How to Care for Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add so much character to our space. With regular maintenance they can last more than a lifetime. A quality hardwood floor may need light sanding and finishing after a decade or two. In the meantime keep them looking wonderful with these maintenance tips.

• Place doormats at the entrances, this will reduce not just dirt but lead and pesticides
• Remove shoes the entrance.
• Promptly remove any spills.
• Plan regular sweeping, vacuuming or dust-mopping.
• Keep pet's nails trimmed. 
• Block harsh sunlight using window covering to avoid discoloration.

For cleaning your hardwood floor:

• Vacuum or sweep to get rid of excess dirt and grime that could scratch the floor.
• Water is an enemy to a wood floor. It can warp and damage the wood. Use a damp microfiber mop to wipe the surface clean. Don't ignore corners of the room where more dust can get trapped.
• Wipe twice, but each time rinse the cloth and squeeze excess water out. Then Dry using a clean and dry microfiber cloth attached to your mop.
• Ordinary household soaps and detergents can be damaging to hardwood. Oil soaps and other cleaners that promise shine can build up. White vinegar with acid will penetrate the finish. 
• Best non-toxic cleaner would be 1/4 cut mild dishwashing detergent added to a bucket of water for damp mopping.
• Do not use steam cleaners or floor scrubbing machines. They will weaken the seal and scratch the surface.

Hardwood floors can be used anywhere inside the home even the bathroom and kitchen following these simple tips and they can look gorgeous for many many years.

What is accessible or universal design?

Basically a universal design is barrier-free design. It is a holistic approach to designing a space to suit anyone. These considerations include: eliminating steps or stairs, roll-in showers, wider doorways to accommodate walker or wheelchairs, lower or adjustable countertops.
Many people have to stay in their current home longer. Many of these homes are not designed with aging in mind. Steps into a shower or tub, stairs to the bedrooms, steps to get in and out of the house, all will be barriers as we get older. Any one may end up on crutches or a wheelchair due to an accident and builder never really take that into account.

Universal or accessible design allows ample room for maneuvering a wheelchair in every space. During a remodel, changes can be made to bring many of these features into an existing home: Replace the tub with a roll-in shower, create room under countertops to allow for a wheelchair to pull up close,  install attractive ramps outside next to steps, widen doorways, and many more. You should consult a design professional about these changes however before you take on such renovation.

An accessible bathroom will have enough clearance under the countertops to allow for a wheelchair, but elegantly hide the plumbing pipes. It is equipped with a roll-in shower with a seat and an area for dressing.

disguising unsightly A/C condenser unit- Avid carpenter handyman's advice

The lattice box on the right disguises the unsightly condenser unit.

I received a note from my friendly carpenter/handyman regarding how to disguise an A/C compressor.
I hope you enjoy his idea.

I have a client who lives in a Condominium where the  Condenser Unit is located on  her small deck.
The unit is rather large and (to her) ugly. She wanted me to do something to hide it.
My first thought was to build a couple of walls made of redwood fencing lattice to allow good air flow
 all around the unit which is a manufacturer's requirement.
She also wanted to be able to decorate it with a plant of some type, so I made a top to accomodate that too.
We decided to paint it the same color as the exterior siding so that it wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb.
Here's what the finish product looked like.

Mike Fair
"Handy Is The Man Who Can"

Thanks Mike for your suggestion. It's a great idea.

After

Before

Working with an interior designer- 7 steps to a successful relationship

Do you fear you may lose control of your project or your budget if you hire an interior designer? Do you fear that you may not like the results?

Here are few things to consider when working with a designer to assure you stay within your budget, and get what you want and need in your project:

1. Prepare yourself. Know your project. Are you looking to remodel, or change colors and finishes, or buy new furniture? Collect some photos of interiors you like and note what you like about them, color, texture, furniture layout, lighting, etc. You should make a prioritizes list of all your needs and concerns.

2. Know your budget. No one likes having a budget, but everyone has one. A designer can even save you money by allocating resources wisely. For example invest more in a substantial purchase such as a sofa or bed, but spend less on accessories when there are budget concerns. There are many ways to use a designer on a very tight budget.

Good designers also will do their best to work with what you own. If you own a good quality sofa it can be reupholstered or the cushions can be replaced to be firmer. Even the arms can be altered by a good upholsterer. A good designer will have good crafts persons for variety of needs.

