Grout Cleaning November 17, 2008

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Reader Question:

“I am getting my ceramic tiles cleaned and the grout sealed and the professionals are using different methods:

1. High pressure washer w/chemical and a color sealer for the grout.

2. A truck mounted hot water extraction system (also used for carpets) and a grout sealant (tubing)

3. Hand scrubbing w/a grout sealant that claims is good for 5 yrs.

Which method is better to clean my ceramic tile?

Thanks for your input!!”

Answer:

For this answer, I consulted with The Grout Doctor for a professional opinion. Their answer is as follows:

Option #1 – In my experience high pressure is not good for grout.  It opens up the natural pores in the grout and allows the grout to collect more dirt, grime and grit.  I can say that if it’s a good color sealer it is a good option.

Option #2 – Pretty much the same thing as option #1.  A high pressure truck mount extraction system can open up grouts natural pores as well.

Option #3 – This cleaning method is good and safe for the grout as long as the correct chemicals and dwell time are utilized.

At The Grout Doctor we used hand scrubbing with proper chemicals and dwell time.  Then would color seal with a 3 yr. guarantee.

Stain removal guide for carpet November 14, 2008

Wear-Dated has an amazing stain removal guide for carpets that I can testify to! Just the other day, my puppy ate an ink pen on our brand new carpet. I followed the guidelines on the Wear-Dated website and the stain came right out!

Here are some general things to have on hand before starting the stain removal process.

1. White paper towels or white terry towels.
2. Hand dish washing detergent that doesn’t contain lanolin or bleach (such as the original Dawn® and Joy® with no special additives). To make a detergent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of the detergent with 1 qt. of water.
3. Spray bottle for applying detergents and special solutions.
4. Household ammonia solution of 1 tablespoon of  clear household ammonia per 1/2 cup of water.
5. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
6. Hydrogen peroxide.
7. White vinegar solution made up of 1/3 cup of white vinegar, 2/3 cup of water.
8. Spoon and dull knife.
9. Brick and brick paver

Stains that cannot be removed

Acid toilet bowl cleaners, acne medication, alkaline drain cleaners, chlorinated bleaches, hair dyes, iodine, insecticides, mustard with turmeric, plant fertilizers and stains of this nature cannot be removed because they permanently alter the carpet’s color. Call a professional. Typically, professionals address these types of stains by replacing the stained area. If you do not have extra carpet on hand, they might cut a piece from a closet, or some other inconspicuous area and insert it into the area where the spot was cut out.

How to remove a few common stains:

• Beer, coffee, perfume, tea, wine:

Blot with a white paper towel to remove as much of the stain as possible. Then, neutralize with a white vinegar solution. Saturate the spot using a spray bottle and blot to remove excess moisture. After neutralizing, try the following.

Apply a small amount of a detergent solution to the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water) Blot with a white paper towel to work the detergent into the affected area. If the spot is being removed, continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is completely removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water, and then blot to remove excess moisture. Next, spray lightly with water, but instead of blotting, apply a pad of paper towels, weigh them down with a brick and allow to dry. If the stain remains, moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and let stand for 1 hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Because light will change peroxide back to water, no rinsing is necessary. Apply a pad of paper towels and weigh them down with a brick. Allow carpet to dry. Remove brick and towels and brush up the pile.

ANN SACKS® introduces hand-carved marble by Robert Kuo November 13, 2008

ANN SACKS® introduces hand-carved marble by Robert Kuo

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 11, 2008) – At the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Chicago, ANN SACKS, premier manufacturer and distributor of luxury tile, stone and plumbing products, introduced Robert Kuo Carved Stone, the company’s latest stone innovation that merges ancient tradition with beautiful design. Han Bai Yu (Chinese white marble) and Qing Shi (Chinese black marble) are fine marbles suitable for carved designs and found in the Hebei Province of Northern China. ANN SACKS is proud to offer this prized material in the form of hand-carved marble designed by Robert Kuo.

Stone carvers use a chisel and hammer to carve the intricate designs and then finish by using abrasive grinding tools in the traditional jade carving technique. Craftsmen originally used this method to carve pieces for Buddhist temples. A variety of patterns incorporate traditional Chinese motifs alongside design elements of Western European Art Deco.

