Learning to walk before I run

edinburgher

@greenbee - did you use it on any stairs? FIL (woodturner) reckons you wouldn't need expansion gaps at the sides of the treads as it can expand forwards and the length of a tread is such that there's not much to expand, IYSWIM? Any advice gratefully received, I won't be fitting it but can chat to builder. Also, what size of gaps did you leave? Suppliers all say 12mm, but that seems huge and a bit of Googling suggests you'd probably get away with less

We'll insulate under it in rooms/landings (floating floor), but I don't think you can insulate stairs as it's glued onto the subfloor.

Ps. Caramel colour was probably carbonised?

greenbee

Didn't use it on the stairs - just colourwashed the wood. 

Not sure what size gaps they left last time, but this time they didn't leave enough on the long run (full lengthy of the house) because the skirting wouldn't have covered it (obviously the size of the gap depends on the length of the run). What they should have done is put thresholds in at the doors, but didn't. These have now been done and theres no longer a problem.

Yep - caramel was carbonised. But the colour can vary, so well worth getting samples and seeing what works best. 

When I first started using this it was a novelty. Now it's easy to get hold of which is nice. 

edinburgher

@greenbee - 12 samples from 3 companies

edinburgher

Dear fellow forurmites - any tips on fabric sofas with foam cushions and cat !!!!!!?  Locked the cats in yesterday while we were feeding them and (suspected) Tabby went in between the two couch cushions  Have tried huge quantities of enzymatic sprays in the past to no avail, I really can't afford a new couch (!!!!!! thing is new anyway), but can't abide lingering smell of pee...

Cornish_mum

Oh no Ed, have you tried loads of baking soda (leave overnight and then vacuum)? 

Also baby wipes are amazing at getting any surface muck off (use unscented ones).

It definitely helped with our fusty old sofas (after DS and DS toddler accidents). 

Good luck CM

edinburgher

@Cornish_mum - I haven't tried that - assume problem was pee in the spongy foam? Can't really take it out of cushion covers to clean, but can unzip one end to spray with cleaning products.

greenbee

If the covers come off measure the foam and order some more, then wash the covers in biological washing powder. I've replaced foam in cushions in the past when the previous ones got too old. I'm pretty sure the last lot was ordered via ebay. And in future always buy removable covers that you can shove in the washing machine. 

newgirly

Hi Ed, I’ve been terrible reading diaries lately but have just caught up with yours and what a lots been going on! Congratulations to you both on your new baby girl, how exciting 😊 

Regarding the sofa cushions,I would try getting them out in the sun while it’s hot, I find it helps with most stains and smells 😬

Cornish_mum

Hi Ed, yes we have removable washable (100% cotton) covers. I have used the bicarb method on both the foam and also directly on the covers. I also agree with newgirly hot sun also helps. Our 15 year old sofas are decidedly non-smelly, despite numerous kiddy accidents.  For the bicarb, you need the massive packs (1kg) and a new hover bag (maximum power). CM

Suffolk_lass

We use this; and bought the full mega pack as pup peed everywhere. It will deal with the smell but not the cause or damage.

Bicarb may help. You could soak covers in washing soda but the foam need to be separately sprayed and dried out, then sprayed with febreze as if they can detect their pee, they will repeat. 

Change in routine caused our cat to pee on the sofa and being bullied away from the litter tray. I think you have two cats and might need a second tray, even if you are at your parents (in-law) while builders at home.

Also, they like a hole, so a gap between cushions is why they go there.

You could try them in the bathroom with a toilet trainer system to pee and poop in a human toilet. Our friend was talking about his former indoor cat that he trained using this system. I may have to try it with our cat, who is 11 and an indoor girl.

No idea how to stop her moulting black coat onto white and cream bedding though