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EWG's List Of Most Harmful Cleaning Products For Your Home

However, EWG does suggest some cleaners that are better for your health and the environment, such as Green Shield Organic and Whole Foods Green Mission brand. Dont be fooled by "green" labels though, since other eco-friendly products can be misleading with their claims.

The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization focused on environment and public health, recently came out with their Cleaners Hall of Shame list. With products containing carcinogens, asthma instigators, and poisons, some sparkly cleaners might come at a high price.





2000 Flushes And X-14 Toilet Bowl Cleaners

List and captions courtesy of EWG.Fatal If SwallowedThese chlorine-laden discs don't harm http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-refinish-a-hardwood-floor.html plumbing or septic systems, but according to the label they "may be fatal if swallowed." The boxes warn customers to wear rubber gloves when handling, hold the disc away from the face and avoid inhaling the fumes. A pet could confuse a disc with a plastic chew toy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/10/worst-household-cleaners-cleaning-products_n_1871420.html

Just 7 percent of cleaning products adequately disclosed their contents. To uncover whats in common household cleaners, EWGs staff scientists spent 14 months scouring product labels and digging through company websites and technical documents. EWG staff reviewed each ingredient against 15 U.S. and international toxicity databases and numerous scientific and medical journals.

List and photos courtesy of EWG.

To learn more about the impacts of chemical cleaners and to view the full lists, visit the EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning.

According to the EWG study, 53 percent of cleaning products under review contained lung-harming ingredients. In addition, well-known carcinogens like formaldehyde and chloroform were found in several cleaners.

According to the press release:

In an effort to minimize the negative effects of some chemical cleaners, common household items can often be great substitutes, Real Simple Magazine suggests. Lemon, cooking oil, vinegar and baking soda are just a few multipurpose cleaning items you may find in your closet.

EWG's List Of Cleaners Hall Of Shame

If you opt to use store-bought cleaners, know your products. Below is a portion of EWGs list of cleaners that found a place in the Cleaners Hall of Shame. Some products are potentially fatal if inhaled or swallowed, some are reportedly made with knowingly high-hazard ingredients, and others utilize materials that have actually been banned in other countries.

Research and Markets: 2010 U.S. Flooring Contractors Industry Report





DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/501e0f/2010_u_s_flooring) has announced the addition of the "2010 U.S. Flooring Contractors Industry Report" report to their offering.

The U.S. Flooring Contractors Industry report, published annually, contains timely and accurate industry statistics, forecasts and demographics. The report features 2010 current and 2011 forecast estimates on the size of the industry (sales, establishments, employment) nationally and for all 50 U.S. States and over 900 metro areas. New to the report this year are: financial ratios, number of firms and payroll estimates. The report also includes industry definition, 5-year historical trends on industry sales, establishments and employment, a breakdown of establishments, sales and employment by employee size of establishment (9 categories), and estimates on up to 10 sub-industries, including carpet laying, vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring and tile.

Industry Definition and Related Industries

NAICS 23833: Flooring Contractors. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the installation of resilient floor tile, carpeting, linoleum, and hard wood flooring. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.

Related Industries

Plumbing Contractors Carpentry Contractors Housing Construction Home Improvement Retail

Sub-Industries

Floor laying and floor work, nec Access flooring system installation Asphalt tile installation Carpet laying Ceramic floor http://www.ladybaltimorefloors.com/index.htm tile installation Linoleum installation Resilient floor laying Vinyl floor tile and sheet installation Wood floor installation and refinishing

Please note, this report offers statistical information only and does not include an analysis of the figures.

Definitions and Terms

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/501e0f/2010_u_s_flooring

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100512005863/en/Research-Markets-2010-U.S.-Flooring-Contractors-Industry

Back in Time: This Usonian Gem in Connecticut Has the Wright Background

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/08/31/back-in-time-this-usonian-gem-in-connecticut-has-wright-background/

Light, bright, and brimming with history, this two-bedroom Usonian home in Weston, CT, is looking for just the right (Wright-loving) buyer.

Listed for $1.45 million, the home was built in 1963 by Allan Gelbin, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. Constructed as Gelbin's own personal residence and studio, it still retains its Usonian charm, feel, and even some of the original furniture.

"Usonian" is a term used to describe a style of post-Depression homes designed by Wright. Listing agent Inger Stringfellow says Wright had a vision to create simple, affordable homes with straightforward designs for American families. Most were single-story and had minimal storage space and no garage. Like this home, they were open, bright, and made with native materials.

"They're sort of like collector items now," Stringfellow says.

Unlike many others that have fallen into disrepair over the years, this Usonian is like stepping back in time to when Gelbin roamed the wood floors.

