WOOL AND ALLERGIES

A recent Wools of New Zealand informational segment provides food for thought for those allergy sufferers among us considering the most suitable flooring surfaces for ourhomes.  There is so much to talk about when it comes to wool; it’s always hard to decide where to begin. Initially, I considered writing about the beautiful land where wool sheep are raised or detail the many natural attributes of the wool fiber. But, with the approach of winter and spring on our heels, I decided it could be more helpful to address one of the bigger concerns folks have with wool: that is allergies.

This Wools of New Zealand article describes an incident that occurred in 1973 when the Swedish government banned the use of carpet based on the premises that carpet contributed to allergy concerns.  Ironically, instituting this policy actually exacerbated incidence of allergies among Swedish people.  The anecdotal evidence from this incident suggests that, contrary to popular belief, carpet actually diminishes the potential allergens and sheds light on this concern many people have with wool carpet. 

People think they are allergic to wool because they’ve worn a sweater that’s made them itch when what they’re really feeling is the “tickle and prickle” (WNZ) of the coarse fibers against their skin, much like the itchiness felt after a haircut. This happens when coarse wool is blended with fine apparel wools to reduce cost (WNZ). Coarse fibers of any type would cause the same problem if used in apparel.

The reality is that wool is a non-allergenic fiber and does not promote the growth of dust mites or bacteria. What’s more, wool fibers are too long and too coarse to be inhaled and therefore do not affect asthma sufferers. (WNZ)

Unfortunately, many doctors routinely recommend carpet removal due to allergy concerns. They believe that if all possible places where allergens can be held are eliminated, allergic reactions will disappear.  According to Wools of New Zealand:

In 1973, The Swedish government shared this viewpoint and banned the use of carpet in all public facilities. Carpet was replaced with hard surface flooring materials in homes, commercial environments and government buildings. Follow-up studies by the Swedish Central Statistics Bureau indicated a dramatic increase in reported allergies by the Swedish population following carpet replacement. As carpet was removed and hard surface flooring was installed, the incidence of allergies increased among the Swedish population. This alarming increase was in direct proportion to the amount of hard flooring materials installed. After 17 years, the allergic reactions were finally confirmed and the ban was removed.  (WNZ)

Medical commonly professionals agree on the fact that people prone to respiratory problems are most affected by airborne particles.  The irony twist on the story above is that these airborne particles are more easily disturbed in an environment of hard surfaces. Carpet holds dust in its structure, preventing the whirling up of particles that irritate hay fever and asthma. “Unlike synthetics, wool actually goes a step further to purify indoor air by absorbing pollutants and gases” (WNZ). 

So, counter to the commonly held belief, carpet in general and wool carpet in particular, may actually prove to improve indoor air quality and reduce potential airborne allergens.  What do you think about that?

Bamboo Flooring Installation

This installation presented us some challenges and required a great deal of technical ingenuity above and beyond that normally required, such as: a correcting an epoxy floor pour previously botched by another contractor, leveling a severely irregular concrete floor, addressing concerns with a radiant heat system, just to name a few; but, I think you’ll agree that the finished floor turned out beautifully.   

Our customer selected Teragren’s Synergy™ strand bamboo flooring in the Wheat color because she was looking for a more unique and contemporary aesthetic, one that would coordinate with her home’s architecture and her personal style.  She also needed a floor that was durable and hard enough to stand up to her dogs.  She chose this floor because she felt the finished floor Teragren achieves by fusing bamboo fibers together into boards would result in a very special look, and the durability of the finish and hardness of the floor absolutely won her over.  Plus, the colors really complimented her home’s stone work and knowing this floor was more ecologically friendly was the icing on the cake.    

 This first image shows the great room completed.  This choice really complemented her home magnificently!

 

 

 These images are, unfortunately, the best before shots we have. You can see the original poured floor and the way the edges were finished around the stairs. Yipes!

 

 

 

 

Another image of what we had to work with!

This sequence of images perhaps best demonstrate the dramatic transformation we achieved by this flooring installation. Compare the original images above to these. We used the manufactures pre-finished stair-nose to frame the steps.