 3. Find your designer. Now that your know what your project and your budget are, you can look for a suitable designer. You can ask a friend for a recommendation, or you can find them in a local home design publication where you can see photos of their work. Designers often have web sites or blogs that can give you an idea of your local designer's philosophy or previous projects.
You should know that an educated and experienced interior designer may do many different things. They could simply provide color suggestions or design an entire building from ground up including where to put the sprinkler heads or manage a construction project from start to finish. Make sure you hire a designer with a formal education if you are looking for more that a decorating project. A designer with a formal education will be concerned with local codes, health and safety issues as well as the aesthetics and quality of products. Describe your vision. It is important to make sure your designer is comfortable with the simplicity or complexity of your particular projects.
You should discuss your concerns about sustainability, healthy design or disabilities to make sure your designer is knowledgeable and capable of handling them.
You can start small using a designer for a short time on an hourly basis for a specific project. This helps you get to know each other and you can decide to pursue more projects with this designer.

4. Ask about the fee schedule. Make sure you're very clear on exactly how you'll be charged, if a deposit is required and when the work will be completed. Designers charge different fees and have different way of charging clients. Some charge hourly, some charge a flat fee, plus percentage of product purchases, or a combination of both. Ask if you will be charged for phone calls or emails.

 5. Be prepared for a contract. You should always work with a designer with a contract. A contract will protect both sides. It should include the fee schedule, the scope of services, and a time frame. It should also include how the contract can terminate and method of arbitration should there be a dispute. Take time to read the contract on your own time and do not feel rushed to sign. Be sure to point out what the terms of the contract you disagree with and work out terms agreeable to both sides. A contract can be amended in writing at any time if both parties agree.

6. Communicate your thoughts. The more information you can give to your designer the better. Let the designer know what your budget and your vision are. Your needs, your preferences, and your hopes can be conveyed in both words and pictures that you collected.
Once you are presented with a proposal, study it. You don't need to love everything. Let your designer know what you like and dislike about the proposal.

7. Listen and be open to suggestions.  Good designers educate their clients about their choices. There are many reasons why a designer may not completely agree with you. For example, polished tiles and stones look fabulous on the floor of foyer, but not a safe choice. So your designer may suggest a honed stone instead.

Finally enjoy the process. A designer is there to help you realize your vision.  You can get what you want and even better.

Is CORK flooring for you?

Have you been looking at sustainable flooring alternatives to wood flooring.
Read further if you cannot decide if Cork flooring is suitable for you.
Cork flooring has the following characteristics:

- Cork is a renewable resource. The bark of the Cork tree is peeled to make cork products. In a few years, the bark grows back and ready to be harvested again.

- Cork is a fairly good insulator that will not conduct heat like wood or tile flooring. It is not a good option for radiant heat.

- Cork feels great to walk on barefoot because it feels soft and it is never too hot or too cold.

- It is not hard surface, so it is great for children's rooms.

- It is a great choice for areas such as kitchens or laundry rooms, where you stand for long periods of time. However, any water spill should be cleaned up fairly quickly.

- Cork in its nature does not offgas. However be sure that the product you buy is treated with low or zero VOC finish.

- Cork flooring is available in floating panels that snap together and is ideal for a DYI application. There is an air space under the panels. Make sure that a felt underlayment is installed to prevent excessive noise when you walk.

available in many colors (Cork by DuraDesign)

- There are a wide array of finishes and looks available to fit your taste.

You can mix different colors to create a design of your choice.

- Cork flooring can be recycled.

- It is not an ideal product for a sunny area because it fades in bright light.

We love this product because of its wonderful qualities and availability in a variety of colorful finishes.

Keep pollution out of your home

 Keep your indoor air quality at healthy levels, follow these simple steps recommended by American Lung Association.