Homeowners Mark Parrotta and Kim Hunter bought the home in February 2004 from folks who had purchased it directly from Gelbin. The second owners didn't do much to the home while they had it.

"If something broke, they didn't throw it away; they put it in a drawer," Hunter told The New York Times in 2010.

However, Parrotta and Hunter went to work restoring the home to its original glory. From refinishing the buffed concrete floors to maintaining the built-in furniture, they've been meticulous in keeping things true to the original design. They even tracked down the original grout mixture when they refurbished the bathroom.

"They haven't bastardized it all," Stringfellow says.

The home comes with original furnishings such as built-in tables and couches, as well as several pieces of artwork.



Unlike other Usonian homes that were built in clusters in the Northeast, this one sits at the end of a shared driveway atop a knoll on more than 2 acres of land. "You feel like you're in a very personal space," Stringfellow says.

Just over an hour and 15 minutes to New York City, the property backs up to a river and is surrounded by trees that can be seen from the numerous floor-to-ceiling windows. Stringfellow says being in the home feels "like being in a tree house."



As charming as it is, however, she admits the home isn't for everyone.

"It's going to take a bit of a specialized buyer to appreciate this http://www.seattlefloor.com/ home, the artistry, and history behind it," she says. "For the right buyer, though, it's a little jewel box."

Best Vacuum Cleaner for Laminate Floors 2014

So as you can clearly see the Dyson DC65 easily represents itself as the best vacuum cleaner for laminate floors in 2014, no other vacuum can match its suction cleaning performance, the efficient and effective cleaner head (whereby it will intricately adapt to the laminate floor to provide optimal cleaning performance) and advanced brush bar.

Are you on the hunt for the best vacuum cleaner for laminate floors? If so, you don't have to look past the new ultra powerful Dyson DC65 vacuum cleaner that is fitted with an array of state-of-the-art cleaning technology that allows it to truly excel for when it comes to cleaning laminate flooring (more so than any other vacuum cleaner ever produced). Let's explore the details & factors as to exactly why the Dyson DC65 is considered the very best vacuum for laminate floors this year (in 2014).

The Most Powerful Vacuum Cleaner Ever Produced

Dyson have integrated with all their latest and best technology and have allowed it to essentially "clean better than any other vacuum across carpets and hard floors", whereby it has at least double the suction power of the next best competing upright vacuum cleaner. Nothing will even come close to sucking up pet hair, debris and dirt from your laminate floors like the DC65 can. It has a COLOSSAL 245 Air watts of pure suction power, it really is a sucking monster -- that is more than any other modern Dyson vacuum cleaner, making it in turn easily the most powerful upright on the market.

'Clever' Self Adjusting Cleaner Head

It is this very smart piece of technology that allows the DC65 to excel particularly for when it comes to cleaning your laminate floors. Where unlike traditional cheap vacuum cleaners, where the cleaner head is always stable -- the DC65 is able to adapt to the floor type it is cleaning (lowering itself http://fabulousfloorsatlanta.com/ for harder floors e.g. laminate and raising for soft, carpet flooring) -- this allows it to perform a more optimal suction (whereby it minimizes the air loss leakage) and collect more dirt, dust and debris.

Nor does any vacuum offer such a sophisticated and high performing vacuum cyclone system that the DC65 does (not even remotely close) or such an array of highly advanced cleaning tools/attachments. Moreover, it just makes the whole cleaning your laminate floors so much easier given that it is super lightweight and has the ball mechanism installed.

http://www.infobarrel.com/Best_Vacuum_for_Laminate_Floors

Clearly the Dyson DC65 is by far the best vacuum for laminate floors but if you have any questions, concerns or general remarks then please make them in the comment section just below and we will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

The DC65 also has a new re-configured brush bar mechanism installed into the cleaner head to allow it to be effectively 25% more powerful than its already very competent predecessor the DC41. Where the DC65 will drive its bristles harder into the flooring & more aggressively remove dirt from your laminate flooring.



Re-Modelled Radial Root Cyclone Technology

It is this vacuuming technology that really separates a Dyson vacuum from your normal bog standard one. Where it is capable of generating vast centrifugal forces to suck up microscopic dust and dirt particles from your laminate flooring -- allowing it to give it a cleaned finish like no other vacuum can. Moreover, it also allows the DC65 to take on the bagless bin capacity mechanism (with it being transparent and easy to release with a hygienic one button press system) and for it to not lose suction as debris builds up.