What an enormous improvement!

The rough flagstone walls throughout this space demanded quite a bit of attention. We scribed each board so that it would contour neatly to the stonework and our customer loved it! The floor fit against the variegated stone and mortar joints like a well tailored suit!

This image also allows a slight glimpse of the near mirror smooth and flat flooring that resulted of our K15 pour.

(And yes, that is John in the background, surveying his handy work—not posing.)

 The finished floor was stunning. The paint job—not so much. (We do not paint walls only trim!)

This view from the bedroom, down the hall and into the great room shows the longest run of flooring and the expanse of this project.

For more information on Teragren’s
Synergy™
strandbamboo flooring; other flooring options, colors, pricing, etc.; flooring design, installation, or maintenance; feel free to read on in our blog or go to our website.

SIMPLE WAYS TO REDECORATE YOUR HOME

Give Any Room a “Facelift” Without Spending a Fortune

 

Like many homeowners, you may think that you’ll never find the budget or the time to turn your mundane living room or bathroom with 30-year old flooring into a functional and up-to-date space that you love.  Spring  is the perfect time to complete projects around the house, but it can also be among the busiest times of the year!  Luckily, there are hundreds of quick, relatively inexpensive and simple ways to make a dramatic impact on any room in your home.

 

Many consumers think that redecorating their home will cost thousands of dollars and take months.  Fortunatly, there are countless simple solutions that help change the whole look of a room with a minimal amount of effort and at a low cost.

 

Start at the Bottom

New flooring can change the entire look and feel of a room.  Soft carpeting will make a living room feel more comfortable and inviting, while choosing hardwood or natural-looking laminate flooring will add elegance to an entryway or dining room. 

 

For a quick and easy change, adding a brightly colored or textured area rug on top of a hard surface.  Area rugs are available in a range of prices and in different sizes and shapes to fit any space.  Recently, there has been a trend towards less expensive area rugs that look remarkably like the high-priced styles.  You can find a range of designs with an expensive hand-tufted wool appearance that are actually made from polypropylene fibers. This is a great option if you’re trying to decorate within a budget!

 

There are also great options for homeowners who want a high-quality wall to wall carpet but don’t want to spend a fortune, such as,  the Good Housekeeping collection of carpeting.  This collection is available in a variety of styles and colors and, more importantly, it has been tested for durability and performance by the Good Housekeeping Institute.  Only products that meet Good Housekeeping’s high standards are backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal. 

 

If you prefer the look of a hard surface, you may want to choose laminate or vinyl over more costly hard surface flooring.  You can achieve the look of hardwood or ceramic tile, with vinyl or laminate flooring, which tend to be more affordable and still very durable.  Opting for laminate or vinyl flooring can save as much as $10 per square foot!  This cost savings is mainly because it costs less to purchase the materials for a laminate or vinyl floor than hardwood or tile.  Earthscapes, for instance, is an extremely affordable and durrable, scratch and wear-resistant vinyl flooring.  The Earthscapes designs bear a striking resemblance to real ceramic tile and hardwood flooring and cost a fraction of the price. 

 

Color & Lighting

Another quick and inexpensive way to give your room a “facelift” is to alter the colors and lighting.  Are you plagued by boring white walls and nervous about making a dramatic change?  Designers suggest to try painting one wall or just the ceiling with a rich, bold color, like cranberry, a warm gold tone, or a deep blue or to try giving your room some dimension by alternating complementing colors on each wall.  Simply adding color to one surface – which requires less time and much less paint – will give the room a whole new energy. 

 

Another option is to give the room a sophisticated colonial look with wainscoting (the white or neutral colored board that usually comes about halfway up the wall).  Whether your walls are already apple green, or you decide to paint all four of them a new color, wainscoting will break up the color in the space and create clean, modern elegance in the room.  Wainscoting is easy to install and usually comes in pre-cut lengths and a variety of heights. 