• Declare your home a smokefree zone.  Never let anyone smoke indoors. Ask smokers to go outside.
• Test your home for radon, an invisible gas that causes lung cancer.  Every home should be tested since radon may be found in any home.  If your home has high radon, it can be fixed.
• Keep humidity levels under 50 percent.  Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner, as needed. Clean equipment regularly so they don't become a source of pollution themselves. Open windows or use the ventilator in the kitchen when boiling liquids.
• Be sure to replace filters on heaters and purifiers as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Fix all leaks and drips in the home. Standing water and high humidity encourage the growth of mold and other pollutants.
• Put away food, cover trash and use baits for pest control and not pesticides.
• Avoid burning wood because it adds pollution indoors and out.  Don't use outdoor wood boilers, also called hydronic heaters, to heat your home's water. They add unhealthy soot to the air in your neighborhood. 
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in any room with a fireplace, gas heater, gas dryer, or gas stoves. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and is called the silent killer. The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches and flue-like symptoms without a fever.
• Don't use scented candles or fragrances to hide odors. Figure out what is causing the odor, then clean that up and ventilate to add fresh air.
• Use cleaning, household and hobby products that are less toxic. Don't store hazardous chemicals in your home.

Tankless water heaters versus Hybrid water heaters

It really seems like a total waste of energy when you consider traditional water heaters constantly heating a 40 gallons of water even when not in use, day or night. And then if two or more people shower one ends up rinsing with COLD water.

traditional tank water heater

A tank water heater should be replaced afeter 10 years. Most home owners however only replace theirs when it breaks which usually means lots of water every where which can cause other problems. So check the date of intallation on your water heater and act swiftly if approaching the end of life.

As the cost of energy rises, many are switching over to Tankless or Hybrid water heaters. Also there is a 30% federal tax credit allowance for tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters have been around for a while and widely used in European and Asian countries. Hybrid water heaters are a new technology only available to the masses since 2008.
Here is a comparison of the two:

Tankless water heaters:
There are many foreign and domestic tankless water heater manufacturers.

how a tankless water heater works

- Tankless are generally Gas powered (Natural or Liquid Propane Gas) are the only type that can provide enough hot water, electric models require a lot of power and are not economical. Electricity; however, is needed to control the heating process, the computer that controls the valves. These can be run on a backup battery system if desired at additional cost.

- Tankless water heaters as the name implies do not store any hot water, but they heat water on demand.  The water is forced through a spiral of pipes, called a heat exchanger, and a gas heater heats the pipes which in turn heats the water that flows through the pipe.
Endless hot water since there is no tank to run of hot water. That is important if you want to take a bath and have hot water left over.

-Tankless water heaters are very energy efficient. In fact about 98% efficiency means that only 2% of the energy is wasted on and not used for heating the water that used immediately.

Rheem tankless water heater

Traditional tankless water heaters are 30% to 50% to start with. As sediments and other build up in the tank this number reduce rapidly over time.

-You always get clean water, where as bacteria, rust and sediments are common features of tank water heater as they get older.

- Tankless water heaters are available in different sizes and if sized right, multiple people can take showers at the same time and not to worry about cold showers.

 - Tankless Water Heaters need a minimum flow to operate, usually 05. Gallon per minute (GPM). That is you cannot have the faucets just trickling hot water when brushing or shaving, a bad idea anyway, wastes too much water.

- The cost of tankless water heaters vary anywhere from $300 to $2000 depending on manufacturer and size.  

How a hybrid water heater works

Hybrid Water Heater

GE and Eternal are the two name brands of Hybrid water heaters.

-Hybrids use both a small tank, usually about 2 gallons where the water is kept hot. So instead of having a 40 gallon tank like your regular water the Hybrid works similar to a tankless but has a 2 gallon tank.
The water is drawn from the small tank and the unit replenishes as it is getting used. This allows for  “trickling” hot water, for instance when brushing teeth.

-Hybrids are about 94% efficient due to the heat loss through the 2 gallon tank, but there is a small chance of sediment buildup again because of the small tank.

-Hybrid water heaters cost around $1100 to $2700 depending on the manufacturer and brands.

It's Fall! A great time to prepare your home for Winter

The chill of winter will be arriving soon. Fall is a great time to inspect your home to get ready for Winter.
Check you windows, doors, and heating now and save on your energy bill later.
While you are at it, create a diagram or list for next year and schedule this maintenance on your calender.

Check your furnace

A bad or old filter will be unhealthy and will let dust particles loose in your home and can cause  respiratory issues. Change the filter now. Date your filter and note the date of next change on the filter. Usually, filters need to be changed every three months while the furnace is in use. Clean the ducts from dust and debris. Clean and Fix any vents that are dirty, loose or broken.

