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.

Painting Tips: Proper disposal of paint and primer

Paint, primer and stains contain chemicals and compounds that should be properly disposed of. Never wash brushes and supplies or dump paint down to storm water drain or in your kitchen sink.
You may call your local paint disposal or recycle center if you have leftover paint you don't need.

When you are done painting, squeeze all paint from your brushes in a tray or bucket. Rinse your brushes in warm water in the utility sink (not your kitchen sink).
Leave paint cans in the sun to completely dry and then dispose of the cans.

Let disposable rollers and brushes dry completely before disposing.

Want color in your living room? Tips to add color in any room.

An inexpensive way to freshen up a room is to add some color. Here are some ways you can do that with little or no money:

1. Paint a wall
A splash of color on a wall can immediately transform any room. Find a color you like (see previous blogs on painting tips) paint one wall and make it a focal point.

2. Paint the back of the bookshelf.
This is probably one of my favorite tricks. It is so easy and so uncomplicated. But has a huge impact.
Paint a bookcase or shelving system in two colors.

3. Colorful pillows
Pillows are so versatile. They add comfort to a chair or bed and can easily be covered in a different color or texture. Pillow covers can be made of almost any fabric. A pair of jeans, bed sheets, an old skirt, mens suiting, a patchwork of men's ties, etc. the sky is the limit. You can even show your artwork on a pillow. Pick a plain fabric and paint your own artwork! Fabulous and unique.

4. Add an area rug 
Don't forget about floor, the largest surface after your walls. An area rug under the coffee table or dining area, at the bottom of your bed, or between two rooms ground the space and make everything look better.
You can move a rug in from another room. If you are purchasing a new one, be sure to take measurements before heading to a store. Take your tape measure with you!


5. Plants and flowers
Potted plants or flowers in a vase instantly add life to your room. For the short of time, (or those with pets) invest in good quality silk plants and flowers. But be aware of scale or your room. In a small room chose a taller plant. In a large room chose one with height and volume.

6. Colorful throw
A colorful soft throw on a beige sofa or a white bed instantly transforms your room. Try it!

7. Add a colorful lamp
Lamps provide light, but also can bring in whimsy and color into a room. If you have an outdated floor or table lamp, you can paint the base and buy a contemporary shade.



8. Fresh upholstery
Chairs can be upholstered with new fabrics. A slipcover is another option to get a fresh look.



9. Colorful accessories
Artwork and vases, candles, coasters, place mats, and runners can also be used to bring in seasonal colors. Accessories can be moved from room to room and freshen up the look on a regular basis. But be sure not to go overboard with too many of these items in one area to avoid a cluttered look.

You probably already own many things you can move about your home to creat a new look. So go one and explore and see what you can come up with.

DYI home staging: 8 quick tips for staging your home for a quicker sale

Do you have to spend a lot of money on professional staging? If you have some decent furnishings, you may only need to follow these 8 quick tips to achieve the same results:
A house should look like it is in moving condition when potential buyers arrive.

1. Curb appeal- Remember that the home buyer should feel at home as soon as they arrive at your drive way. A curb appeal is very important in selling your home.
So consult with your agent about the exterior of the house before it is on the market.

2. Paint- Many home buyers will not get passed that bright yellow wall you love so much. A fresh coat of neutral paint will make your home look more comfortable and relaxing.  Also no one likes to see dirty walls.

3. De-clutter- Store away all your excess accessories, furniture, artwork, blankets and family photos. A cluttered room looks smaller and distracting from all the nice features your home offers. Concentrate on one or two neutral colors with one splash of non-neutral in each room. Too many colors are seen as clutter.

4.  Focal point- Look for what is most pleasing about your living room area. It may be the view of the garden or the fireplace. Avoid creating a focal point around a non-pleasant view or the TV.
Make sure your focal point is dressed properly. Window coverings should be pulled back to show off the view. Fireplace mantel should have three nice accessories: a small bouquets of flowers and two candles. A row of three identical vases. Do not clutter your mantel. Fireplace screen is also helpful. But you could place candles in the fire box.

5.  Furniture arrangement- Arrange your furniture such that they do not block the natural flow of traffic. Upon arriving into the room, the most off-putting sight is the back of the sofa. It tells the buyer “do not come in.” Consider a diagonal arrangement of furniture. In a large living/dining area a sofa can be a divider between two rooms but in a smaller room, it cuts off the diners from the rest of the room.