Dyson Ball Technology & Extensive Practical Specs

Probably, the most famous bit of Dyson technology is its integrated ball mechanism. The DC65 has the very latest version and allows an already lightweight vacuum cleaner to become even easier to use and manoeuver on laminate flooring (especially when compared to a rigid wheel mechanism that you find with a traditional vacuum cleaner, which you have to drag back and forth -- with the ball you can turn on a dime). You will also see if you check out the Dyson DC65's specifications that it offers a long hose feature & cord to over 50 ft and large bin capacity of 0.55 gallons.

Range of Dyson Accessories & Attachments

If you get the DC65 Animal complete version you also get a range of specialized cleaning tools that will aid you in cleaning your laminate flooring to an even better standard e.g. the stubborn dirt brush for high traffic areas, the tangle free turbine tool for any pet hair or long hair you have residing on it and many, many more. But, I would in particularly consider buying the awesome articulating hard floor tool in addition to the Dyson, that many people absolutely love using on their laminate floors, due to just how incredibly easy, quick and effective it is.

Painted Patio Floor Video

Painted Patio Floor

Description





Jennifer spruces up a patio floor by applying paint to create a faux rug.

Transcript

Female:Were using a porch and floor paint which is excellent because its made to go over concrete and lucky you two, its self priming and self sealing. So its going to save us a couple of layers so you guys are really lucky because your concrete was clean and ready but if we have to power wash it or acid it if it wasnt. for today, your work is done after we finish off this floor because it needs to dry fully overnight. Then tomorrow, we have a few more fun projects to do.Male:More?Female:On the floor, I want to create a faux rug Im having Nicky tape off an edge so then I can write an Italian sonnet in it. How would you feel about doing the handwriting part on the rug?Female:I think I could do it.Female:So youre just going to take a little artist brush and outline it and dont dwell because the more aged and old it looks, the better. Im going to have you follow her with a little roller and fill in the other stripes.Male:Finally Im off sealing duty.Female:I love this border and Im so excited that Im doing it.Female:I love it, its fabulous, you got so far.Female:I know we have two feet left.Female:Excellent, were going to finish that and then let it dry overnight.

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http://video.ezinemark.com/painted-patio-floor-4301e370a94.html

DIY furniture makeover on the cheap

To prepare your piece of furniture for its makeover is rather easy. First step is to sand down any imperfections, such as small scratches, stains, or dents. There is no need to sand off any seal coat on wood as that will be addressed later. Larger dents may need filled with wood filler then sanded smooth. If it has a lot of wear and tear, and you don't feel like sanding for hours trying to smooth out the imperfections, use the personality of the piece and go for a more rustic look. Next it needs to be clean. Most multi surface cleaners will do the trick or even soap and water will help remove any dirt, dust, or grease from the surface. Now your piece is ready for its big makeover.

These are just some basic tips on revamping old furniture. The materials may seem a bit costly upfront, but when adding up the cost of a makeover compared to a new piece of furniture, the difference is substantial. The design options are endless, so get creative and custom design your project to fit perfectly into your home.The satisfaction will pulse through you when you stand back and look at your accomplishment and when you see how little has escaped from your wallet.



One place it is hard to be budget friendly is when purchasing new furniture. There are not many places that sell nice new furniture for affordable prices. Luckily, there are many ways to amp up and give your existing furniture a fresh new look. Another option is to fix up used furniture that you can purchase for a more comfortable price. A fresh coat of paint can clean up old scratched or faded furniture. The trick to making your efforts last is to prep your furniture properly and to use the right products for the project.



http://www.examiner.com/article/diy-furniture-makeover-on-the-cheap

The biggest "trick" to painting furniture is using the correct products for the right furniture. Basic latex wall paint will peel off most pieces of furniture and cannot hold up to the daily wear and tear. The key is primer and the correct paint. Zinsser primer is fantastic for furniture makeovers. They offer many different types of primer. For a piece such as a desk the Zinsser Cover Seal primer is fantastic, it seals in stains or grease remaining on the surface as well as bonds to pre-sealed furniture. Using a primer such as this is vital in getting your paint to bond to your furniture. After priming, it is time to paint. Talk to your local paint store about their options. Explain your project and your needs. Since all paint stores do not carry the same brands, they will better know what product they have which is right for your project. If painting a http://www.jtsfloorrefinishing.com/ large flat surface ask for self-leveling additive for your paint. Also, make sure to pick up the correct painting tools for your project. Going back to the idea of painting a desk, small cabinet and wood rollers are perfect. They leave a smooth finish without leaving behind too much paint. If your surface has many small or intricate grooves a small angled paint brush can be very helpful.