Turn the furnace on to make sure it is in a good condition.  Call a professional if you are unsure.

Smoke and carbon monxide detectors

If you have not done so yet, install a carbon monixide detector in your home. Test all detectors and make sure you have batteries at hand if they start chirping if they run on batteries.

Check indoors and outdoors for leaks

Check all indoor  and outdoor faucets and plumbing for leaks and take care of it before the cold weather arrives. Don't forget to include your dishwasher and clothes washer in this list.


Inspect you gutters. Clean them out to prevent overflow onto your eaves and creating wood rot. Fix any loose gutters or down spouts now. Run some water in your downspouts to make sure they are unclogged in time for the first rain. Be sure to check the gutters every time after any storm. Your gutter covers can be blown loose or damages by the wind or tree branches.

Check your roof and flashing and make sure they are watertight. Replace any loose or worn out shingles.

House Foundation

Inspect the crawl space below your home. Cracks in your foundation should be looked at and fixed.
Pipes and wiring under the house often are long overlooked till there is a major and costly issue.
Look for any cracks. Clean out any dead critters if they got there and fix and secure any broken vents to prevent them from getting under the house.

More things to be done

Secure any loose objects outdoors that might be getting blown in the wind or storm. Remove and cover any outdoor furniture to prevent them from collecting dirt and mildew in the rain.
Repare any cracks in your driveway and seal your decks before the first heavy rain.

What are you breathing? What are Indoor Air Pollutants?

This data has been gathered from US  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
If you face issues with these pollutants you can consult EPA website for more information and solutions.
You can eliminate the source, or reduce their impact, using adequate ventilation and air cleaners.
These are some common sources of household indoor air pollution:

Pet Dander and Hair
Pets can trigger allergy and asthma attacks due to dander and hair. Keep them out of the sleeping areas, and away from upholstered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys. Vacuum and clean carpets, rugs, and furniture often.

Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products can trigger asthma and other respiratory illnesses especially in children. To help protect children from secondhand smoke, do not smoke or allow others to smoke inside your home or car.

Mold
Bathrooms are a common source of mold. Humidity from showers can cause moisture problems, which will lead to mold growth. Mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. Installing and using a ventilation fan will help to control moisture and inhibit mold growth.

In air tight homes, windows and doors seal to save energy. Moisture can get trapped and condensate around windows when indoor air is warmer than outside. This can cause mold in areas surrounding the window. It is difficult to see, because window coverings can hide these areas. This mold may look like fine black dust or spots. Do not blow this into the air by wiping or vacuuming. It requires handling with protection. There are natural home solutions that you can use to clean. Wear gloves and a face mask. Rinse everything properly.
Ventilate on a regular basis. Dehumidifiers in living spaces can help prevent moisture buildup.

Dust
Dust mites can trigger allergy and asthma attacks. Dust mites are everywhere especially on pillows, blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture, and stuffed toys Dust and vacuum your home regularly, wash bedding, and use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers.

Pesticides and herbicides
Most of these chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; damage the central nervous system and kidneys; and increase the risk of cancer. Don’t leave food out, and if you must use them, ventilate during and after use and follow directions to limit exposure. Use non-chemical methods of pest and weed control as much as possible.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Common household cleaners, often placed under the kitchen sink, release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), when used and stored. Store household products that contain chemicals according to manufacturers’ instructions and keep all products away from children. Consider purchasing cleaners without VOCs.

Paint, furniture stain, carpet, carpet glue, manufactured countertops, upholstery fabric, and other furnishings also contain chemicals with VOCs. However, it is possible to find VOC-free alternatives for all if them. Buying used furniture is often better because they have already off-gassed their VOCs.

In basements or your chemical storage areas seal cracks, ventilate, and properly store all chemicals where they will not spill.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)
As of July 2011, California requires all homes to be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors in living spaces. Fireplaces and leaking chimneys are sources of carbon monoxide. Ventilate rooms that have fireplaces, make certain the flue damper is operational and fully open when in use, and ensure the chimney is properly sealed.
Combustion heating and cooling appliances such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, gasoline-powered heaters, and other appliances are sources of carbon monoxide as well. Properly install, use, and maintain fuel-burning appliances. To help prevent carbon monoxide exposure, make sure appliances such as gas stoves and fireplaces vent to the outside whenever possible and that all appliances are properly installed, used, and maintained.