6.  Lighting- Make sure there is plenty of light in your main living areas. If your agent is showing your home after dark, place floor  and table lamps if there are no ceiling lights.

7.  Function- Focus each room on its main function. If you have a home office, move away the workout equipment. If your have an office in the bedroom, move your office equipment temporarily out of the bedroom. Perhaps into a closet area in a guest room.

8.  Clean and repair- This seems like a no brainier, but I am obligated to mention it. If you have pets, you must make sure your buyers cannot smell them! Buyers open your closets to see the storage space. Make sure stored items do not avalanche on their heads. Clean dirty carpets, drapery, and shelves. If you smoke, clean and deodorize and do not smoke in the house till you move out. Repair broken door handles, railings, lights, etc. When one thing is not working it may signal the buyer that the house has not been maintained well.
Again, ask your agent for feedback. They are the experts.
...and good luck...

Planning for a successful makover, clean and cozy space to gather

If you are going to make over a room, think about what you would use it for first.

This unattractive breakfast/family room was right next to the kitchen. The client never really ate breakfast here. But when she entertained the guest chose to linger about this room.

So the logical choice was to make a comfortable seating area near the window. The room was cleared, painted with zero VOC paint in a soft butter cream color.

Worn out, broken, and unusable furniture pieces were recycled at the local recycle station. Usable items were donated.

New items:
1. Two identical small convertible day sofas, with washable slip covers. The Sofa arms unfold to create more seating (or serve as extra beds) if needed.
2. Two drapery panels that can easily be removed and washed, drapery rod, and a small coffee table purchased at the the local discount stores.
3. 100% wool rug with natural dyes was purchased at a local store at a deep discount. It can be removed and washed with mild detergent, and dried. The color and textures can only improve with age.
Wool rugs are inherently stain resistant making them perfect for an accidental party spill.

Client's existing lamp was placed here for additional lighting in the evening. Her Moroccan brass tray was placed on top of the small coffee table to make a larger table space. Her textile art previously folded in a drawer was framed prominently to create visual interest and speak to her personality and style.  The kitchen peninsula counter is used as serving station for parties.

Total cost of this makeover was under $1500.

 This room is easy to clean, its is clutter-free and yet has all the elements that makes guests comfortable. They love to spend time in this room!

Got Cables? Got cable Clutter and Dust! 3 products that make gadget life easier

With the myriad of gadgets and computer accessories you use daily, you also get to deal with all the unsightly cable and the nasty dust.

I have some solutions for you:

1. Ikea has a $5 cable organizer (pictured below), that is easily transportable and actually hides your cables it may not be the most attractive, but it really helps with the cable mess.

 2.Kangaroom 3-Pod recharger cost about $45 and can house 3 IPODs.The devices plug into a power strip in the attractive bamboo box.

front with sliding door

back side for access to the power strip

3. Another cable organizer from IKEA cost about $10. It can be mounted on the wall. The lid minimizes dust collection on your cables. So naturally I like this the best.






When shopping for cable management products, pay attention to the size of the product and if it can accommodate your needs.


The goal is to minimize cable clutter and dust collection on the floor and your desk. Less sneezing while you clean!

LED lighting, the answer to our prayers: cooler and no mercury

 In 2007, we thought LEDs, or light emitting diodes, were going to be mainstream REALLY soon, and it didn't happen.
Most recently, however, we have seen significant progress addressing issues such as cost, light intensity, and bulb diversification as well as replacement lights for existing fixtures.

Thanks to the semiconductor industry the LEDs advanced rapidly. The timing is more than ever right for these bulbs: Consumers are demanding more effiecient and environmntally safer products due to concerns with rising energy costs and global warming.
Governments are imposing higher energy standards and more money is invested in reseach.

LEDs are superior due to several reasons:

1. They generate more light far more efficiently than incandescent ones, because they do not generate any heat.
2. They are as efficient as CFLs, but unlike CFLs, they can typically be used with a dimmer, and they do not contain mercury, a hazardous substance.
3. Lately LED lights are closer to providing light with a warm glow.
4. They are more reliable and durable than CFLs or incandescent bulbs.

LEDs are now available for recessed down lights, task lighting, such as under cabinet lights and desk lamps and many other types of fixture.

Major corporations are entering LEDs into the consumer market:
Philips EnduraLED is designed to last 15000hours, with a 3-year life wrranty.

i-saveenergy.com has many diffrent fixtures and replacement bulbs . I have seen the recessed lights first hand and they are beautiful and have a wonderful glow similar to sunlight.





