Rid Your Space of Lead – It’s the Law

A new federal law that took effect this month (April 2010) requires any contractor that is doing work on a home, child care facility or school that was built prior to 1978 must now be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

When renovations or repairs are done in facilities where children are the primary occupants, the lead will be disturbed and could be transferred in dust to the inhabitants. Sanding, scraping, or even the burning of wood covered in lead based paint can lead to exposure. Lead-based paint was used in 87% of facilities built prior to 1940 and 69% of facilities built between 1940 and 1960. Between 1960 and 1978, only 24% of facilities built used lead based paint.

When the work begins, the contractor is required to seal off the area being worked on. No occupants or pets are allowed to have access to the area until all the work is complete. The forced air and air conditioning systems must be turned off because they can spread the lead contaminated dust throughout the facility.

To minimize the lead dust it is recommended that water be used to mist areas before sanding or scraping . Before boards are pried up or other materials are separated, paint should be scored with a knife to minimize dust and paint chips. When all the work is complete, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is used to clean up the dust and debris and then all surfaces are completely washed down. The key to this will be the constant use of clean rinse water.

When creating a contract for this type of work, make sure that a lead-free test is part of the work included. An EPA recognized lead testing site will send a sampling kit to you. You can collect the samples and return the kit for analysis. Because the facility can fail the test and may need to be cleaned again, it is important to make the contractor responsible for any re-cleaning that may be necessary.

Lead can affect our children’s brains and developing nervous systems (especially those under the age of 6), causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Lead can also have negative affects on adults causing high blood pressure and hypertension.

Have you been involved in renovation work that involved lead paint? Does your home contain lead-based paint? If so, have you ever thought about replacing it?

Exterior and Interior Home Maintenance Check Points for Spring

Along with warm weather comes the eyesore of winter wear and tear on your home. Before it is time to plant your flowers and trim your shrubs, take a closer look at the exterior elements of your home. Tuck pointing – or the lack there of – is something that I noticed this season on my own home. When it comes to expansion and contraction, cement feels all the pain. Think of pothole season.

This spring I am working on an exterior home checklist. It may help those of you who don’t know quite how to deal with handyman issues. If you are not capable of doing these things yourself, hire a professional to help. Ask a neighbor for a recommendation. There is nothing worse than feeling used and abused by a handyman!

Hopefully this checklist will assist you in when you are hiring help:

• Check cement for cracks. Temperature changes can implement cracks. Simple cement caulk can mend smaller cracks.
• Use sealants to protect decks, porches, railings and fences from the blistering sun and heat. This also improves their appearance.
• Install ceiling fans to circulate cooler air and help reduce air conditioning costs.
• Clear outdoor drains of debris.
• Clean fireplaces and chimneys using a professional chimney sweep.
• Inspect the roof for wear and tear.
• Service AC unit – coolant levels should be checked.
• Inspect basement and crawlspaces for water damage.
• Check and maintain indoor/outdoor plumbing. Extreme temperatures can cause leaks.
• Evaluate insulation within your home and replace if necessary.
• Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and the space under the dryer.
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Change batteries in smoke detectors.
• Clean lights and glass fixtures, especially on outdoor lights. Keeping these clean will ensure optimum light output.

The good news is that although you may have “Spring Fever” now, if you follow a few steps on the list above I can assure you that you will have a happier, longer and more relaxing summer!

What are your Spring cleaning tips? Is there anything I missed that you feel is vital to check and keep up on?

What Product Is Best To Care For Your Beautiful Wood China Cabinet?

Spring is definitely in the air! Aren’t we all happy to see it? I don’t know about in your area, but the days are becoming longer and the warmer weather always give me an extra boost of energy. This little boost kicks me into gear when it comes to working out, but it also affects my need, want and desire to clean my house!

So here is your furniture “Cleaning Care” tip for Spring. I wanted to pass on my experience I have learned over the years about caring for furniture.