Radon
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the U.S. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter a home through cracks and openings in floors and walls that are in contact with the ground. Testing your home is simple and inexpensive. Learn more

- Existing Homes: Test for radon — testing is the only way to know if radon is in your home. Do-it-yourself test kits are convenient and accessible, or you may choose to have a professional test your home. If the test result indicates your radon level is too high, a qualified radon service professional can install a radon mitigation system.
      
- New Construction: Radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) draws radon from the soil and vents it through a pipe to the roof, preventing its entry into the house. This technique uses common materials and building skills. RRNC costs less than retrofitting a similar radon reduction system after the house is finished. New home buyers should ask their build to include RRNC features. All new homes, even new RRNC ones, should be tested for radon.


(source: US Environmental Protection Agency)

Tips to make your office greener, save energy and dollars:

Today more than ever we need to invest our money wisely. The following tips can save your $$$ while being kinder to the environment.
Go Paperless- Try minimize printing as much as possible by storing files on an electronic medium such as your computer hard drive, CDs or DVDs. 

Buy Recycled Paper- If you must print, buy reams of recycled paper. These days they are quite acceptable. Print on both sides of paper.

Rechargeable Batteries- Keep used batteries out of landfill. Buy rechargeable batteries and have enough to swap when needed.

Smart Strip

Energy use: Place your electronics on a power strip. Turn the power strip off when electronics are not in use. If you have to have a server or fax machine on, use a "smart" power strip.
Use fluorescent or LED light bulbs. Today, you can find replacement bulbs for all existing lamps. LED light bulbs are a little more expensive but they have a longer lamp-life.

Instead of running the air conditioned, open windows if your outdoor air quality is acceptable. Ceiling fans also use less energy than air conditioners.

Energy Star rated office equipment- Compare energy ratings before you buy. The price tag may seem low at the time of purchase, but you could pay a lot more in energy costs.

Recycling bins: Label and place recycling bins near your work area so they are convenient to use.

E-waste: batteries, computers, printers, toner cartridges, etc used to end up in the landfill. Now there are better and safer ways to get rid of them. You can list them on www.freecycle.org, contact your communities e-waste recycling center, or check www.earth911.com to find a safe disposal/recycling center for them. Many office supply stores now take your empty cartridges. Place a box or bucket next to your desk to store empty cartridges temporarily till you are ready to take them to your recycling center.
 Reduce your vehicle use- Combine trips to lower your miles, save on gas, and time. Make a list of things you need to do and the location and see how they can best be combined in as few trips as possible.
Use earth-friendly cleaning products- When purchasing cleaning products, use all purpose cleaners that are better for the environment. Click here for tips on selcting green cleaning products. 

Green-It-Yourself- a guide to smart home improvement

Put your money where it counts the most. When coosing to renovate, do what can improve your health, help the environment, and save money in the long run.
Focus your dollars on  energy efficicinecy, water conservation and green materials. Always go for the low hanging fruit. Window coverings, weather stripping, low flow facet aerators, and efficient furnace filters cost little and save a lot of money.

I found a new handout from San Mateo County RecycleWorks that is an excellent green guide for DIY-ers.  Click here to download.
Please take some time to read the content.
I hope you enjoy reading the materials and descide to implement a few.
Live healthy, live happy.

Teen Bedroom- make it easier for her to clean her own bedroom

Bedroom design for a 14-year old girl who suffers from Asthma. To adhere to her budget we opted for Ikea formaldehyde-free furniture. We are also using organic cotton bedding, strand bamboo flooring, natural latex mattress and colorful accents. The client loves to read. An Ikea bookcase provides plenty of storage for her books. A reading nook with a view of the outdoors makes up a special place for reading. Organized, clutter-free, and beautiful to hang out with friends. More importantly, she can clean this space easily herself.

Carpet - 3 healthier alternatives - If you must have carpet!

In general I prefer hard flooring because I can see dirt and dust and it can be cleaned and mopped.

Traditional plush wall to wall carpeting is never clean. There is a saying that if you remove wall to wall carpeting in 7 years, it is 7 times heavier than the first day it was installed.
Dirt, dust, pet hair and dander accumulate and compact down. Professional cleaning can only clean so much of it. Stains often just sink further down and may look clean, but surface in matter of weeks again.
Carpet, glues and padding often offgas VOCs for a long time.