Available designs include: Kuai (literally translated as “pieces”), a dramatic geometric pattern; Hua (“bunches of flowers”); and, Shan (“mountains”), a motif popular in Chinese calligraphy paintings and believed by Chinese scholars to bring a sense of harmony and kindness of heart.   “Robert Kuo is famous for the masterful and artistic way that he has of merging ancient Chinese techniques and sources of inspiration with modern influences,” said John Hart, chief merchandising officer, ANN SACKS and Kallista. “His new carved marble tile for ANN SACKS is genuinely unlike anything else and is sure to have a profound impact on any environment in which it is installed.”

All of the Robert Kuo Carved Stone designs are available in either Han Bai Yu or Qing Shi and custom sizes are encouraged.

Founded in 1981, ANN SACKS has built its reputation with inspiring designs in tile, stone, plumbing, lighting and accessories. Based in Portland, Ore., the company is a division of the Kohler Co. Interiors Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., that includes Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc., Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and Baker Stores, Kallista plumbing and McGuire Furniture Company.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

Concrete Flooring from Ann Sacks March 24, 2008

ANN SACKS® EXPANDS EXCLUSIVE FLOOR AND WALL TILE OPTIONS
THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH CONCRETE ARTISAN ANDY FLEISHMAN
PORTLAND, Ore.

(May 10 2005)

Ann Sacks, in collaboration with leading concrete artisan, Andy Fleishman, presented four completely unique floor and wall tiles at the 2005 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas.

Fleishman’s designs for Ann Sacks offer a visually striking alternative to complement the diverse Ann Sacks tile and stone collections. Fleishman, who started his career as a wood sculptor and cabinet maker in the 1970s, gravitated toward concrete as his primary medium. His designs for Ann Sacks include Diamond and Petal, two large-scale, geometric designs; and, Maximus and Tendril, two more intricate designs using floral themes.

Bamboo – Uses other than flooring March 20, 2008

Bamboo is a currently a very popular choice for flooring, but did you know it can be used for other things? One company, Bamboo Outfitters offers eco friendly items from clothing, to linens, to soap and bath products made of bamboo. Bamboo is useful in making these products because bamboo fiber is soft and strong and produces products that are durable, soft and breathable. Unlike other natural products, bamboo can be safely dyed in bright and bold colors.

Benefits of bamboo as clothing:

• It absorbs sweat quickly and evaporates quickly.
• Bamboo keeps you warmer in the winter and up to 2 degrees cooler in the summer
• Bamboo is antibacterial so it stays fresher and odor free longer.
• During the manufacturing process, no harsh chemicals are used so this product is ideal for people with allergies or sensitive skin
• Bamboo fiber is smooth and round so it does not irritate skin. It contains a naturally occurring antibacterial called bamboo-kun that resists the spread of bacteria on the skin without any adverse affects.
• Bamboo grows quickly and therefore has high water absorbency which aids in this process. This helps the fabric retain absorbency, in fact, 3-4 more than cotton. It keeps you drier because it wicks away moisture from the body, but doesn’t have the high prices that comes with sports attire with these same properties.
  
• Bamboo is antibacterial, anti fungal and anti static even after is has been washed.
• It’s better for the environment. For more information on bamboo, click here.
• No special care is required to maintain the clothing.

Not sure if bamboo fabric is for you or all that is advertised, Bamboo Outfitters will send you a sample!

Other products made from bamboo are found in the kitchen and bath. Some examples of products for the home made from bamboo are: cutting boards, soap, dish towels, bed linens, body washes, crib linens and bath towels.

Clothing for babies, kids, men and women:

Products for the home:

Do your part by choosing clothing and home accessories that are not only comfortable, better for your skin, anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti static but good for the world we live in!

What will they think of next? March 18, 2008

With all of the focus on natural products and “green” floors, it’s no surprise that a company called Inhabitat is offering floors made from peach pits/pips. Talk about recycling!