I am sure that you love the smell of “fresh” lemon in your home, so I suggest you head to the grocery store and buy some lemons.

When it comes to polishing your furniture, I recommend polishing once a month unless your furniture receives heavy wear or you live in a dusty environment like I do. The more windows you open, the dustier it gets. Agreed? If so, more frequent polishing should be done.

For cleaning fingerprints and other household dirt and grime, a furniture cream will work best (I highly recommend Weiman’s wood furniture care products). For dusting and polishing, a clear oil polish will moisturize your furniture beautifully. You can also try some mineral oil! This is a great natural way to clean.

In 1941, the Weiman family started a new revolution of ‘clean’ by giving its customers a complementary bottle of special polish to preserve and protect fine wood furniture. First to the market and innovative at the time, Weiman wood polish was formulated to perfection and contained a distinctive blend of the finest emulsions, natural oils and nourishing wood cleaners and conditioners.

The Weiman brand has grown into an extensive collection of cleaning and polishing products. Weiman products enjoy top status among fine furniture restorers, interior decorators, leading museums, embassies, craftsmen and antique experts worldwide.

For those of you addicted to Pledge, did you know that Pledge and many other furniture polishes contain silicone, which is difficult to remove even with mineral spirits. It has a tendency to take the “shine” right out of your furniture. If you have a waxed top piece of furniture, it will make it streaky and gummy. You may not notice it right away, but it does happen over time.

I promise you will be thrilled with the conditioning and cleaning the Weiman products offer. Yes, it is more expensive, but caring for your furniture should be part of the investment to begin with. Get in with the Weiman’s and out with the Pledge.

So grab that old t-shirt you were going to throw away, or that cloth baby diaper you have, and get to it! (I also love using old mismatched socks for cleaning rags – put it right over your hand and you will be finished in no time!)

What are your favorite cleaning products to care for your fine wood?

Designing For OR Around Your Pets

Many people have a little (or large) furry friend running around their homes somewhere. And when it comes to keeping an impeccable home, these four-legged friends often hinder the desirable outcome.

Cats and dogs shed. I hate to break it to those of you who believe that your animal does not shed. They do. Pet hair getting embedded in carpeting, sofas and even the occasional bed sheet can be a problem and to you and visitors. Not everyone loves your pet as much as you do.

FABRICS

When it comes to considering new upholstery for your home, consider fabrics with heavy weaves and less natural fibers like cotton and wool. Natural fibers have a tendency to stain and are difficult to clean.

Consider leather as a good option, especially if it is “treated” top-grain leather. This option will avoid the “distressed look” when it is not intended. Heavier fabric selections will also deter the clawing your cat may be inclined to do and you may get a longer lifespan out of your furniture.

RUGS

When it comes to area rugs consider a very low pile or tightly-woven rug to minimize fur embedding and perhaps other animal damages from destroying your rugs. If you are looking for a rug for a designated animal room, you may consider purchasing something that doesn’t break the bank in case you throw it away in a couple of years.

BEDDING/COVERS

I am a culprit of allowing my own animals to hop up on our bed from time to time. Although pets may be in the bedroom, it doesn’t have to be an infestation of hair in your bed. If the dog and cat sleep on the bed, keep a special blanket to put over your own bedding at night for the animals to lie on.

When making the bed, fold up the animal’s blanket and store it in the closet if you are entertaining. Otherwise I would advise leaving it on the bed when you are away at work for the day. We don’t know where our pets are when we are not around.

Also consider introducing a floor bed for your pet. This is the best thing I ever did! And even if you think they won’t use it- they will!

This goes for upholstery too. I have a sofa in my living room I absolutely LOVE and it would kill me to see it destroyed. It is CONSTANTLY covered unless I am entertaining. I learned the hard way.

I must say the best product on the market for cleaning upholstery and rugs is “The Rug Doctor.” You can purchase it at Home Depot or occasionally at your local grocery store.

I hope these little tips help. Just remember, even though you may not be bothered by the little bit of fur on your throw pillow, everyone else is!

