You have taken the home improvement step of installing a granite countertop in the bathroom or in the kitchen. Granite is a beautiful natural stone that immediately enhances the ambiance of the kitchen or the bathroom. The natural stone also delivers rugged durability by resisting strong impacts and prolonged exposure to humid conditions. All of the benefits translate into the biggest benefit of all.

Adding a granite countertop will increase the value of your home.

Make sure you realize the optimal value a granite countertop delivers by knowing the five tips for maintaining your granite countertop.

Easy Cleaning

Some countertop materials are highly porous, which makes cleaning the sides and surfaces an exercise in frustration. With a granite countertop, all you need to do is dunk a washcloth in warm, dish soapy water, and then wipe the countertop a couple of times to remove grime and debris. You should clean a granite countertop after every use to ensure dirt and grime do not build up into an unmanageable mess. You should also be proactive by wiping spills right away.

When You Need a Stronger Cleaning Solution

Easy to use soapy warm water will remove most granite countertop messes. However, there will be a few times when you need to go with a stronger cleaning solution. There are several cleaning solutions on the market that manufacturers market to granite countertop owners. The cleaners are typically pH neutral, as well as safe to use for a family that has young children.

Seal the Maintenance Deal

A good way to look at an effective granite countertop sealant is to compare a sealant with a coat of wax you use to cover your car. Car waxes prevent rain and other types of liquid from diminishing the appearance and functionality of your vehicle. An effective sealant prevents spills and other types of liquid from diminishing the appearance and functionality of your granite countertop.

How to Seal a Granite Countertop

Sealing a granite countertop starts by wiping the surface of the countertop with warm, soapy water, as described on this page. You want to remove debris from the surface to ensure a smooth application of the sealant. Then, apply the sealant according to the directions presented by the manufacturer. Some granite countertop sealants can be easily removed for another application, while other types of sealants are considered permanent additions to a granite countertop. Make sure to decide whether you want a sealant to last virtually forever or for just a year. The type of sealant you use will also depend on how you primarily plan to use a granite countertop. A sealant that lasts for a long time is a good option for a homeowner that primarily wants to use a granite countertop for serving meals. Shorter lifespan sealants work best for homeowners that plan to use granite countertops as cooking and food preparation areas.

Disinfect a Granite Countertop

Although one of granite’s appealing characteristics is how the natural stone resists bacteria, you should expect to apply a disinfectant a few times during the lifespan of the granite countertop. Kitchens and bathrooms are fertile areas for the growth of bacteria, so make sure to apply a disinfectant about one time a year on the sides and surface of your granite countertop. The disinfectant you use should not be acidic to avoid damaging the natural beauty of the granite. MamaSuds All-Purpose Cleaner is a great cleaning option as it is safe for granite. A natural disinfectant that is safe for granite is hydrogen peroxide. 

Cuts like a Knife

If prevention is 100% of the cure, then part of the maintenance regimen for a granite countertop is to prevent damage to the surface of the countertop. Granite has a very hard surface that delivers years of uncompromising durability. Nonetheless, granite can be susceptible to frequent uses of finely sharpened knives. When the time comes to display your dicing and slicing skills, make sure to use a commercial-grade cutting board to keep your granite countertop looking in pristine condition.

How to Repair Chips

Despite its reputation for delivering rugged durability, there might come a time when you discover a chipped area of the natural stone side or surface. The standard process for repairing a chipped granite countertop involves filling the chipped area with glue or an epoxy mixture that resists moisture damage. Give the filled area a few hours to dry completely, and then scrape off any extra material to produce a smooth surface. Some chip repair jobs require the expertise of a home improvement professional who specializes in granite countertop maintenance.

A granite countertop can cost a homeowner more than $1,000 to install. The key to receiving the highest return on your home improvement investment is to maintain the look and performance of the granite countertop for years to come.

As the world becomes more aware of the environmental challenges we face, green remodeling has become more popular. Green remodeling differs from conventional remodeling because it focuses primarily on energy conservation and efficiency. A successful green remodel results in lower energy costs for you and your family as well as a lighter energy footprint, which has a beneficial impact on the wider environment that we all share. Here are a few reasons that you should consider a green remodel of your home.

Reducing Allergens

Many older homes and those built with certain materials can create a toxic stew of allergens that travel throughout the home. Allergens commonly found in the home include mold, dust, shed skin from household pets or unwanted pests and more. Kids, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions and the elderly are especially sensitive to these indoor allergens. Some allergens, like mold, can be detected with in-home test kits. Air filtration is one of the most effective means of reducing the number of allergens in the house. Inexpensive air filters can be placed around the house strategically to clean the air continuously. If your HVAC system is older, consider replacing it. Decluttering your home by removing as much furniture and accessories throughout the house that tend to collect dust can also reduce the allergen burden.