 

Lighting can control the ambiance and set the mood of the room, so you may need to try a few different options before finding what you like.  But the good news is that you can change the light by simply choosing different types of light bulbs, using dimmers or opening unused windows.  If your room is illuminated mostly by fluorescent lighting, you may want to add a few light fixtures or lamps to soften the harsh fluorescent bulbs. 

 

The Big Pieces

In many rooms, especially if it’s a bedroom or a living room, the furniture occupies most of the space.  So, if you have an old couch with a loud pattern or a dark wood dresser, it may be dominating the décor and hindering your ability to create your own style.  If you’re decorating on a budget, it’s difficult to justify purchasing a new bedroom set or living room furniture, especially if what you own is still in good condition!  But there are some low-cost alternatives:

 

·         Change the color and style of your couch and chair with slipcovers.  They come in a variety of styles, colors and prices and can be adjusted to fit your furniture perfectly.  Plus, it’s easy to remove a slipcover and throw it in the laundry!

·         Make that old brown couch a little more exciting by adding accent pillows in bright colors or a soft throw.  You can do the same to change the look of your bedding. 

·         Although some bedding can be very expensive, you can usually find a duvet cover and matching pillow shams for a reasonable price.  You can stuff the duvet and shams with your existing comforter and pillows to create an entirely new look!

·         Try rearranging your existing furniture.  Simply shifting your bed to the opposite wall or turning your couch to face a window can make it feel like a whole new room.  Also, try to get rid of extra furniture or clutter so there is a logical and comfortable “flow” to the space.

·         If your dresser and nightstand aren’t family heirlooms passed down from your great-grandmother, you may want to consider painting them.  Try a clean white or a bold green to make them stand out in the space.  For a more subtle look, try black or a neutral off-white shade.

·         If you need to add some new pieces to a room, look for unfinished furniture and re-finish it yourself.  It may take a little longer and require more effort, but unfinished furniture is generally much less expensive than the alternative!

 

So, now you have no excuses for living amongst plain white walls or subjecting your friends to that orange striped couch from 1979!  These tips will help you to remodel even the most atrocious of rooms to reveal a modern look that reflects your lifestyle – without breaking the bank!

 

For more decorating ideas and all your flooring needs, visit www.georgesc1.com.

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR TREATING COMMON STAINS

Floor Covering Stain Removal Tips

 

We have compiled some tips for treating some common stains quickly and easily on the spot.  So, when your favorite spill, you can take care of it in a flash!  All you need are a few essential items on hand to prevent any spill from becoming a stain.  Keep in mind that quick action is critical, since many stains become more difficult to remove once they set.”

 

Prepare an “emergency stain kit” with the following essential “stain busters:”

·         white vinegar;

·         baking soda;

·         unprinted white paper towels;

·         clear dishwashing detergent solution;

·         a laundry presoak solution;

·         a dry powdered carpet cleaner (e.g., Carpet One’s Capture);

·         a dry, non-oily, non-caustic cleaning solvent;

·         non-bleaching clothing spot remover.

 

Here are some simple solutions for ridding your home from some common messes, using items from your “emergency stain kit.”  Remember to check the warranty on your flooring before using any of the tips.

 

Chocolate:  This delectable treat can do damage to your upholstery and carpeting.  For chocolate stains, first scrape or blot up excess.  Mix a half of a teaspoon of clear dishwashing detergent in one cup of warm water, and dab on the spot with a dampened towel.  Continue to blot the area.  Next, dab on undiluted white vinegar to the stained area, and blot again.  Rinse by dabbing with a damp sponge.  Blot once more and finish by applying a weighted pad of white paper towels overnight.

 

Berries:  Though they’re a healthy dessert alternative, berries are just as unsightly on your tablecloths, chairs and floors as its decadent counterparts.  To treat a berry stain, follow the above instructions for chocolate stains.

 

Butter, Shortening and Cooking Oil:  Don’t let greasy, slippery stains foil you.  First apply a dry cleaning solvent, using a dampened towel.  Blot the stain, as rubbing will embed it further.  Then repeat these steps, first applying a solvent and then blotting.  Lastly, apply water with a dampened towel and blot-finish with a weighted pad of towels.

