Budget Options for Eco-Friendly Kitchen Countertops

Image Source: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/green-remodeling/green-kitchen-countertops-3-eco-friendly-choices/

What’s green? Green kitchen countertops feature reprocessed or sustainable content, low-toxicity binders, eco-friendly industrial processes, or a combination. Local production is good, too, if you can arrange it, because transferring countertops is a big fuel-guzzler.

When it comes in selecting a countertop for your kitchen remodel, there are plenty of nice-looking options that making a decision can be hard. One way to narrow it down is to factor eco-friendliness into the equation.

Not sure where to start? Let’s break down some of the best eco-friendly countertop options existing on the market today, ranging from ultra-luxurious to basic and budget-friendly. Once you decide which material you love for kitchen countertops, you can use this convenient cost calculator to help you stay on budget.

Source:http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/4-ecofriendly-countertop-options-for-every-budget-zbcz1506.aspx

Hard Wood Flooring Cleaning Tips

Image Source: https://superiorhardwood.wordpress.com/2012/08/16/green-cleaning-tips-for-your-hardwood-floor/

The Basic Care

Speed up the cleaning procedure by first dusting the floor with a mop that has been treated with a dusting agent to pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair that might scrape the floor surface. Vacuum or sweep your floor regularly with a soft-bristled attachment or broom, especially in high-traffic areas. This prevents persistent dirt and particle buildup that can scratch the wood’s surface. For weekly or biweekly cleaning, vacuum with a floor-brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner or an electric broom. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar add-on, which can scratch a wood floor's finish. For quick dusting, use disposable electrostatic cloths, available at grocery and discount stores. Use protective window coverings to block fade-causing UV rays and extreme heat from direct sunlight. Most wood types will slowly age when not covered, so it’s a good idea to rearrange rugs and furniture occasionally to help it age evenly.

Preventing Damage Tips

Keep pets’ paws clean and nails trimmed.Pets can smell the scent in substances that cause scraping and blemishes.

Use a humidifier during heating periods to help reduce wood contraction and humidity between 35% and 55%.

Use ice to harden hard substances like wax or chewing gum, and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper or a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the surface and wipe the area clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.

More story at http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-tips-for-cleaning-hardwood-floors-199663

Watch the video at http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/more-techniques/clean-hardwood-floors

Related Helpful Links:
http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors/
http://www.bruce.com/cleaning-hardwood-flooring.html
http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/7-tips-for-cleaning-hardwood-floors/ http://www.lowes.com/projects/repair-and-maintain/caring-for-hardwood-floors/project http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Hardwood-Floors
https://www.pinesol.com/cleaning-surfaces/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors/