Soap and water, polish, wax or what? Take the guesswork out of hardwood floor care and go from dull and grimy to gleaming and gorgeous in a few easy steps.
First Things First—Determine the Finish
Before you grab a bucket of water and a mop, it's best to find out how your wood floor is sealed—if at all. Why? The finish, not the wood type, determines how you clean and care for the floor.
Surface-sealed floors: Most new wood floors are sealed with urethane, polyurethane or polyacrylic. Surface-sealed floors are stain and water-damage resistant and easiest to care for and clean: Sweep, mop and you're done!
Penetrating-seal-treated and oil-treated floors: Also common, a penetrating seal or oil finish soaks into the wood grain and hardens. This type of floor must be pampered and protected with liquid or paste wax.
Lacquered, varnished, shellacked and untreated floors: Although technically surface finishes, lacquers, varnishes and shellacs are not as resistant to moisture, spills and wear as the other sealants mentioned. Treat floors with these finishes and floors with no finish as you would penetrating-seal-treated and oil-treated floors.
Not sure what kind of finish you have? To tell the difference in a pinch, just rub your finger across the floor. If no smudge appears, the floor is surface sealed. If you do create a smudge, the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal, oil finish, shellac, varnish or lacquer, and then waxed.
You can view the entire articleClick Here
Showing posts with label cleaning floors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cleaning floors. Show all posts
Monday
Cleaning No-wax/linoleum floors
Regular vacuuming or sweeping is the best way to maintain the finish. Then damp mop with plain water or add just a drop of liquid dish soap. If the floor has some tough spots to clean, use a white, nylon-backed scrub sponge. This will keep soil from wearing away the surface. However, if time and traffic eventually dull the glossy top layer, you may want to add a floor finish or wax to restore the shine. Choose any good commercial floor polish or try a self-polishing, metal-interlock floor finish available from a janitorial supply. Traffic areas may need finish applied more often than the rest of the floor. It's a good idea to keep doormats at all the entrances to your home, as they will catch much of the dirt that could eventually damage your floors.
You can view more tips at :http://www.merrymaids.com/cleaningtips/#floors
You can view more tips at :http://www.merrymaids.com/cleaningtips/#floors
Sunday
Great Website for Throw Rugs
Visit this website for beatiful throw rugs Here
Throw rugs can be the focal point of a room, create cozy conversation areas, provide a splash of color or be a unifying element that ties colors together. Plus, they can quickly and easily give rooms character!
Browse our formal indoor rugs to add a look of richness and texture to any setting. Made of 100% polypropylene, our indoor/outdoor rugs resist mold and mildew and clean easily. Combining beauty and functionality in one piece, you can use these versatile throw rugs to make a statement in any room of your home!
Door mats are the first impression a visitor gets when entering your home. Browse our collection of heavy-duty coir door mats to find an attractive, long-lasting mat that fits your needs.
Don't miss our new Home Accessories section where you will find beautiful and unique accessories to enhance your home. From throw pillows to decorative shelves, you are sure to find that extra something to brighten up any room!
Unsure of what size or type throw rug you need? Visit our Choosing a Throw Rug information page for great tips!
Throw rugs can be the focal point of a room, create cozy conversation areas, provide a splash of color or be a unifying element that ties colors together. Plus, they can quickly and easily give rooms character!
Browse our formal indoor rugs to add a look of richness and texture to any setting. Made of 100% polypropylene, our indoor/outdoor rugs resist mold and mildew and clean easily. Combining beauty and functionality in one piece, you can use these versatile throw rugs to make a statement in any room of your home!
Door mats are the first impression a visitor gets when entering your home. Browse our collection of heavy-duty coir door mats to find an attractive, long-lasting mat that fits your needs.
Don't miss our new Home Accessories section where you will find beautiful and unique accessories to enhance your home. From throw pillows to decorative shelves, you are sure to find that extra something to brighten up any room!
Unsure of what size or type throw rug you need? Visit our Choosing a Throw Rug information page for great tips!
Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop Review for Tile Floors
Best steam mop
- Uses plain water
- Sturdy build
- Pivoting head gets into corners
- Removes scuffs and stuck-on stains
- Ready indicator light
- Washable mop-head cover
- Can't be used on all types of flooring
- Doesn't sanitize unless left in place for 15 seconds
- Leaves floors wet
- 17-foot cord too short for some
- Must depress trigger to release steam
We read the best reviews of this mop at Amazon.com, where it has accumulated 450 reviews. We also found several dozen owner-written reviews of the Bissell 1867-7 at Epinions.com. Green-cleaning blogger Danny Seo posts a brief, glowing writeup about this mop to his blog.
Find more product reviews at: http://www.consumersearch.com/steam-mops/bissell-1867-7-steam-mop
Tuesday
5 Ways to Avoid Carpet Cleaning Scams
Another great video about "How to Avoid Carpet Cleaning Scams"
Taking Care of your Tile
Ever wonder how to take care of your tile? We found some great tips from the "World Floor Covering Association". Check it out!
Ceramic tile is beautiful, durable, practical and an elegant addition to any home. Are you picturing it in your home?
It also offers a seemingly endless variety of style options – hundreds of textures, patterns and glazings in numerous sizes.
But if you are about to make this flooring a solution for the way you live, take care. Take care of your investment and it will reward you and your home for many, many years to come.
Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding flooring upkeep can be a determining factor in the type of ceramic tile you purchase.
That’s why we put this section together for you. It’s about the care, considerations and cautions of maintaining a ceramic tile floor. Maybe your floor.
So check over the following advice and be a little smarter about smart and stylish ceramic tile.
Sweep but don’t “beat” ceramic tile.
It’s important to sweep a tile floor regularly. Dirt can adhere to the surface of tile, particularly styles with a textured surface.
Regular sweeping loosens and removes most of this dirt. So keep on sweeping.
Don’t forget those labor saving devices. Feel free to use a vacuum cleaner to sweep, but be sure to use one without a beater bar to avoid dulling and scratching the tiles.
However, the attachments that accompany vacuum cleaners are useful to collect dirt along edges or in between tiles.
Keep dirt in its place.
Be sure to use walk-off mats to minimize and contain dirt being tracked in at entryways. And shake them often, homeowner.
This reduces the amount of dirt being tracked across the tile floor, and reduces the wear to the finished surface.
Cleaning tips that really shine.
Ceramic tile floors should be damp-mopped regularly using the manufacturer’s recommended grout and tile cleaners.
For heavier soil, you can spot clean the floor with a sponge or clean cloth using the recommended cleaners.
Rinse well and wipe dry for more shine.
Textured tiles may require mild scrubbing with a soft brush or electric polisher/scrubber.
After cleaning with a mild detergent rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove any leftover residue.
If needed wipe dry with a clean towel to remove any film.
For soft water situations you may need to use an all-purpose cleaner.
Apply to the floor, let stand for 3 - 5 minutes, lightly scrub with a sponge, rinse well and you’re home free – dirt free too.
For heavier cleaning tasks there are cleaning products available from your local grocery store that can be used to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew stains.
You’ll want to consult the cleaning product’s instructions to make sure the product is compatible with your type of tile.
After cleaning, rinse well and wipe dry for optimum shine. And maximum pride.
No-Nos for those in the know.
Avoid using steel wool, scouring powders, or other abrasives that can scratch the finish of the tile.
Don’t use bleach or ammonia based cleaners, as these products can discolor your grout if used too often.
Also, do not clean glazed tile with oil-based cleaners.
Be fast on your feet. Try to clean up spills as quickly as possible so that the grout or tile doesn’t become stained.
While ceramic tile is considered very durable, it’s not indestructible and may crack or chip under extreme force.
Take the proper precautions when moving heavy objects across your tile floor. Get a small army to help you move that grand piano.
Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage.
Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation.
However, the good news is that, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with the original product.
ceramic tile grout
Final advice: do caulk and consider sealing.
Once the tile has been laid and grouted, it’s your responsibility to maintain areas exposed to water by caulking.
Caulking will prevent expensive subsurface damage, as well as keep the tiled areas looking their best.
Depending on your lifestyle, sealing new tile and grout may be an option.
After the installation process is complete and the grout has had ample time to cure, sealing the grout and tile can provide protection from dirt and spills by slowing down the staining process.
Today there are also innovative grout colorants you should be aware of.
These products can transform the original color of grout and in some cases can act as a form of sealant. Please be aware that non-epoxy grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer.
Regular care and maintenance will keep your ceramic tile looking new for years to come, and will keep your home a showcase for family and friends.