What other helpful tips do you have to keep your home clean and fur-free?

Green Cleaning For Your Interior: Is It As Effective?

The more eco-driven designs I work on, the more I have realized it is just as critical to address the upkeep along with the initial design work. What kind of interior designer would I be if I designed and ran? I think it is critical to talk about green cleaning with a client. I mean, after I have done all the research, put time and creativity into using new innovative materials, employed recycled content, why would I want that to be wasted and contaminated with harsh cleaners?

Sometimes, like for healthcare environments, you can never get them away from bleach…which I think a lot of people would be thankful for. But for other interiors for corporate, education and hospitality, green cleaning can be both beneficial to the integrity of the green design, and as I have research, economical as well. It’s a win-win!

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are one of the biggest no-nos in regards to green design. VOCs can be defined as any type of off gassing that occurs from the production or use of a product. I think the most common example of everyday VOCs is new car smell. Believe it or not, but any smell, including fresh money smell, is considered a VOC. Copy machines are a big culprit of VOCs in the corporate world, so it is suggested to keep copy and print machines in separate areas from employees and preferred with separate HVAC duct work. Cleaning products traditionally contain massive amount of VOCs.

So if VOCs are that dangerous, why would you want to choose cleaning products that make the situation worse? Harsh chemicals may get the job done, as you think, but there are many solutions that include simple household products, like vinegar and baking soda that can be just as effective. Baking soda is a smell reducer rather than a smell creator – think about how it helps the contents of your fridge. Why not take that house wide and break out of the ice chest with baking soda?!?

Before starting a green cleaning program in your home or business be sure to do some additional research on various green cleaning products and methods. Here is one article I think gave some good and basic- idea starting advice. Good luck and think green clean!

What Countertop is Right for You?

Redoing your kitchen anytime soon? Looking for a small change to update the look without ripping out all the cabinets? Countertops can make or break the look of your kitchen, add resale value to your home, and even make cooking easier when the surface is heat resistant. Here are some of the different options you may want to look at before making a decision.

Laminate – A countertop that will fit your modest budget and can look great too! There is the standard looking laminate that many of us have seen in homes. But have you heard about High Definition laminate? It looks great and can mimic most of the expensive countertops we would all love to have such as granite, marble or stone. Plus, some manufacturer’s claim that their HD laminate is three times more durable then the industry standard. Cleaning laminate is simple too – just use a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap or detergent. For those everyday stains, such as coffee, use a mild household cleaner with a stiff nylon bristle brush to scrub away the stain. Do not leave the cleaner on for long, prolonged exposure can ruin the surface. For more stubborn stains, check with your countertop manufacturer for further instructions.

Solid Surface – Do you have problems with scratches on your countertop? Then this may be the perfect option for you because they can be easily repaired since the color goes all the way through the material! Not only that, it is solid, nonporous and doesn’t require sealing. Can I see you smiling already? It gets better, it is resistant to heat, mold, mildew and most stains (if one sneaks in, it can usually be buffed out). Regular day to day cleaning can be done with warm soapy water or a non-abrasive household cleaner, then rinse and towel dry (which is required to prevent spotting). For residue that will not come out with the everyday method, contact the manufacturer because there are different methods depending on your finish. Finally, for any scratches that do appear, apply an abrasive cleaner, rub in a circular motion, rinse and then repeat until the scratches are no longer noticeable.

Granite – Granite is known to be the hardest natural surface you can install for a countertop. This means it is tough and very hard to scratch! While the countertop is heat resistance, it is unfortunately porous so it can be permanently stained if the wrong substance is spilled on it. Cleaning is simple – wipe down the surface with warm water or a neutral cleaning solution with a soft cloth. To maintain its original luster and shine, it is recommended that a non-yellowing wax is applied once a year.

