Danger Under Foot- Say No To Rugs

By Frederick M. Hueston

You just installed brand new wall to wall carpeting in your home or office and you breathe in that new carpet smell. You step on that plush carpet and feel comfortable and happy that you have a fresh, new carpet. What you don't know is that new carpet smell is emitting hazardous chemical vapors in the air which include toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, ethyl benzene, styrene, acetone and the list goes on and on. There is even cacogenic chemicals such as p-Dichlorobenzene in that fresh new carpet. These are the hazardous chemicals found in new carpet but there are other harmful chemicals that can be found in the adhesive that is used to install them as well as stain protectors, fire retardants etc. The next time you lie on your carpet to watch TV or have your little son or daughter crawling around think about the chemicals you are being exposed too.



Now you’re convinced not to buy new carpeting and you decide to keep your old carpet and just have it cleaned instead. The hazards found in old carpet are as bad or worse than new carpet. There are many chemicals that have been banned in carpet production that your old carpet may contain. Dust mites, dirt and who knows what can be found in older carpeting. Do you ever spray your house for bugs? If you do these pesticides will accumulate in your carpet and will be trapped in the fibers. In addition smoke and other odors can become trapped in the fibers. If you have a pet and it has fleas, guess where you’ll also find not only the fleas but their eggs as well.



Cleaning your carpet will not eliminate all these harmful chemicals and substances. There is some new research that is linking certain carpet cleaning chemicals to certain diseases such as Kawasaki 's disease. There are even some organizations that are linking carpet to allergies, fibromyolgia, etc



These warnings are not just my opinion but many non profit organizations and companies have similar warnings. Here is a brief list of these organizations:



Environment & Human Health Inc. (EHHI)

The Citizens for Safe Carpet

Environmental Access Research Network

American Lung Association



Even the Center for Disease Control(CDC) posts warnings about the use of carpeting, including the fact that carpet can harbor toxic molds(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)



How do you avoid all these problems. Its simple..remove your carpet and install hard flooring such as stone or ceramic. Marble, granite, limestone or terrazzo make excellent, safe floor. They don't trap hazardous chemicals, nor do they emit any harmful gases. Carpeting will not last forever, however stone flooring will last for over 100 years if properly cared for.



The next time you consider purchasing that new carpet, do some research and check out the additional resources below and you'll be running to the stone store instead of the carpet store.

www.stone-advice.com
www.nsraweb.com

A rock-solid reliance on granite

A rock-solid reliance on granite
BY JOY KRAFT

Design trends - especially for kitchens - are changing constantly, with each invention prompting a new generation of ovens, refrigerators, sinks, cabinets, flooring and finishes.

Today's decisions on materials and finishes, many in the spotlight at next weekend's Kitchen Bath & Design Show at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, are in danger of being dated before a hammer lands its first blow.

Granite may be the exception to the rule.

Though designers and homeowners continue to flirt with new and unusual countertop surfaces, from stainless steel to glass, granite is holding its own as the most popular upscale choice since it entered the mainstream 10 to 15 years ago.

"For a long time the choice for higher-end kitchens was solid-surface material," says Brian Till, designer at Renewal of Cincinnati in Walnut Hills. "Granite came in 2 centimeter slabs and had to be built up to get it closer to the 1¼- to 1½-inch standard thickness, so there was a lot of labor involved. It got to be quite costly.

"Now, most granite and stones come in 3 centimeter thicknesses ... so labor is not as extensive."

Its beauty and practicality keep granite at the top of the kitchen wish list. Now, homeowners and designers are taking granite out of the kitchen into other rooms for use as bar tops, fireplace mantels and surrounds, tub decking, shower walls, flooring insets, even furniture.

WHAT IS A POULTICE?

A poultice is an absorbent material applied to a surface to draw out a stain. It can be a powder, paper or a gel. The most common poultices in use today are powders. A number of powders are very absorbent and are ideal for stain removal. Some typical powders used in poultices are the following:
clays and fullers earth
talc
chalk( whiting)
sepiolite( hydrous magnesium silicate)
diatomaceous earth
methyl cellulose
flour
Clays and diatomaceous earth are usually the best. Do not use whiting or clays containing iron. When using acidic chemicals, the acids will react with the iron and may cause yellowing of certain stone surfaces. It is best to purchase poultice powder materials from a reputable suppliers of products for this purpose. Some typical paper poultices are:
cotton balls
paper towels
gauze pads
Paper poultices can be quite effective on mild stains. They are easier to apply than powder poultices and are also easier to remove. Gel poultices are usually thick chemical gels that are designed to be applied to a stain with the use of powders or papers. They work effectively with certain stains. When purchasing poultice materials ask if they contain stain removing chemicals or if they need chemicals added. Some powder and gel poultices contain chemicals, and all you need to do is add water. Never mix additional chemicals with a poultice that contains its own chemical formulation.

Stone is Number One for Kitchen Counters

Natural Stone is Number One for Kitchen Counters

A key element to making a kitchen both elegant and functional is a great countertop. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the number one choice for surfaces and countertops.

However, people are moving away from shiny granite and going for matte finishes such as soapstone and slate in kitchen countertops, says Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail, CO. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel. While it can easily scratch, soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. A new smooth and durable countertop material on the market may provide an alternative: Jerusalem stone resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft and therefore not as susceptible to stains.