To read article Click Here
Ceramic tile is beautiful, durable, practical and an elegant addition to any home. Are you picturing it in your home?
It also offers a seemingly endless variety of style options – hundreds of textures, patterns and glazings in numerous sizes.
But if you are about to make this flooring a solution for the way you live, take care. Take care of your investment and it will reward you and your home for many, many years to come.
Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding flooring upkeep can be a determining factor in the type of ceramic tile you purchase.
That’s why we put this section together for you. It’s about the care, considerations and cautions of maintaining a ceramic tile floor. Maybe your floor.
So check over the following advice and be a little smarter about smart and stylish ceramic tile.
Sweep but don’t “beat” ceramic tile.
It’s important to sweep a tile floor regularly. Dirt can adhere to the surface of tile, particularly styles with a textured surface.
Regular sweeping loosens and removes most of this dirt. So keep on sweeping.
Don’t forget those labor saving devices. Feel free to use a vacuum cleaner to sweep, but be sure to use one without a beater bar to avoid dulling and scratching the tiles.
However, the attachments that accompany vacuum cleaners are useful to collect dirt along edges or in between tiles.
Keep dirt in its place.
Be sure to use walk-off mats to minimize and contain dirt being tracked in at entryways. And shake them often, homeowner.
This reduces the amount of dirt being tracked across the tile floor, and reduces the wear to the finished surface.
Cleaning tips that really shine.
Ceramic tile floors should be damp-mopped regularly using the manufacturer’s recommended grout and tile cleaners.
For heavier soil, you can spot clean the floor with a sponge or clean cloth using the recommended cleaners.
Rinse well and wipe dry for more shine.
Textured tiles may require mild scrubbing with a soft brush or electric polisher/scrubber.
After cleaning with a mild detergent rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove any leftover residue.
If needed wipe dry with a clean towel to remove any film.
For soft water situations you may need to use an all-purpose cleaner.
Apply to the floor, let stand for 3 - 5 minutes, lightly scrub with a sponge, rinse well and you’re home free – dirt free too.
For heavier cleaning tasks there are cleaning products available from your local grocery store that can be used to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew stains.
You’ll want to consult the cleaning product’s instructions to make sure the product is compatible with your type of tile.
After cleaning, rinse well and wipe dry for optimum shine. And maximum pride.
No-Nos for those in the know.
Avoid using steel wool, scouring powders, or other abrasives that can scratch the finish of the tile.
Don’t use bleach or ammonia based cleaners, as these products can discolor your grout if used too often.
Also, do not clean glazed tile with oil-based cleaners.
Be fast on your feet. Try to clean up spills as quickly as possible so that the grout or tile doesn’t become stained.
While ceramic tile is considered very durable, it’s not indestructible and may crack or chip under extreme force.
Take the proper precautions when moving heavy objects across your tile floor. Get a small army to help you move that grand piano.
Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage.
Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation.
However, the good news is that, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with the original product.
ceramic tile grout
Final advice: do caulk and consider sealing.
Once the tile has been laid and grouted, it’s your responsibility to maintain areas exposed to water by caulking.
Caulking will prevent expensive subsurface damage, as well as keep the tiled areas looking their best.
Depending on your lifestyle, sealing new tile and grout may be an option.
After the installation process is complete and the grout has had ample time to cure, sealing the grout and tile can provide protection from dirt and spills by slowing down the staining process.
Today there are also innovative grout colorants you should be aware of.
These products can transform the original color of grout and in some cases can act as a form of sealant. Please be aware that non-epoxy grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer.
Regular care and maintenance will keep your ceramic tile looking new for years to come, and will keep your home a showcase for family and friends.
To read article Click Here
How to Clean Floors
Even though we already have many floor cleaning articles, we were intrigued with the tips below and wanted to share with our readers!
Floor Cleaning Tips – How to Clean Floors Clean and Beautiful
Hardwood, tile, stone or other hard-surfaced floors can add much value to your home, and their low-maintenance is appealing to many people. Take these few simple tips to heart, and your floor will stay clean and beautiful for years to come.
Floor Cleaning Tip #1 – Vinegar Brings Floors Back to Life
If your floor is seemingly dull or listless, use a solution of 3 cups of vinegar to half-gallon of warm water for a quick and easy mop towards renewing your floor. The only exception to this is a marble floor, you should never use vinegar on marble floors. Apply the vinegar solution to the floor with your wet mop, and allow to dry. It will make your floor sparkle once again and bring it back to life.