When a client must have carpet, I suggest a few alternatives:

- Area rugs in natural fiber: Sisal, cotton, and wool.
They can be dragged out and cleaned the old fashioned way with water and detergent. They can be removed by a professional taken for a bath and brought back.
Natural dyes are your best choice because they are free of petrochemicals. The color improves over time. Quality wool rugs improve with age and professional cleaning actually improve the texture and color.

- Commercial low pile carpeting: because of the low pile dust and dirt do not sink in as much and can be vacuumed thoroughly.
Opt for LOW VOC installation. There is usually no padding involved. 

- Carpet tiles: Used to be only available in commercial grade. Recently many residential carpet manufacturers offer carpet tiles. Individual tiles can be removed washed, dried and placed back in place. It is also possible to arrange into a creative area rug.
Ask for LOW VOC. There is no padding or glue to worry about.

A Healthy Nursery

Newborns are most susceptible to chemicals and toxins. They spend 10-17 hours in the nursery. Before your baby's arrival, take some steps to create a healthy environment in your nursery. It should be a safe sanctuary for you and your baby.

Paint: Choose a non toxic paint. There are now zero VOC water-based paints available in most stores. As extra precaution, pregnant women should not be painting at all. Leave it to a friend to help for a lovely meal in exchange. Stay away till the paint cures for at lest 48 hours. Make sure the room has adequate ventialtion while it is being painted. Paint the room at least one month before the baby is due.
Stay away from wallpapers. They may contain vinyl and glues that can off-gas for a long time.

Beware if your home was built before 1980. It most likely contains lead paint. Hire a contractor certified in lead abatement. A list of certified contractors are available in your area. Consult the web or yellow pages to chose a qualified professional.

Flooring: Solid flooring surfaces are the best choice. Natural linoleum, natural cork, or bamboo with zero VOC stains are ideal flooring. If you must have a rug, make it of natural cotton and wash frequently.
Avoid any other type of carpeting.

Furniture: Solid natural wood is the best choice for your baby's crib. Look for one with non-toxic glues and finishes. Choose furniture with zero-VOC stains or paints. I love Ikea furniture because they do not contain toxins.
Believe or not hand me downs or second-hand furniture are a great choice. They have a lot of character and probably are better quality than the new counterparts. They have already off-gassed all toxins. Clean them thoroughly, cover with a  fresh coat of non-toxic paint to give them new life before bringing them indoors.
Choose organic cotton or wool with natural dyes for bedding. Choose wool, cotton or Natural latex mattress.

Toys and accessories:  Plastic is a by-product of the petroleum industry and contributes to indoor air pollution. Avoid plastic toys and furnishings in the room and near your baby.

Cleaning products: The nursery should be more frequently dusted and cleaned preferably when the baby is not in the room. Avoid spraying any cleaners in the air. Instead spray the cleaning towels before entering the room. Use natural cleaners around your home and in the nursery. Simple home-made solutions are best cleaners.

Ventilation, heating: Be sure you have adequate ventilation in the room. Natural fresh air ventilation is the best unless you have poor outdoor air quality. In that case be sure that you have good mechanical ventilation. During cold months, check the windows periodically to make sure there is no excess precipitation that can result in mold growth. If that happens be sure to consult a professional for cleanup.
 Upgrade heater, air conditioner/ventilation filters and change the air filters as recomended.

Window Coverings: Choose natural, organic fibers for curtains that can easily be removed and cleaned.
If you are choosing wood shutters, make sure they are treated with zero-VOC paint or stain. Aluminum blinds are also a good option. Stay away from vinyl (PVC) blinds.

Noise pollution: Choose an area of your home for nursery that is free of "noise pollution".

Clutter-free: Clutter and dust go hand in hand. Avoid having non-essestial items. Keep purely decorative objects to a minimum.

Live happy and healthy.

Removing double-sided foam tape from your walls requires harsh chemicals!

The daughter of a client on mine had covered her walls in her room with posters adhered using a strong version of this tape. Since she moved out to college, clients would like to paint and furnish it as a guest bedroom.
The painters were trying to remove the tape residue to no avail. They called me in!