 

After-dinner Drinks:  Whether you finish off your meal with a cup of steaming java or a glass of wine, don’t fret about spillage.  If a spill occurs, first, blot up the excess and then apply detergent solution with a damp towel.  For coffee, mixed drink and red wine stains, leave on for three to five minutes.  Blot, don’t rub. Then, for all types of drinks, apply undiluted white vinegar using a dampened towel.  Next, for everything but red wine, apply water with a damp sponge.  Finally, for all drinks including red wine, blot-finish with a weighted pad of towels.

 

Candle Wax:  For removal of melted candle wax, start by scraping off excess wax with the blunt edge of a butter knife.  Cover with brown paper and apply a warm iron until the material is absorbed.  Be sure the paper is large enough to cover the stained area and avoid touching the carpet with the iron as the fiber might melt.  Change the paper or rotate to a clean area and repeat until the material is completely absorbed.  

 

For a handy, easy-to-follow Stain Removal Guide featuring more tips on how to remove other common stains, like soft drinks, mud and chewing gum, visit www.georgesc1.com.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DECORATING

Updating Your Home with Decorating Ideas that are Perfect for a Busy Family

 

For those of us with kids, pets and busy schedules, our homes can often feel like a congested space filled with clutter, rather than the beautiful home we’ve always imagined.  It sometimes seems like an impossible feat to maintain a tidy and organized house with so many toys, books, shoes and mail everywhere!  However, with some simple decorating ideas from the experts, you can transform your house into a neat and family-friendly environment for the New Year.

 

One of the biggest challenges of living with a busy family is keeping surfaces like counters, walls and floors clean and free of clutter and messes.  The key to overcoming this challenge is to start with the right surfaces!  Try some of these ideas for family-friendly decorating, from the floor up.

 

Choosing the right flooring can save you a lot of time and energy.  For a high-traffic area in your home, you should opt for either a durable hard surface, like tile, hardwood, laminate, or vinyl or carpet that is specially designed to resist stains and spills. 

 

There are stylish, comfortable and functional carpets for all the rooms in which your family lives.  Good Housekeeping carpet, which is made with a unique fiber called Resista, represents a terrific solution for busy families.  Carpet made with Resista actually repels stains, so it is easy to clean and will retain its color and softness much longer.  And Relax, It’s Lees®,  offers families a new kind of carpet for the hectic world in which families live.  It offers the perfect blend of fashion and performance.  Lees features Ultra 25® with Scotchgurard™ Protector for groundbreaking stain protection and ExtraLoc® backing with double the density of standard carpets. Technical innovation plus a broadpalette of colors and styles will help you achieve your creative vision and not have to worry about spills!  These are both great options for families with kids, who often track in dirt on their shoes or tend to spill their food.  There are also hard surface flooring styles that are great family-friendly options. 

 

Since kids tend to walk around with sticky fingers, you should also opt for a wall treatment that will stand up to your family.  Look for a type of paint that is designed specifically for kids.  Most hardware stores carry styles that can be wiped clean and will withstand moisture. 

 

The right flooring and wall treatment will make cleaning up much less time-consuming, but what about all the clutter?  We also have some great tips for staying organized in every room in your home.  These ideas will help you get a great start on clutter!

 

§  Organize your entryway.  Your mudroom or entryway can often be one of the most disorganized areas in your home.  This area tends to collect shoes, coats, mail and bags from every member of your family.  The best way to combat this clutter is to add shelves, hooks and racks to your closet to make sure that everything has its own place.  Try placing hooks lower on the wall so that your kids can hang up their own coats and book bags when they come in the house.

 

§  Choose the right furniture and flooring.  In a room that’s used by the family every day, choose furniture and flooring that are easy to care for.  Opt for furniture made with durable fabrics and choose a pattern or a neutral tone that will camouflage wear and tear from your kids.  Save the more luxurious fabrics for an accent pillow or a throw.  Fabrics like chenille or crinkled velvet will give the room a more formal feel, but are still more durable than something like silk.