Floor Cleaning Tip #2 – Use a Squeegee to Clean your Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile floors are beautiful and functional. They have a tendency, however, to dull over time. This can be particularly unattractive for more polished tiles in bathrooms. The trick to keeping your ceramic tile shining is a squeegee as used for cleaning windows. Use your wet mop to spread a warm, soapy solution on the floor. Put the squeegee on an extended pole to save your back. Then draw the squeegee across the floor, removing the soapy water and leaving a clean floor. After each stroke, wipe the squeegee with a dry towel, and continue.
Floor Cleaning Tip #3 – Iron off Wax
When candle wax drips on your hard floor, it can seem impossible to get every last bit. However, it really isn’t that difficult. If the wax is still wet, use an ice cube to cool and harden it. Then use a credit card, plastic spatula, or dull knife to remove the wax. Finally, spread at least a dozen layers of paper towel over the affected area and run a warm iron over the towels. The wax will soften and seep into the towels. If the paper towels saturate through, be sure to change them to prevent damage to your iron.
Floor Cleaning Tip #4 – Do Away with Hairspray
Hairspray will quickly build up on your hard floor and dull the finish. And because of its inherent sticky qualities, normal soapy floor cleaning solutions don’t tend to cut through the build-up. Instead, use a clean cloth or sponge and ammonia to remove the hairspray. Be sure the area is well-ventilated. Never use ammonia on a marble floor; hairspray is just as damaging for marble floors, so avoid the hairspray in the vicinity of marble altogether. To clean marble floors, use plain water or a specially prepared solution specifically designed for cleaning marble.
This article can be found at Mrs. Clean USA
Floor Cleaning Tips – How to Clean Floors Clean and Beautiful
Hardwood, tile, stone or other hard-surfaced floors can add much value to your home, and their low-maintenance is appealing to many people. Take these few simple tips to heart, and your floor will stay clean and beautiful for years to come.
Floor Cleaning Tip #1 – Vinegar Brings Floors Back to Life
If your floor is seemingly dull or listless, use a solution of 3 cups of vinegar to half-gallon of warm water for a quick and easy mop towards renewing your floor. The only exception to this is a marble floor, you should never use vinegar on marble floors. Apply the vinegar solution to the floor with your wet mop, and allow to dry. It will make your floor sparkle once again and bring it back to life.
Floor Cleaning Tip #2 – Use a Squeegee to Clean your Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile floors are beautiful and functional. They have a tendency, however, to dull over time. This can be particularly unattractive for more polished tiles in bathrooms. The trick to keeping your ceramic tile shining is a squeegee as used for cleaning windows. Use your wet mop to spread a warm, soapy solution on the floor. Put the squeegee on an extended pole to save your back. Then draw the squeegee across the floor, removing the soapy water and leaving a clean floor. After each stroke, wipe the squeegee with a dry towel, and continue.
Floor Cleaning Tip #3 – Iron off Wax
When candle wax drips on your hard floor, it can seem impossible to get every last bit. However, it really isn’t that difficult. If the wax is still wet, use an ice cube to cool and harden it. Then use a credit card, plastic spatula, or dull knife to remove the wax. Finally, spread at least a dozen layers of paper towel over the affected area and run a warm iron over the towels. The wax will soften and seep into the towels. If the paper towels saturate through, be sure to change them to prevent damage to your iron.
Floor Cleaning Tip #4 – Do Away with Hairspray
Hairspray will quickly build up on your hard floor and dull the finish. And because of its inherent sticky qualities, normal soapy floor cleaning solutions don’t tend to cut through the build-up. Instead, use a clean cloth or sponge and ammonia to remove the hairspray. Be sure the area is well-ventilated. Never use ammonia on a marble floor; hairspray is just as damaging for marble floors, so avoid the hairspray in the vicinity of marble altogether. To clean marble floors, use plain water or a specially prepared solution specifically designed for cleaning marble.
This article can be found at Mrs. Clean USA
Wednesday
Maintaining High Traffice Areas
Another great answer provided by IICRC.org
The following steps should be taken when dealing with carpet in a high-traffic area:
* It's a good idea to keep sand, grit and grass clippings off walkways outside entries to prevent inward tracking of these abrasive soils.