Lighting Science Group introduced the new ultra-effiecient LED replacement bulbs in May 2010.

Prices could run $20-$60 per bulb, but they make up by lasting longer than other types of bulbs in energy usage.
Consider LEDs for your next lighting application or replacement bulbs, they pay off in the long run.

LED: COOL task lighting that is not hot.

LED produces more light, much less heat and uses a lot less energy and lasts a lot longer. The LED technology has come a long way ans is becoming more affordable in residential applications.

Normally task lighting produces a lot of heat. Not the case with these colorful, bright, and good looking LED lamps by Pablo Designs (www.pablodesigns.com).

I especially love the variety of styles, sizes, and attachment capabilities of Pablo task lighting.

LED under cabinet lighting is also becoming mainstream as more designers are incorporating them due to the new energy saving requirements in the building codes. Next time you are looking for lighting, check for LED options. You may be surprised at what you find.

6 tips to maximize small spaces

I chose to live in a small house because it is easier to keep clean. Space and storage is always an issue and a compromise has to be made whenever something new comes in. It means something old has to move around or OUT.

Here are some tips to maximize your space and minimize compromises, at least to some degree:

1. Mount your flat screen TV on the wall. Above a credenza, or a fireplace or on the stairway wall are some options. Be sure that it is not in a traffic area, or you will be watching your kids pass by more than the program on TV.

2. Built-in shelves and storage on walls save a lot of space. Elevate the storage to maximize floor space below for tables and movables storage.




3. If you are building new or remodeling, choose wide/large flooring planks that cover vertically from the entrance and continue to adjoining rooms. Visually this creates a sense of continuation and spaciousness.

4. Pocket doors are great for small spaces, they can be retrofitted in existing walls as long as there are no electrical plugs, outlets, thermostats boxes already in the wall cavity.

5. Multifunctional furnishings not only save space but also money. Look for trunks that can double up as coffee tables or additional seating, or ottoman with storage that can serve as a coffee table.

6. Potted plants are wonderful to have, but make it an edible plant.  An herb garden near your kitchen can be grown indoors all year long and they smell wonderful too while they provide greenery.

What does your living room say about you?

Many of us make the TV the focal point on our living room. What does that say about you?

" I love TV!" that is fine if that is true about you.

If not, reorient the furniture to focus on a beautiful view from a window, the fireplace, or an art collection.

A sofa or two chairs looking out a window into your garden can be relaxing to you and your visitors.

Your fireplace mantel can host a few of your favorite objects. Even in summer tha firebox can be soothing with a few burnign candles.

If you make your art collection a focal point, group them in odd numbers. Use various sizes to create balance or create a complete symmetry by grouping objects on a wall. 

Use one main neutral color, add a secondary complementary color, and finally a touch of surprising red, green or purple.

A good interior designer will take advantage of the pieces you already own and incorporates them into your environment. So be sure to show everything to your designer if you hire one.

Taking advantage of the beautiful view of the garden

After all, a living room may be the first impression about you and your family. If watching TV is not all you are about, turn things around!

Painting tips: 7 designer tips for choosing the perfect paint color

Do you get those tiny paint chips from the store and try to choose a color only to get frustrated and put off painting indefinitely?

I am going to share with you my secret to choosing a paint color.

But before rushing to the store, consider your lighting, the color of your furniture and accessories. Then settle on one or two color families. Beige, taupe, gray, blues, greens, etc.

1. Choose a brand with sample size jars (2 or 3 oz) for testing. Recently many paint brands including the ones at your local hardware stores offer sample sizes. I like Behr and Glidden because they have a large selection of samples. Pratt and Lambert and Benjamin Moore also have  samples. Call your reputable retailer and find out what they sell and how knowledgeable they are. Ask if they have zero and low VOC paint and primer.

2. At the store, find the color chips that match the jars before you buy the jars. Get as many different shades of the color family you picked and bring them home and stick them to your walls with removable tape. Look at those colors at different time of day and night. Color changes drastically with light. Do you have the proper lighting to make that color look good at night?

3. Narrow your options to maximum 3 possibilities and buy the small jars and disposable paint brushes, and paint two or three 6"x6" or larger cardboard sheets and label each on the back so you can keep track.

5. Remove the little chips and stick the larger sheets on the target walls.

6. Now you really can see the paint color. Live with these at least for 24 hours and pay attention to how they look through out the light changes and at NIGHT.