 

Choose flooring that is easy to clean or that hides dirt.  It’s easy to clean up spills and messes from a hard surface like ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate or vinyl.  Plus, these surfaces are generally scratch, dent and wear resistant, which is perfect if you have small children who may drop toys or books on the floors.  For a more comfortable room, try carpet in neutral tones or a multi-colored style that will hide dirt and wear.

 

§  Add storage in a playroom or child’s bedroom.  The best way to hide toys, books and other clutter is to create lots of extra storage space in a room.  You can use something simple and inexpensive, like stacked plastic bins for smaller toys or a colorful bookshelf for larger games and toys.  An over-the-door organizer is perfect for holding shoes, stuffed animals and sports equipment.

 

§  Keep your collectibles out of reach.  It’s a common problem that many parents face: you want to display your grandmother’s china and other family heirlooms, but you’re too afraid that one of your kids will break them.  The answer to this dilemma is to strategically display your favorite antiques and heirlooms out of the reach of your kids!  Try hanging china and old photographs on the wall above a mantle or on a high, free-standing shelf.  Or choose a stable curio that you keep locked.  These options will allow you to enjoy these collectibles, while ensuring that your children aren’t tempted to touch them or knock them over. 

 

§  Hide the clutter with storage pieces that look good and serve a purpose.  If your kids are used to playing in the living room or a central area, the plastic storage bins probably don’t match the décor.  There are plenty of options that double as a beautiful table or shelf and the perfect storage space.  Look for an antique trunk to use as a coffee table in your living room – this can be used as a storage space for games, toys, pillows and extra blankets.  A side table with drawers and doors can hide small toys, your kids’ favorite DVDs and miscellaneous items.  For larger things, like an oversized stuffed animal or big toy, try an old cabinet.  You can display photographs or place a nice lamp on the top of the cabinet, while keeping toys, games and books out of sight in the space below.     

 

Although maintaining an organized household with a busy family can prove difficult, it can be done with creative storage ideas and the right materials, with simple ideas like these aimed at striking that balance between function and form, a functional living space and an attractive home! 

 

For more family-friendly decorating ideas, visit www.georgesc1.com.

Free Installation & No Down Payment & No Interest Until 2013 – Sale!!!

Free Installation & No Down Payment & No Interest Until 2013 – Sale!!!

Free Installation & No Down Payment & No Interest Until 2013

Wools of New Zealand: Who’d guess being ecologically responsible could be so much fun? (Part III)

Borrowed from Wools of New Zealand:

Wool

Wool production compares favourably with the manufacture of man-made fibers in regard to energy consumption, as expressed in tonnes oil equivalent per tonnes fiber produced. In fact, wool only uses between one-third and one-sixth of the energy required to produce polypropylene or nylon fibers. And there’s more good news – wool’s superior heat insulating properties save on heating costs.

 

Energy consumption per kg of fiber (MJ/kg) based on a life cycle analysis of carpeting by Utrecht University in the Netherlands is as follows:
 

http://woolsnz.com/en_us/display.asp?sID=2&mID=51

Wools of New Zealand: Who’d guess being ecologically responsible could be so much fun? (Part II)

Borrowed from Wools of New Zealand:

Wool: An Environmentally Friendly fiber New Zealand is the world’s second largest wool exporter to all markets and is the leading carpet wool supplier. That’s because New Zealand wool is naturally the cleanest and whitest wool in the world for all purposes. And we are committed to preserving both quality and the environment. As a policy Wools of New Zealand will: Mitigate or avoid wherever possible the environmental impact of wool production in New Zealand. Advance wool production that is economically viable, environmentally sustainable and consistent with the maintenance of animal health and productivity. Support targeted research and programmes that develop technologies and processes that improve environmental performance. Communicate to farmers and brand partners the best available technology for environmental management and compliance. Ensure that to qualify for the Wools of New Zealand label, carpets and rugs are produced by the most environmentally acceptable methods available. AgResearch New Zealand woolgrowers enjoy the support of the world’s best technical and research facility in AgResearch. They are committed to scientific land management to ensure minimal environmental impact – less than that of the other wool-producing countries. Through successive investment in research & development, New Zealand wool is scoured using the most energy and water-efficient system in the world. Scientific land management and flock rotation ensure that the land will provide this natural fiber for future generations to use and enjoy. Protecting Purity For protection against lice, pesticides are applied to sheep. New Zealand wool is free from banned pesticides, and those used are similar to ones utilised to protect food crops. Any slight residue on wool is removed during the scouring process. Pesticide levels have been reduced by one-half since 1993, making New Zealand’s sheep industry one of the world’s greenest animal production systems. New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to the environment continues, with the goal to further reduce or eliminate the use of various non-banned chemicals.

http://woolsnz.com/en_us/display.asp?sID=2&mID=87

Wools of New Zealand: Who’d guess being ecologically responsible could be so much fun?

Borrowed from Wools of New Zealand:

Save the Earth   Discover the Good Nature of New Zealand Wool Sheep outnumber people in New Zealand 13 to 1 and are a natural icon for the country. Living in the green hills and gentle, unpolluted climate, sheep enjoy unique natural advantages that enable them to grow incredibly beautiful, superior wool.As the world’s largest exporter of wool for carpets, New Zealand farmers have access to a vast repository of research and a strong legacy of wool harvesting skills. Such expertise ensures that their techniques impose minimum environmental impact and guarantees better animal care. New Zealand Wool: A Fabulous fiber! New Zealand sheep produce a naturally strong and uniform wool fiber which is flame retardant and resistant to dirt and crushing. It’s also naturally versatile. And because New Zealand wool is exceptionally pure and white, it possesses excellent dyeing characteristics that assure striking, rich, saturated color. Environmentally Friendly New Zealand wool used to manufacture products that carry the Wools of New Zealand mark carpets is one of the purest, most ecological fibers in the world. To produce this biodegradable and renewable resource, only environmentally responsible production methods are used. And the manufacturing process and the products themselves must conform to environmental requirements in the country of consumption. Through the research of Wool Research Inc., New Zealand wool is scoured using the most energy and water-efficient system in the world. Moreover, scientific land management and flock rotation ensure that the land will nurture this natural fiber for generations to come. No internationally banned pesticides are used on New Zealand sheep farms. Since 1993, pesticide levels have been cut in half, making New Zealand’s sheep industry one of the world’s greenest animal production systems. Any slight residue on the product is removed during the scouring process. So when you see the Wools of New Zealand mark , you will know it is applied only to wool carpets meeting the highest quality – and environmental – standards.

http://woolsnz.com/en_us/display.asp?sID=2&mID=48

PET-PROOFING YOUR HOME

Helpful Tips For Preparing Your House For a New Pet From the Floors Up

 

While expectant parents are typically very aware of how to “baby proof” their homes in anticipation of the arrival of a newborn, it’s rarely easy for new pet-owners to be well prepared when bringing home a new puppy or kitten.  Since animals walk and chew long before a newborn baby can even turn over, it’s important to make sure to “pet-proof” your home before welcoming a four-legged friend into the family. 

 

So what part of your home will be more vulnerable to your new puppy or kitten than your flooring? 

 

 

See!!!

From muddy paws and “accidents,” to untold destruction (see above) your flooring will be the first thing affected by your new furry family member.  One of the more important considerations homeowners with new pets will face is that of your flooring being well suited to your new pet’s adventures.  This usually means you’ll wish for a durable, stain and soil resistant floor that is low maintenance, looks great in your home and, by the way, it must be a good value. 

 

There are carpets, such as those in the Relax, It’s Lees^Ò collection that are specially designed to withstand pet spills and stains.  Relax It’s Lees^Ò carpet features patented stain protection technology from 3M, the makers of ScotchgardÔ protector, that, unlike any other, penetrates the carpet completely and repels stains.  Relax It’s Lees^Ò carpeting also comes with a 25-year Ultra25 stain protection service plan that includes “pet messes,” which are excluded from most other carpet lines. 