Improving Air Quality

Some home renovations improve indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment in addition to improving energy efficiency in the home. As mentioned previously, airflow is crucial for improving the quality of your home’s air. If you are considering new flooring, then hardwood surfaces might be a better bet than carpet because they tend to collect less dust, creating healthy air. If you live in an area with clean outdoor air, consider renovations that increase outside airflow into the home, such as a trickle ventilator placed in the kitchen.

A Healthier World for Everyone

The best green remodeling jobs can create as much as a 75 percent reduction in energy consumption. Not only does this mean lower monthly bills, but you are making a small but important contribution to our collective action to reduce carbon emissions and save the planet. We are all part of a global community, so why not do your part to be a good steward of the planet?

Remodeling your home can be a messy process, but it doesn’t have to be harmful to the environment. Invest in a green remodel of your home to save money and make the environmental future brighter for everyone.

Once you’ve got your green home remodel finished, keep helping the environment by cleaning with our all-natural household cleaning products!

• Non-toxic cleaning products are best, as indoor toxins can be particularly harsh on seniors.
• Encourage the elimination of items that do not give them joy to reduce their risk of falls.
• Seek professional help or assistance—Medicaid offers homemaker services for tasks like cleaning, laundry, and shopping essentials.
• Provide adequate storage space for seniors to help them keep their home tidy.
• Professional deep cleaning services should be offered to ensure mold and other health threats are absent from the home.

Indoor mold exposure contributes to the development of asthma in children, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health. Mold can also cause eye irritation, skin irritation, nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. While mold is a naturally occurring fungus that plays an important role in the environment, you should always take measures to get rid of it the moment you suspect that it could be growing in your home. When it comes to mold removal, experts recommend using natural and ways instead of toxic chemicals such as bleach or borax. Using natural and non-toxic methods will get rid of mold without hurting your family, pets, or the environment. 

Use baking soda 

Baking soda does a lot more than just keeping your fridge smelling fresh. You can also use it to get rid of mold without harming your health or the environment. Before you get started, it's recommended that you hire a professional mold inspector to help you know all the mold-infested areas. Once you know where the mold is, mix about 3 tablespoons of baking soda with two cups of water and one cup of vinegar. Spray the mixture onto the moldy areas, allow it to sit for about 30 minutes, and scrub it off with a sponge.

Tap into the immense power of essential oils 

Essential oils have been used for ages by people to boost energy, relieve headaches, aid digestion, and calm nerves. You can add "remove mold" to the list. Tea tree essential oil, in particular, has powerful anti-microbial properties that make it an effective mold removal solution. Just add a teaspoon of tea tree oil to two cups of water and use it to clean the moldy areas. Grapefruit seed extract essential oil is another antifungal and antibacterial agent that can work wonders on any mold-infested surface. Just add 10 drops of the oil to a cup of water, pour it into a bottle, and spray it onto the moldy areas. Keep the essential oils on the mold-infested areas for as long as you need to until your mold problem is gone. 

Got vinegar in your kitchen? 

Vinegar is one of the best eco-friendly solutions to a mold problem. It is cheap, non-toxic, and there's a good chance that you already have it lying around in your kitchen. First of all, vinegar can be used to prevent the growth of mold by spraying it onto the surfaces where you suspect it can grow. Vinegar can also be used to kill a large amount of mold in your home. Just spray it on the moldy areas and leave it for a couple of hours to settle. Use a brush to scrub the mold off and make sure the area dries properly. Many people tend to dilute vinegar with water to reduce the pungent smell but this can weaken it and make it ineffective against the mold. If the smell of vinegar is too strong for you, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. 

Mold is a danger that should be eradicated as quickly as possible, but you shouldn't introduce more dangerous substances into the environment when doing so. By following the eco-friendly methods above, you can get rid of mold permanently without affecting your family's health or the environment. 

• Over 70% of conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals, so many people are turning to eco-friendly options for healthier lifestyles.
• Tea tree oil is a great eco-friendly option for sanitizing gym mats and has natural disinfectant properties.
• Vinegar and water can be used to mop floors, deodorize, and clean hard surfaces.
• Soap and water is effective for general cleaning of equipment such as free weights.
• Opting for eco-friendly cleaning solutions is safer for users and the environment while being cost-effective.