Real Estate Investing Tips, Calculators, Advice, Ideas, and Strategies

6 ways to ensure remodeling pays offFeb 10:Yes, a home upgrade can still be a smart move - if you follow some new rules.MoreHome renovations on saleDec 8:Materials costs are plunging, and contractors are begging for work. Suddenly that long-postponed remodel is looking like a smart idea.More6 D.I.Y. savers for your toolboxDec 8:With these low-cost toolbox basics and a little elbow grease, you can save as much as 75% on home projects.MoreBeauty without utility billsNov 25:When a Hawaii couple had to replace their roof, they seized the chance to become energy independent.More More Real Estate Tips10 easy ways to green your home10 house-selling secretsPlastic fantastic building materialsLove the home you're stuck withHome improvements on the cheapHow to find a contractor you'll loveSmart window shoppingAC in the winter? Brrrr-rilliant!If a storm hits, are you covered?6 cures for the small-kitchen bluesSoft home prices boost affordability Galleries American foursquares - the anti-Victorians American foursquares - the anti-VictoriansSimple, straightforward, the American foursquare style was a welcome change from the highly detailed Victorian designs.More Raising an eyebrow colonial Raising an eyebrow colonialExamples of this regional style abound north of New York City.MoreWrecking-ball bait - 5 teardowns Wrecking-ball bait - 5 teardownsHouses don't have to be falling down to be candidates for razing. What to look for.More CalculatorsWhat will your payments be?In the market for a new home? Find out how much you're likely to http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Garage-Door-Repair.8772.html shell out for a new address.MoreHow much house can you afford?Tell us how much you make, how much you've got for a downpayment, and your debt, and find out how far to stretch when home hunting.MoreRenovation WizardSee the average cost of http://ow.ly/10qu2c 15 common projects and how much they can add to the value of your home.MoreCompare cost of livingThinking about moving? See how much you should earn to maintain the same lifestyle.More RENOVATION WIZARD



Type of Project:Average job cost (2005 Natl Avg):$What will you get back?% Cost recovered%Value at sale$Get your local results from

Remodeling Online's 2005 Cost vs. Value Report

http://money.cnn.com/real_estate/tips

Is Replacing Carpet With Hardwood Always Worth It?

Thinking about replacing your floors? Especially if you have carpet, the choice seems clear: Hardwood floors are preferred by home buyers and renters across the United States.

But consider carefully whether hardwood floors are the right choice for every room in your home -- and what type you might want to install for the best resale value.

As you weigh investing in your floors, you'll need to evaluate your budget, the preferences and traditions in your community and your own personal taste. Some people only want to step on soft carpet, while others prefer hard surfaces. In some warm climates such as Florida, ceramic tile flooring rivals hardwood in popularity.

In more traditional markets, tastes still lean toward oak floors, but some owners of more contemporary homes are choosing to stain their wood floors in different colors. Other trends in hardwood include wider planks, the use of reclaimed wood or hand-scraped wood that looks antique and exotic species of wood such as hickory or walnut.

Homeowners on a tight budget also may want to look into laminate flooring, which offers the look of wood at a lower price point.

Keep in mind that people with allergies typically want a hard surface that won't hold dust. You should also think about the care and maintenance required for your floor surface since you'll need to take care of it for years. Hardwood flooring lasts longer than carpet, can be easier to keep clean and can be refinished.

In the end, though, the decision about whether to install hardwood or carpeting in a bedroom should be based on your personal preference, at least if you intend to stay in the home for years.

Hardwood Flooring: It's What Buyers Want

According to HGTV, the top request of home buyers and renters when looking for a home is hardwood flooring. In fact, a study of homebuyer preferences by USA Today using data from the National Association of REALTORS found that 54% of home buyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring.

Installing hardwood flooring can cost between $9 and $12 per square foot, compared with about $3 to $5 per square foot for carpet -- so some homeowners opt to install hardwood only in some rooms rather than throughout their home. However, carpet typically needs to be replaced if it becomes stained or worn out. Good quality carpet can last about 10 to 15 years, while hardwood can last forever.



The return on investment for installing hardwood will vary according to your market and other factors, but hardwood flooring can often help your home sell faster.

Reasons to Install Carpet

While many buyers and homeowners prefer hardwood flooring throughout their home, some people prefer carpet in the bedrooms -- because they like a softer surface. When you live in a two or three-story home, carpet also helps reduce noise.

If you would still prefer hardwood floors throughout your home, you could use put area rugs in your bedroom.



This story was rewritten from an earlier version on realtor.com.

The post Is Replacing Carpet With Hardwood Always Worth It? appeared first http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/maintenance-repair/refinishing-wood-floors-yourself/ on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.

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