Concrete – Of course most of us know how hard concrete is, but did you know that it is comparable in strength to most other solid surface countertops? It can help create an upscale urban feeling to your kitchen. If it is sealed correctly and as often as the manufacturer recommends, then it should resist most stains. However, it is not heat resistance and it can scratch if you cut directly on it. Hairline cracks can occur over time as they do in most concrete, but they can be easily repaired. Cleaning is simple – just wash with warm water and soap or a non-abrasive cleaner. Pledge can even be used to display a nice smooth sheen!

What is your favorite type of countertop?  What troubles have you run into with certain kinds?

Residential Wallcoverings – Characteristics

Wallcoverings can provide different characteristics and attributes for any area in your home. You need to consider how much and the kind of use the area of the home gets to determine the characteristics you may need. For instance, a kitchen may need scrubbability (this means the wallcovering can be scrubbed with a brush and detergent solution per the instructions on the wrapper), & stain resistance (this wallcovering will have been tested with applications of grease, butter, coffee, etc. then wiped clean with no stain or change in the wallcovering).

An accent wall in the guest room may not need any of the above. You may think you just need a pattern and color to enhance the room, but if it has washability, it will occasionally be able to be sponged with a detergent solution in case of a spill.

Children’s rooms typically will need scrubbability and stain resistance, especially younger children. Though most of the markers and crayons are not as permanent as in previous years, you just never know what may be applied by a budding artist that wasn’t in your original design scheme. In children’s rooms, be careful of abrasion resistant wallcoverings.

Abrasion resistant wallcoverings can withstand a lot of rubbing, scraping or scrubbing, but I have found this also means that if you rub against them, you can loose a layer of skin. Abrasion resistant wallcoverings do work well in foyers and hallways.

Finally, if you are applying wallcoverings in a room that has a great deal of natural sunlight, you may want to find a colorfast wallcovering. These wallcoverings have been treated to resist loss of color due to exposure to light for a period of time. Be aware though: nothing is completely resistant to fading under direct sunlight.

Have you found a paper that you thought would work great in a particular space that ended up not working? Have you found a combination for a kitchen or bath that is different than what is found in sample books?

How to Achieve a Decorative Toy Storage Unit

Tired of looking at your children’s toys all over the floor? Why not find a decorative way to store all of their toys. Better yet, develop a storage unit that they can use later in life too!

We often find ourselves faced with bright colored plastic storage bins that are set on wobbly wooden rod shelves. Let’s face it – they aren’t the prettiest, safest, or best use of space. There are several options you can choose from that look much better!

First determine the best use of space for the unit. Is it in their bedroom or play room? It should be located somewhere close to where the children play with their toys. Once a location is determined, decide on a color scheme. Do you want bold primary colors? How about soft girly colors in purple and/or pinks? Or soft boy colors in blue and/or green?

My favorite solution is a simple bookcase in a painted white or cherry wood. It may have anywhere from six to nine “cubes.” In each cube, place a canvas storage tote that has a place for a label (check out what Bed Bath and Beyond offers). Don’t feel like you need to have all of the bins the same color. Color coordinating the tote to the type of toy in each bin would be a creative solution to knowing where to put them when cleaning up. Teaching your children to put toys away is a great life lesson. Imagine if you can manage to do it in an organized fashion! Later in life, the totes could be removed and it could be used as a bookshelf. Or leave the totes in and find new uses of items to store in them.

A couple of other simple solutions for toy storage would be to have shelves built in a room where some of the more exciting toys or dolls could be displayed. Possibly put built-in cabinets at the bottom of the shelves.

Still not satisfied? What about a standard wood toy box? Try getting one painted white or cherry colored. Applying an upholstered cushion on the top of it allows for a dual purpose. If you leave all the decorative paintings off, this would be a great opportunity for storage later in life for sweaters or blankets!

One important thing to consider when choosing a toy storage unit is safety. There have been many horrible accidents that have killed children from falling furniture. Anchoring the furniture to the wall is a safe way to prevent this. A simple way to do this would be with anchor wire and eye screws. For more information, ask your local hardware expert.