• Modern medicine has enabled life-saving advances in surgeries and organ transplants, yet the overuse and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs poses health risks.
• Alternative treatments based on holistic, natural approaches to health often offer the same or greater benefits without drug-related risks.
• Lifestyle changes such as a nutrient-rich diet, exercise, and proper sleep are key factors in maintaining overall health and should be addressed first.
• Over-the-counter medications can be surprisingly toxic; ibuprofen has been linked to cancer and can lead to accidental overdose.
• Pharmaceutical drugs used to treat depression and pain have a high potential for addiction; natural treatments are available as viable alternatives.

Ideally, your home is a place where you can watch TV, socialize with friends and sleep in peace and comfort. However, there are many ways your home may be contributing to your health problems. It may also be causing health issues for your spouse, children and pets. Let's look at the dangers that could be lurking within a home and how to remedy them.

Gas Leaks

Carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless, which means that you won't be able to see or smell it. Ideally, you will have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home to alert you to its presence. A carbon dioxide detector can also be a helpful tool to keep you and your family safe.

 

In the event that you smell gas coming from a stove, water heater or any other source, evacuate the premises immediately. You should then call 911 or the local utility company to report the leak. Someone will come to your home to investigate the report and ensure that it is safe to go back inside.

Mold

Mold can grow in almost any area of the home that is dark and moist enough. This includes a garage, your home's basement or behind walls. In fact, mold can even find its way into your roof. You may be able to prevent mold growth by ensuring that the air in your home is allowed to circulate freely. It may also be possible to call a mold remediation specialist to clean any that has already grown in or on the house and ensure it does not return.

Pests

Mice, rats and your own pets can carry fleas, ticks and other parasites that could infect you or others in your home. Rodent urine and droppings can also be toxic to the people and animals that come into contact with them. Both rodents and other insects such as ants or flies can get into your food and contaminate it. If you see any pests in your home, be sure to seal your food and get rid of crumbs quickly. You should also take steps to eliminate water sources and seal the perimeter of the home.

You should never feel as if your home is putting your health and safety at risk. The good news is that regular maintenance and upkeep can keep yourself, your family and anyone else who spends time on your property comfortable and healthy.

Clean out that mold with these toxin-free methods!

There’s nothing more unpleasant than having unwanted visitors in the form of pests in your home. Whether you’re dealing with fleas or bed bugs inside your dwelling or ants, spiders or grubs on its exterior, you are probably looking for ways to force them to another location. Common pesticides can be effective, but these products typically contain toxins that make them very dangerous to use. In many cases, these dangers persist well past the application process. You don’t even want to come into contact with them after the fact. Let’s talk more about pests, toxins and what you need to know in order to keep yourself safe.

Dangers of Pests

It’s a nuisance to have pests in your home, but there can be bigger problems associated with them. For example, there are bugs that can carry disease. When they bite you, they can make you quite sick. If you have fleas in your home, they could be feeding off your pet. If this goes on for too long, the pet can become anemic to a life-threatening degree.

Toxins and You

There are various pest control products available. What you choose really depends on the type of pest that you are trying to get rid of. Remember, however, that conventional toxins become less effective on pests as time goes on. It’s important for you to use materials that will work on resilient pests, but the substance shouldn’t harm you. While a product might claim to be perfectly safe for adults, children, and pets, you can’t guarantee that to be true, especially if you’re using strong and toxic chemicals. 

What Should You Use?

Fortunately, there are many natural pest repellents that you can use in your home and on your property. Many different essential oils repel insects. You can use these natural sprays in the home around baseboards, on the carpet and around windows and doors. You can also utilize spray bottles that attach to the hose, which will allow you to distribute the substance all over your yard. This will cut down on your pest population.

If you’re not sure what type of pest product you should be using in your home, you can speak with a conscientious pest control specialist in your area. They will be able to give you a safe recommendation that will be effective on even the most resilient pests. Once you have the problem under control, it will be easier to prevent a future problem from occurring again.

It’s important to limit the number of toxins and chemicals that enter your house. That’s why MamaSuds creates natural vegan soaps and household cleaners; so that you can create a safe and clean home for the people you love! 

• Genetics play a role in health but lifestyle changes can improve quality of life and vitality.
• Warmer weather encourages outdoor activities, such as walking, running, hiking and biking.
• Eating habits are often inherited from parents; nutrient-rich foods and limiting intake of carbs/starchy foods helps prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• Social interaction with family members or friends can help reduce issues like anxiety or depression, which can lead to better health.
• Establishing a healthy lifestyle is a combination of elements that make individuals and families feel well in body and mind.