They had already tried sanding and scraping, and the foam residue was still there and the sander was just getting clumped up.

They said they had to get "Goof Off" to soak it and hope it would come off and they knew I was not going to be happy at this solution.
They needed my approval before proceeding. I was terrified at the thought of using it especially when I advise against bringing in anything with VOCs in a house. Any product that removes adhesives has strong chemicals with VOC's. .

After some research and agony, decided to send the clients out for the entire day, open all the windows, bring in a large fan to circulate the air and let the paint contractor do his job wearing gloves and masks. Needless to say I was having a headache as soon as they opened the bottles. It was heart-breaking to see the chemical applied all over the walls. Strong chemical was doing its job, but the odor was definitely harsh.
It took about two hours to remove and scrape off the tape residue. It took another 3 hours to really air out the room, so the painters could paint without using respirators. The paint was zero VOC, so it covered the walls and eliminated the remaining odors.
I always recommend to let the room ventilate for 24 hours after painting and before moving in.
Never paint while pregnant. Never move your baby into a freshly painted room. In this case allow 72 hours to one week.

So how do you adhere posters? Use thumb tacks now available in variety of fun colors and shapes at your office supply store.

Lesson learned...

major contributors to allergies around your home or office

If you look closely around an average home or office you will find several allergens that can cause you or your children to react to. Major causes of allergies can be:

• animal dander- pets of any kind can cause allergies. Cats and dogs are the most common. If you have a pet, vaccuum and dust regularly. Groom your pet regularly and periodically, but never groom your pet inside your home or office.





• mold and mildew- any time you have moisture buildup indoors, you are likely to get mold or mildew. Not only in your bathroom, but in dark closets, under your bed, or under your house. Inside near windows, or inside your walls. Look around closely if you suddenly experience respetory issues that occur when you are inside. Never clean mold without adequate protection and wipe it clean without spreading it around. Do not spray cleaning solution onto the area, but spray the rag and then wipe. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask. Make sure your room has adequate ventilation to prevent further mositure buildup.

• dust- number one cause of allergies is dust. Use a duster or dust mop that attracts dust instead of pushing it around and into the air. Make sure your furniture is high enough to reach under for cleaning. Clean often. Declutter, declutter, and declutter. Get rid of small non-functioning niknak dust collectors and piles of paper and magazines.



• VOCs- Furniture, fabric, paint and stains offgas VOCs that can cause headaches. Choose zero-VOC paint and stains. Ventilate the room for a few hours before occupying a freshly panted room.






• Chemicals and cleaning products- Any chemically formulated cleaning product can cause alelrgies or health problems. Use natural simple products. Home made solution of vinegar and baking soda is a good general purpose cleaner.

Keep it safe this holiday- Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Let's face it, a Christmas tree is fun to shop for and decorate. They bring a lot of joy to children and adults. 
Make sure your holidays are safe by following these tips about your Christmas tree. 

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.(should be obvious)
• Be sure to remove your real tree as soon as you notice dry needles. This tells you you probably have too much dust accumulated on it as well. It is time to cover the the tree with a tarp and carry it outside and dispose of it properly.
• After Christmas, remove the tree from your home. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Safe Holidays, Healthy Holidays, Happy Holidays

How to get rid of "old house smell"

Somtimes there is nothing wrong with an old house except for the "old house smell". It is enough to turn potential buyers away, or just make it harder to live in and love your house. Scented candles and oils, air fresheners, and fragrant cleaning products merely mask the smell or make it even worse.

One of the best cleansers is sunshine. Open the drapes and the windows and let sunshine in for as long as possible. 

In order eliminate the smell, you need to know what is causing it. There are several common causes for "the old house smell".

- Check the paint on walls and the stain on cabinets. Walls can be painted with no-VOC paint. Usually this is an easy and less costly remedy. Cabinets can be washed with a xolution of water and white vinegar or in extreme casees painted or stripped and res-tained with no-VOC stains.

- Old carpet and the pad beneath it can hold a number of pollutants: dust, mites, pet dander and odors, accumulated dirt, Carpeting. Carpet cleaners can only eliminate the carpet odor for a short time. If you have really old carpets, you may need to remove it. Opt for  solid surface flooring such as cork, stone, bamboo flooring, linoleum, or tiles. These surfaces can easily and frequently be cleaned. 