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most common remodeling projects, and consumers dedicate a great deal of time and money to make their rooms elegant and functional. An easy place to start is with countertops. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the No. 1 choice for surfaces and countertops. However, people are getting away from shiny granite and going for a more natural look in kitchen countertops, said Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail. Mat finishes like soapstone and slate are more popular than ever, he said.

Soapstone
Soapstone is quarried just like marble and granite with components of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel; however, it can easily scratch. Soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Soapstone comes in blue, green and gray, and if mineral oil is applied consistently, it will bring out a charcoal-gray color making it look older and much more elegant.

Slate
Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. Composed of seabed, slate stone reflects hues of dark green, blue and black. Just like soapstone, if mineral oils are applied to it, the colors will be enhanced to a darker glowing hue.

Jerusalem stone
A new countertop in the market is Jerusalem stone, which resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft. People love limestone, but they’re afraid of red wine or tomato sauce staining it. As the name suggests, Jerusalem stone is quarried from areas around Jerusalem. Many people favor it because of its durability, which is like granite, and its smoothness, which is similar to marble. It sets up a nice framework for natural woods and for darker woods.

Tomato sauce left behind a dark stain on my counter

I was preparing spaghetti and meatballs one day. Tomato sauce had ended up getting onto my counter and a dark stain was left behind. How can I get rid of this?

Solution:
1. Clean area thoroughly with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory works well).
2. If stain is still present clean the area with an alkaline degreaser (Commercial degreasers are available at most janitorial supply houses). Mix with water according to directions and let solution stand on stained area for several minutes. Agitate with a cloth and rinse with clean water.
3. If stain is still not removed than poultice with powder (diatomous earth or similar powder) and an alkaline degreaser. A second poultice may be required using powder and a solvent such as toluene or methylene chloride if there is dye present.

If for some reason this stain was not removed by the solution above, contact the guys at the NSRA for assistance. you may also want to consider picking up some stone care products to prevent this type of damage in the future.

candy stain on granite

A piece of candy had melted onto my granite table and I don’t know how to get it out. How can I get this stain off.

Solution:
1.Scrap remaining candy from surface.

2.Clean area with acetone and a clean white cloth.

3. If acetone doesn't work than poultice with powder like diatomous earth with one of the following solvents:
Mineral spirits
Toluene
Xylene
Methylene Chloride

source: stone care

The best surface in the world

Probably the biggest misconception people have of natural stone is its maintenance. Truthfully, natural stone requires about the same care and maintenance as any counter top or floor, and certainly no more than natural wood products like tables and chairs.

The best care you can give your natural stone is preventative care. Preventing stains or scratching before they happen is far easier and cheaper than getting rid or repair of them after the fact.

Granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to stains, and practically impossible to scratch. But, as a preventative measure, wipe up all spills on the countertops within a reasonable amount of time. Don’t let liquid sit on countertops overnight. Granite is most prone to staining by oil and acid, so blot these spills up soon after they happen, and then clean the stone with stone soap and water.

Marble countertops and tabletops can be etch by acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine. Blot, do not wipe, any spills up immediately, and then clean with stone soap and warm water. Place a mat or pad between marble and anything which might scratch your marble, like a pan or utensils. Use coasters between marble and any glasses, especially ones containing acidic compounds like fruit juices, wine, or coffee.

On floors, the best preventative measure is regular dust mopping. The dirt and grit gets ground into marble or granite tiles and wear away the polish finish. So the regular use of a dust mop can help keep dirt off the floor and preserve the finish. Use mats at all entry points to further ensure the long life of your floor’s beautiful finish. Wet mop regularly with warm water and a good stone soap, and change the rinse water frequently. If the floor is particularly dirty, the use of a strong stone cleaner is perfectly acceptable. If the damage is too extensive you made need the aid of a stone restoration professional.
In bathrooms, marble and granite tend to attract soap scum. Keep a squeegee handy for shower walls, and rinse vanities and natural stone sinks with hot, clean water regularly. Then towel them dry.

The use of sealers is also a powerful preventative measure. For countertops, ask the Natural stone restoration what seal would be best for your application. You may need to reapply a sealer periodically. The frequency of applications will depend on the sealer, and on the type of stone you have. Penetrating sealers are also available for flooring and bath areas. Likewise, the application of additional sealer will depend on the type of stone, the frequency of use, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If stains and scratches do occur, there are many things you can do on your own to remove them. On granite countertops, remove oil-based stains with acetone, mineral spirits poultice. Food stains like coffee, tea, or fruit juices can usually be removed with hydrogen peroxide poultice. On marble countertops, avoid harsh cleaners and acidic cleaners, including vinegar.

For stubborn soap scum in the bath, ammonia can be used sparingly. Ammonia will, over time, dull the finish on marble, so use it with caution, and only when the soap scum cannot be removed with a mild, neutral detergent and hot water.

Remember the following list of DOs and DON’Ts:

DO use preventative cleaning measures to keep your stone pristine

DO use sealers, applied and reapplied according to manufacturer’s directions

DO blot up spills quickly, especially on marble, and then wash with mild soapy water

DON’T use any kind of acidic cleaner on marble, limestone, or travertine

DON’T use harsh bathroom cleaners or grout cleaners on any natural stone

DON’T be afraid to call your stone dealer for suggestions on maintenance, care, and cleaning

DON’T worry, if you get a significant stain or scratch, that your entire natural stone investment is ruined. Virtually anything can be fixed with professional help.