7. Choose the winner. Measure the area of your wall in square foot before you head out to buy paint. You may need only one or two quarts or you may need a gallon or two. Consult your retailer. They should be able to tell you what the coverage of the paint is and how much you need.

If you are painting dark over light or vice versa, you need priming. See my post: Painting tips: Achieving flawless RED wall in 6 easy steps.

kids bedroom- storage ideas to keep it neat and clean

Kids need to play and explore to develop their imagination.
But teaching them about organization at an early age will help them set limits, show dicipline and be more responsible for their space.

Giving kids proper storage makes this task easier. But it also makes their space clutter-free and provides more space to enjoy and play. It also makes the space safe while they play.

Closed bins, shelves, and cabinets help minimize surfaces where dust can accumulate and spread in the air later. It is easier to dust the top of lids than to dust or individual items.
As the result you will benefit from the air quality which can eliminate health problems such as allergies and asthma.
Here are some storage ideas that look great and keep the room organized and minimize collection of dust collection:

1. Ready to use shelves and bins that can be color-coded are great for toys, accessories, clothing, school supplies, etc. 

 This is available through Pottery Barns Kids.

2. Install shelving with uniform/ see-through bins

create a calm and organized look. Items that are used frequently are stored at lower level.   

A simple shelving sustem can be obtained at your favorite hardware store. Usually require a small set of tools to install and cost less than ready-made systems. Look for variety of bins and baskets at stores that specialize in space organization products such as the Container Store.

Or you can purchase modules that fit together to form a unit:

these modular systems with variety of modules are available through the Container Store.

3. Cabinets with cubbies can separate books, accessories, and toys, open or closed they look nice and neat.

4. Good old toy chests have always been a great tool to organize and can be used as a bench if they are low enough.

 

This toy chest/bench is available through IKEA.

Makeover on a budget: Mix of Modern and Traditional

How do you mix your prize modern furniture in a traditional home without spending a bundle?

1. Spend your money where it makes a difference.
2. Carpenters and good handymen can work miracles. Consultation is often free.
3. Your local hardware stores and your own home is full of ideas.

Our friendly carpenter, simply built a chunky sleeve, a simple box made of reclaimed wood, stained it very dark for contrast (low VOC stain of course). This box slides on to the existing mantel.
The carpenter also refinished an old vintage side table that almost headed out to the sidewalk to match the stain on the mantel.
We purchased a simple fireplace screen from the local hardware store.
A few different pieces of exisitng accessories from other rooms help create a cozy space next to the prized Le Corbusier chaise lounge near the fireplace. A perfect place to relax in after a hard day at work.

Refresh an old dining set by swapping seat upholstery

When you have quality furnishings, you don't necessarily need to buy new furniture to create a fresh look.
This old glass and metal dining set looked tired because of the dark vinyl seats, all scratched up by the household cats. It got a new fresh look by re-upholstering the seats in cheerful fabric with a tight and smoothe weave that cats hate to scratch.

Makeover cost: $200, Save the labor cost by doing it yourself. Learn how to match the repeat on the pattern and use a staple gun.

Before photo

healthy bedroom: 6 tips to reduce allergens in your bedroom

We spend close to 8 hours in our bedrooms. It is supposed to be a soothing and rejuvenating place for our hardworking minds and bodies. Yet many bedrooms are the causes of our allergies and some serious health problems. Here are 6 ways to minimize the causes of allergies in your bedroom:

1. Reduce dust: One of the easiest and least expensive way you can minimize allergies is by de-cluttering. Clutter traps dust and makes cleaning an unpleasant chore.
Get rid of piles of paper (they are also a fire hazard!), reduce the number of furnishings and accessories  in your bedroom. Make sure your vacuum can reach under all furniture.
Hard flooring surfaces are ideal. Good bamboo or linoleum (not vinyl) are easily mopped.
Cotton washable rugs are preferred to other rugs. But if you must have carpet, pick one with tightly woven pile and vacuum often. Avoid detailed architectural moulding and wall art that can trap dust.
(if removing architectural moulding is not an option you can build a box around them. Otherwise, make sure your weekly cleaning includes these.)
Clean air and ventilation filters or replace them frequently. Opt for higher quality filters.

2. Reduce chemical off-gasing: VOCs (Volatie Organic Compunds) are found in many home improvement products including paint and stains. Manufacturers have recently produced great quality paints and stains with zero or low VOC. You could paint your walls using 0 or low VOC paint to seal the old paint. Minimize items with stain or make sure the stain is zero VOC with new furniture or hard wood flooring.