* Purchase a properly sized entry mat (the bigger the better, but there must be room for at least two steps to sufficiently wipe soil from feet before encountering the installed carpet). Nylon face, vinyl back for better moisture and oils absorption, combined with the resiliency necessary to collect a quantity of particle soil. The IICRC suggests a rental mat, since that guarantees frequent maintenance. Place entry mats on hard surfaces rather than on carpet where they can trap moisture or cause plasticizer migration.
* Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum; daily, especially after major events. The sooner you collect soils from the surface, the easier it is to remove them. For most carpet, you should use an upright vacuum with brush agitation, unless your canister vacuum is particularly well designed. The wider the head, the more efficient.
* Use high-efficiency double-lined poly-fiber collection bags. This reduces periodic maintenance such as dusting of furniture, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filter exchange.
* Typically, deep cleaning should be accomplished on at least a semi-annual basis, with no more than two entry and high-traffic area "rinse" cleanings between the deep cleaning. This is dependent on traffic and daily maintenance as well. At a minimum, some attention should be given to primary entry areas on a quarterly basis.
* If spots are treated immediately, most will respond with plain warm water and very little mild detergent added.
* Make sure the HVAC system is slightly positively pressurized as well (air going out when doors are opened, rather than being sucked in). Proper air exchange rates can be calibrated according to ASHRAE regulations for the building with a trained HVAC contractor.
* Ensure proper air filtration through the HVAC System. High-efficiency pleated filters, rather than inexpensive fiberglass filters, are recommended.
The following steps should be taken when dealing with carpet in a high-traffic area:
* It's a good idea to keep sand, grit and grass clippings off walkways outside entries to prevent inward tracking of these abrasive soils.
* Purchase a properly sized entry mat (the bigger the better, but there must be room for at least two steps to sufficiently wipe soil from feet before encountering the installed carpet). Nylon face, vinyl back for better moisture and oils absorption, combined with the resiliency necessary to collect a quantity of particle soil. The IICRC suggests a rental mat, since that guarantees frequent maintenance. Place entry mats on hard surfaces rather than on carpet where they can trap moisture or cause plasticizer migration.
* Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum; daily, especially after major events. The sooner you collect soils from the surface, the easier it is to remove them. For most carpet, you should use an upright vacuum with brush agitation, unless your canister vacuum is particularly well designed. The wider the head, the more efficient.
* Use high-efficiency double-lined poly-fiber collection bags. This reduces periodic maintenance such as dusting of furniture, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filter exchange.
* Typically, deep cleaning should be accomplished on at least a semi-annual basis, with no more than two entry and high-traffic area "rinse" cleanings between the deep cleaning. This is dependent on traffic and daily maintenance as well. At a minimum, some attention should be given to primary entry areas on a quarterly basis.
* If spots are treated immediately, most will respond with plain warm water and very little mild detergent added.
* Make sure the HVAC system is slightly positively pressurized as well (air going out when doors are opened, rather than being sucked in). Proper air exchange rates can be calibrated according to ASHRAE regulations for the building with a trained HVAC contractor.
* Ensure proper air filtration through the HVAC System. High-efficiency pleated filters, rather than inexpensive fiberglass filters, are recommended.
How often should I get my carpets cleaned?
This material below was provided by IICRC.org.
Frequently used carpet should be professionally cleaned by a qualified technician at least annually - perhaps a little longer interval for infrequently used carpet and even sooner for carpet in homes occupied by respiratory sensitive or allergic persons; or in homes with indoor pets.
The following chart from the IICRC S100 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Cleaning serves as a guideline for recommending cleaning frequencies for carpet. They consider traffic, soil rating, vacuuming schedules, spot cleaning schedules, and professional interim and restorative cleaning.
(Click on the Image below to view cleaning schedule):
Frequently used carpet should be professionally cleaned by a qualified technician at least annually - perhaps a little longer interval for infrequently used carpet and even sooner for carpet in homes occupied by respiratory sensitive or allergic persons; or in homes with indoor pets.
The following chart from the IICRC S100 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Cleaning serves as a guideline for recommending cleaning frequencies for carpet. They consider traffic, soil rating, vacuuming schedules, spot cleaning schedules, and professional interim and restorative cleaning.
(Click on the Image below to view cleaning schedule):
Monday
Remove Water Stains from Carpet
If you have a small water stain on your carpet check out the video below on how to remove the stain.