- Cigarette smoke gets embedded in fabric, furniture upholstery, drapery, walls, wood, carpet and anything else that is porous and linger for a long time. Do not smoke in the house.  

- Mold and mildew can be caused by excess moisture trapped in areas with poor ventilation. Black mold especially is a serious health threat and can result in allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Check the crawl space under the house and in the back of closets, showers and other enclosed spaces. If you find standing water  or moist ground in your crwal space under your house, you may need a swamp pump to redirect the water away from your house. If you find mold, take proper precaution to remove it. In case of excessive mold infestation, hire a mold remediation specialist. Make sure all affected materials are removed and handled properly.   

- Dirty upholstery, drapery, and furniture can also contribute to the old house smell. 

- Dead animals in your attic or underneath your house may be another cause of the smell. Make sure you ahve gloves and a mask when removing the remains and dispose of these properly.

Once your eliminate the cause and the smell, keep your house smelling fresh by frequently opening the windows and letting the sunshine in. You can also frequently put some eucalyptus leaves or orange peels in a pot of hot water on the stove and let the smell fill the air for several minutes to freshen up your kitchen.
Add a few drops of eucalyptus or orange oil to your water when cleaning surfaces.
                                                  Keep it clean, keep it fresh, keep it healthy.

Natural Cleaning Wonders: Vinegar, Lemon, baking Soda

These days most cleaners on your local grocers shelves contain chemicals that can cause allergies and other health issues. Almost all need to be kept locked away from children or pets.

There are some really good alternatives that you can make at home without stretching an already thin household budget.

Vinegar is a natural all-purpose cleaner as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer

Mix 1 part water to 1 part white vinegar in a clean spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Do not use more vinegar as the acid will wear out some surfaces.

It is safe to use on most surfaces but never use vinegar on marble surfaces. The smell of vinegar disappears when it dries.

1. Bathroom - Practically anywhere in yur bathroom can be cleaned using this vinegar solution. Test a corner of your tiles to make sure you your solution is not too strong.
2. Kitchen- Use on stovetop, appliances, countertops, and floor.
3. Laundry Room- Vinegar is a natural fabric softener, especially helpful for sensitive skin. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.  It also breaks down detergent preventing it from irritating sensitive skin.

Lemon Juice- can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits, clean and shine brass and copper. Mix it with vinegar and or baking soda to make a cleaning paste. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. 

To use as hardwood furniture polish mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice.

Use orange peel or lemon peel in your garbage disposal to clean and deodorize it.

Baking Soda can be used instead of commercial abrasive cleaners to scrub surfaces and it is great deodorizer. Place an open box in the refrigerator and freezer, or closet to absorb odors. 

Happy cleaning.

Your home exterior is as important as the interior

When you are thinking about improving your home, make sure you allow a budget if your home's exterior needs help. It is more important to fix the roof, the gutters, and repair and repaint the exterior of your house because those improvements may save you energy or prevent major problems later.

Many people forget to clean the gutters before the rainy season. Leaves and debris clog your gutters and they will not function properly and result in leaks and costly problems.

If your roofing is older than 10 years, it may need to be replaced. The new roofing materials actually help save energy.
Repair any foundation or attic ventilation screens. Birds and animals can enter and make a nest.

Big cracks, chipped paint and wood rot under eaves and around the window frames will result in water eventually penetrating into your walls, and can result in mold and mildew inside the walls. Repair wood rot and cracks as soon as possible.

Once the major expenses are taken care of there are other improvements to help make the exterior more attractive.
Here are some money saving ideas for the exterior of your house:
1. Pick up whatever is considered not necessary and store them or dispose of them. Weed your lawn and landscaping using environmentally safe products.
Mow the lawn regularly depending on the type of lawn.
2. Reak any leaves away from the walkways, sidewalk and lawn and add to your compost.
3. Clean your walkway and front porch. You may need to rent a pressure washer to get the dirt and grime off these areas.
4. Place some attractive plants in nice containers on your porch. A bench with a couple of pillows make your front porch welcoming.
5. Make sure your house number is near the front door and is visible from the street.It may need to be painted fresh or you may need a new house number.
6. Repair and paint your front door in a contrasting color to be more appealing.

Step out to the street and enjoy your curb appeal.