3. Avoid synthetic fibers on your bed: Use cotton sheets. If natural latex mattress is not an option, get dust-mite covers for all your bedding.

4. Increase Ventilation:  It is very important to have fresh air in any room.  If you are not allergic to pollen open your windows early in the morning and early evening. Otherwise, mechanical ventilation should be utilized daily to prevent moisture buildup. Moisture buildup will cause mold.

5. Black mold hunt: If you get condensation on your windows, you may be at risk for having mold.  Look for black mold behind drapes, closet interior walls, and around the window sills. It may look like round penny size spots or black dust. If you find mold do not blow it in the air. Do not use a spary cleaner as it will blow the mold in the air. Make a simple solution of water, vinegar and a drop of soap. Protect your nose and mouth. Wear rubber gloves. Wipe the mold clean with a sponge soaked in the solution.

6. Cleaning agents: Most household cleaners contain irritants and chemicals. Use natural cleaning products free of chemicals. There are many safe and multi-purpose cleaners such as Nature’s Source,  Seventh Generation or Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Oil soap, on the market. Remember to read the label. Just because it says "Green" or "Natural" it may not be safe.

green alternatives to granite countertops

 Granite is a completely NON-renewable resource. It takes a lot of energy to mine and transport and manufacture it from all over the world and the miners may not be provided with proper protection or given fair wages or treatment.
It is time to consider the environmentally friendly alternatives. 
Please don't rip out a perfectly good granite to replace it with a green alternative!
If you must replace a countertop or building a new kitchen, there are several green alternatives to granite and I have my favorites listed below.

IceStone^® surfaces are the ideal choice if you are searching for an eco-friendly, green countertop,  backsplashes, bathroom vanities, table tops, bar tops, interior walls, and commercial flooring applications.  IceStone surfaces can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Beautiful shower and bathtub surrounds and kitchen sinks can be made with IceStone.

You choose from 29 available colors. At this time custom color options are available for commercial projects only.

100% Recycled glass makes up 75% of the product. Cement bonds the glass together, and requires sealing annually (similar to granite counter tops) 

Just like granite, prolonged excessive heat can break the seal, but it will not crack like granite. The product is plastic free and VOC-free, Petrochemical free. The company constantly is improving their green attributes. 

 

 

 Images from Icestone official website.

As far as green certifications and processes, IceStone has received MBDC’s Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification* for the IceStone durable surface, and the production processes used to produce it. IceStone compares their pricing to mid-to-high end granite, and notes that fabrication and installation very depending on your local contractor rates.

Vetrazzo^® is 85% glass, and all the glass they use is recycled - so it really is good for the environment and has been certified by NSF International

Images from vetrazzo official website.  

Vetrazzo is comparable to granite in strength, scratch resistance, heat resistance, durability, and care & maintenance. Acidic subtances such as lemon juice, vinegar, red wine will leave a stain in the concrete areas if not cleaned up right away. However like aged marble or wood, signs of living can enhance the look. Resealing is recommended every year. Just like granite, prolonged excessive heat can break the seal, but it will not crack like granite.It is already broken glass afterall.

I have visited the plant in Richmond California and it is surprisingly clean! The product color pallette is gorgeous and the employees look happy.
Their view on sustainability is posted http://vetrazzo.com/sustain.asp.

Stainless Steel is seen in many contemporary residential or commercial applications. You can have a seamless countertop. It is durable, easy to clean and looks great for a long time. However, it is a bit on the pricey side and you could cause a dent, but cannot be cut or cracked due to heat.
Steel is the most recycled material, so look for recycled steel, because mining and refining it uses a large amount of energy and pollutes the environment.

You should look for a reputable local manufacturer/installer to reduce your cost.

 Concrete is one of the most customizable choice.
It is often cast right in your kitchen or bath. Good option for fireplaces also. It also may have a higher price tag.
Resistant to heat and scratches, it can be color-tinted. It is very important to have it sealed and seal annually. There are new treatments that eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative and you can have it tinted or have anything embeded to create a unique and exotic look for you.
Mid to high range on cost due to custom work. For a green concrete, ask for fly ash which is a byproduct of the coal industry and the aggregate should be of recycled variety to be counted as green.

 photos from Cheng Concrete design gallery

You should also ask for low-VOC sealers. Again a reputable manuafcturer should be able to provide you with a beautiful green alternative. So do some reasesach before commiting yourself to one.