Sunday
Healthy Floor Tips
This article about Healthy Floor Tips can be found at marthastewart.com
If you're looking for new flooring (or considering refinishing your old parquet), it's important to choose nontoxic, durable materials. While popular and inexpensive, petroleum-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring, bought rolled or in tiles, and laminates (which may contain wood pulp or wood chips) can pose a host of health and environmental problems. But even "green" options aren't always so healthful. Bamboo flooring, for example, is made from fast-growing, sustainable bamboo, but it's also frequently produced with adhesives containing formaldehyde. Hardwood, such as oak, is routinely sealed with oil-based polyurethane, a respiratory irritant. Recycled-rubber flooring sounds great, but can be made from old tires, and often has a strong odor. It pays to know what's underfoot.
Careful
If price limits you to wood laminates, look for those with low-VOC emissions. Borrow a couple of boards from a retailer and keep them in your living room. Does the smell bother you? If so, check out other brands. You may find some natural-wood flooring at a competitive price. Make sure any sealants on your floors are water-based and contain no or few VOCs. Although stone and tile aren't renewable, they're good choices for floors exposed to a lot of sunlight because they will slowly release the heat they absorb into your home. If you're interested in rubber flooring, look for natural -- not synthetic -- rubber, and make sure it's free of contaminants and chlorine.
More Careful
Always ask your retailer about the flooring -- the manufacturer should supply information about its sustainability. Look for products made from renewable resources, such as cork, palm, or bamboo. Buy only brands that use no- or low-VOC adhesives. You can also purchase true linoleum that is made with cork and linseed oil. TheFSC) certifies hardwood flooring that comes from managed forests (look for the FSC seal). It's best to have wood prefinished at the factory, so that you don't have to seal it at home.
Most Careful
Consider refinishing the flooring you already have. Wood floors can be lightly machine-sanded (wear a mask and gloves) and coated with a water-based sealant. Earthpaing carries many wood finishes. Another eco-friendly option is reclaimed wood, which may have had a former life, and in some cases can be of an even higher quality than the new wood flooring you'll find in stores. If you decide to replace flooring that's in decent shape, ask your contractor if he or she knows a vendor who might be interested in purchasing the wood (or just taking it off your hands), so it can be put to use again.
If you're looking for new flooring (or considering refinishing your old parquet), it's important to choose nontoxic, durable materials. While popular and inexpensive, petroleum-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring, bought rolled or in tiles, and laminates (which may contain wood pulp or wood chips) can pose a host of health and environmental problems. But even "green" options aren't always so healthful. Bamboo flooring, for example, is made from fast-growing, sustainable bamboo, but it's also frequently produced with adhesives containing formaldehyde. Hardwood, such as oak, is routinely sealed with oil-based polyurethane, a respiratory irritant. Recycled-rubber flooring sounds great, but can be made from old tires, and often has a strong odor. It pays to know what's underfoot.
Careful
If price limits you to wood laminates, look for those with low-VOC emissions. Borrow a couple of boards from a retailer and keep them in your living room. Does the smell bother you? If so, check out other brands. You may find some natural-wood flooring at a competitive price. Make sure any sealants on your floors are water-based and contain no or few VOCs. Although stone and tile aren't renewable, they're good choices for floors exposed to a lot of sunlight because they will slowly release the heat they absorb into your home. If you're interested in rubber flooring, look for natural -- not synthetic -- rubber, and make sure it's free of contaminants and chlorine.
More Careful
Always ask your retailer about the flooring -- the manufacturer should supply information about its sustainability. Look for products made from renewable resources, such as cork, palm, or bamboo. Buy only brands that use no- or low-VOC adhesives. You can also purchase true linoleum that is made with cork and linseed oil. TheFSC) certifies hardwood flooring that comes from managed forests (look for the FSC seal). It's best to have wood prefinished at the factory, so that you don't have to seal it at home.
Most Careful
Consider refinishing the flooring you already have. Wood floors can be lightly machine-sanded (wear a mask and gloves) and coated with a water-based sealant. Earthpaing carries many wood finishes. Another eco-friendly option is reclaimed wood, which may have had a former life, and in some cases can be of an even higher quality than the new wood flooring you'll find in stores. If you decide to replace flooring that's in decent shape, ask your contractor if he or she knows a vendor who might be interested in purchasing the wood (or just taking it off your hands), so it can be put to use again.
Friday
Wednesday
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