According to Inhabitat, the floor consists of peach pips that are packed by hand onto a glued surface and filled with a silica sand and resin mixture, then sealed. The sharp edges of the pips are sanded off to expose the red hue of the pips and give the floor a natural wood feeling – making it warm, therapeutic and comfortable to walk on with bare feet. The floors are uniquely South African, natural and the design and color can be customized.

The house in Paarl is currently run as an art gallery (The Orange Mill) by Allah le Roux with his partner. After numerous requests and compliments regarding the floor, he decided to take it a step further and enter production of peach pip tiles as a business concept in the First National Bank Enablis Business Plan Competition, in which he was a finalist. In February 2007 the tile design and concept was registered. Today the endeavor is in progress as Stone Fruit Floors, creating job opportunities in the production of flooring rooted in sustainable materials and a traditional aesthetic.

Inhabitat.com is a weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future.

What’s new with Terra Mai reclaimed hardwoods March 17, 2008

Terra Mai reclaimed hardwoods has just moved into a new location that is helping contribute to making NYC a greener place. TerraMai shares the space with two other progressive green companies, YRG Consultants and Deep Green Living. Sharing space with two of the top sustainability consulting firms in the country helps keep them connected to the latest and greatest in sustainable design and building. Setting up shop in Manhattan also allows them to better serve their growing group of New York and other East Coast clients.

You can give them a call at 800.220.9062 to schedule a presentation at your firm or to visit their new office.

Walls That Will WOW You at Kuleto Estate March 14, 2008

 

 

 

These shower walls can be found at the breathtaking Kuleto Estate Winery in Napa, California. The detail in this shower is simply amazing. Notice the lighting in the upper rear corner and the unique shower fixtures. Notice, too how well the tile rolls over the front of the shower seat and how gracefully it curves along the walls. The designer of this shower did a fantastic job of designing a shower that looks and feels like the rest of the property. Nothing about the home looks new – it looks like it has evolved over hundreds of years of careful gathering and procurement.

In 1992, this winery was created overlooking Lake Hennessey, Pritchard Hill, Rutherford and St. Helena. This shower sits in the Tuscan Style home named Villa Cucina designed by Pat Kuleto who is also famous for designing some of North America’s most celebrated restaurants. There are so many amazing sites to see at this winery, when you take the winery tour they make you feel like you are part of the Kuleto family and this was all built just for your soul to absorb all of the amazing views.

Bamboo Flooring March 13, 2008

Bamboo Flooring

• Another environmentally sound choice for flooring is bamboo. Bamboo is manufactured from processed strips of cane and compressed to be as hard and durable as a regular hardwood floor.

• Some bamboo is supplied in North America if the environmental impact of transportation is a concern.

Considerations:

• Bamboo floors that are less expensive may not have the highest quality UV protective finish as other floors.

• Radiant flooring can be used under bamboo flooring.

• Bamboo is technically a grass and not a hardwood tree. Don’t let this discourage you from purchasing because the manufacturing techniques make bamboo a strong, hard, durable and dimensionally stable surface.

• To give you an idea of the strength of bamboo, it has been rated to be almost as hard as red oak to slightly harder than red oak. The darker bamboo floors are reported to be softer than the lighter shades because of the heating process that darkens the color.

All About Cork Flooring – History, Benefits, Care and Maintenance March 12, 2008

History

• Cork is not a new fad, it can be traced back to ancient Egypt. In the 18th century, Dom Perignon used cork for champagne making it a significant discovery that would lead to many other uses of cork.

• A law in the 1930’s called “The 9 Year Law” was passed to keep cork from being harvested any sooner than every 9 years. The tree has to reach 60 cm in circumference before it can be harvested. The first harvest from a cork tree can only occur at age 25.

• Portugal is the largest producer of cork today.

Harvesting

• Cork is harvested by hand from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber) that grows primarily around the Mediterranean Basin no less than every 9 years.

• After the cork is stripped, the planks are sorted and stacked for 6 months in the forest. The exposure to air, sun, rain and wind during this time trigger chemical transformations that improve the quality of the cork. Then the bark of the mature cork trees are ground up, mixed with resin, processed into blocks, baked, compressed and cut into tiles or planks.