 

You may also consider choosing a durable hard surface flooring, instead of carpeting.  Quality vinyl and laminate floor coverings and hardwood and tile flooring have all been designed to be both scratch-resistant and easy to clean.  Vinyl and laminate flooring represent excellent choices for pet-owners who need durable and serviceable floors and want something stylish but don’t want to break the bank. 

 

Getting the right flooring is a great start, but you shouldn’t stop there!  Pet experts recommend the following some quick and easy tips for protecting your entire home, from the floors up, so relationships with pets can be filled with love, rather than anxiety.

 

Before bringing a pet into your home, you have to pay attention to potential hazards – or temptations – and take the necessary precautions to ensure the smoothest transition for both you and your new pet,” says Tim Kelly, Certified Professional Dog Trainer.  “Once you’ve pet-proofed your home as best you can, make sure you have an ample supply of patience and a great sense of humor!”

 

Kelly suggests the following these tips for pet-preparing your home:

·         Protect Your Fragile Home Furnishings.  Use common sense when it comes to breakables in your home.  If you love that vase you inherited from your grandmother, don’t put it on a low table or shelf.  A dog’s wagging tail can make that vase history!

 

·         Protect Your Home From Pet Stains.  Pets will most likely have accidents on the floor until they are trained.  In addition, if your pet is feeling neglected during the day, it might take its frustration out on your flooring.  In either case, you want to make sure you have an enzymatic cleaner and a durable carpet to battle the messes. 

 

·         TIP: What To Do If a Stain Occurs.  If your pet stains your flooring, the sooner you remove the stain the better.  A good stain removal guide like that available through Stainmaster (www.stainmaster.com),  Weardated ( www.weardated.com), or elsewhere on the web should explain how to clean everything from pet food to urine.  If you have a pet food stain, for example, scrape or blot up the excess spill, and then apply dry baking powder.  Scrape that up and then vacuum.  Use a damp sponge to wipe up the remaining baking soda, but don’t over-wet the area.  Then blot, but don’t rub.  Apply a presoak solution (which is one teaspoon enzyme laundry detergent mixed with one cup water).  Then wipe with a damp sponge again, and re-blot.  Afterwards, apply a good dry powder cleaner such as s Capture.  And then a final vacuuming of the spot should take care of it! 

 

·         Protect Your Home With Boundaries.  Create boundaries in your home for your pets.  Have designated playing areas, which you can easily form with flexible gates, exercise pens, or doors.  And different flooring can help enforce those different places.  Create a sleeping area for your dog including a crate for Rover to sleep in – this will help housebreak the pup and eliminate his anxiety from being separated from the family at night.  Cats will need a bathroom area with kitty litter set-up.  The best place for a “play area” or “sleeping area” is on durable flooring, someplace where it is easy to clean up pet hair or stains.  Carpeting or a hard surface like vinyl or laminate could be is ideal in this situation.

 

Although it’s important to protect your home from messes and accidents, it’s also imperative you make sure your home is equally as safe for your new pet.  Kelly reminds pet owners to:

·         Protect Your Pet From Injuries.  Go through your home, looking for harmful objects that are within your pet’s reach.  Most plants are harmless, but others can be fatal (check with your vet) and should not be displayed on the floor or a low table.  Cover any electrical cables and cords with tubing or tape them down with electrical tape, and cover electrical outlets.

 

·         Protect Your Pet From Disease.  If your home already has other pets, keep the younger pet away from any pet excrement or urine, both of which contain elements for which puppies and kittens have not yet built immunity.  Also make sure you visit the vet with your four-legged companion to get all the necessary shots, especially if you plan to let him play with other family or neighborhood pets.  

 

·         Protect Your Pet From Unhealthy Foods.  Make sure you buy pet food that is age-appropriate and recommended by your veterinarian.  Also, remember that not all human foods are good for your pet.  The caffeine in chocolate, for example, is toxic to dogs, so keep that treat for yourself!