Their phone number is (402)341-3547. Reservations will be difficult to get for Valentine's Day, and they are recommended. The attire is business casual.

No matter what you have planned for the rest of your evening, a nice dinner out will set the mood for the rest of the night to come. Make your reservations now at one of these restaurants, and you are setting yourself up for a very nice evening.

Vday

Courtesy of voices.yahoo.com

Friday, February 10, 2012

This day in history:

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Did you know that the first U.S. patent for the automobile seat belt was issued on this day in 1885 by Edward J. Claghorn? Let’s be thankful for such an important invention in our lives and be sure to buckle up!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Car Maintence Tip:

Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.

 

Car

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X2 Leasing Special

Patriot
Lease a 2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X2 for $199 per month for 36 months. Total due at signing: $2,499. No security deposit required.See Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for full details!