Our cleaning technicians use a product that is so safe it can be used as a moisturizer and a fruit and vegetable cleaner. It is called “Pink Solution”. The product comes concentrated in tubs from North Vancouver BC, Canada. It is eco-safe, natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, septic safe, and free of perfumes, dyes, phosphates, and sulphates. The technicians use it full strength to clean ovens, dirty bathtubs, shower scum, ceramic stove tops, grease, and other stubborn areas. They also use Pink Solution as a multipurpose cleaner by melting it into liquid and mixing it with water in a spray bottle. It is a go-to cleaner for hardwood, marble, granite, linoleum, tile, sinks, stainless steel, and anywhere water can be used. To learn more, watch this YouTube video!
Woodn't you want to know? If you're considering new furniture, flooring or cabinetry, it pays to know your woods:
Pine is a yellowish or whitish wood with dark brown knots, often used for rustic appearance in furniture and cabinetry. Pros: It's low cost, resists warping, takes well to stain and paint, and develops a nice, rustic patina. Cons: The softer wood is prone to scratches and dents.
Cherry has a fine, straight grain ranging in color from reddish brown to blond, often used for carved furniture or Shaker-style tables or cabinets. Pros: Easily shaped and beautiful polished or unstained. Cons: Expensive and may darken with age.
Maple is a white hardwood sometimes tinged red, often used for heavy-use items like dressers and kitchen cabinets. Pros: Affordable and durable. Takes dark stains to mimic pricier woods. Cons: Without proper sealing, stains can look blotchy.
Oak is a swirl-grained hardwood in red and white varieties, often used as flooring or in Arts and Crafts or Mission-style furniture. Pros: Durable and resistant to warping. Cons: Stain can darken and exaggerate grain so it appears two-toned.
Walnut is a straight-grained hardwood that comes in chocolate brown and yellow varieties. Often used for headboards and ornate furniture. Pros: Strong and stable wood with rich coloring. Cons:Expensive and color can vary greatly in a single board.
Source: Real Simple
Help! So many counter top options!
Renovating a home can add a lot of value, but the materials you choose can ultimately impact the return on your investment. As you’re considering what material to use for your countertop, take a closer look at the pros and cons of some of the most popular options: granite, quartz, laminate, and marble.
Granite is a popular natural stone that looks beautiful in kitchens and bathrooms. It is resistant to heat and scratches and can last a lifetime when cared for properly. One of the cons of granite is that it will have seams, especially in U-shaped or L-shaped layouts. In order to prevent moisture or stains from seeping into the stone, you will have to seal it regularly. Granite also doesn’t have as wide a range of color or design options as manmade materials, since it occurs naturally.
Quartz is another popular stone that comes in a wide range of colors and styles. It won’t crack or chip as easily as natural stones, and it’s non-porous, so it won’t harbor bacteria. It stands up well against stains and is easy to keep clean. Quartz is more expensive than other options, but it can add a modern flair to your kitchen. The seams are noticeable, which is a con to some. Also, it isn’t resistant to heat, so a hot pan could damage it.
Laminate is one of the most cost-effective options available. However, it is made of layers of material glued together, so it isn’t resistant to heat or scratches. Laminate countertops don’t add as much resale value to a home, since the material is cheap and widely available.
Marble can be a good option for high-end homes. It’s important to note that marble is a high-maintenance and porous stone, so potential buyers may not like it. Stains can seep deep into the stone, so professional sealing is a must and is often needed every 6-12 months. It is also softer than other stones, which means scratches show up often. Marble is certainly beautiful, but it’s expensive and harder to care for than other options.
Sources: House Beautiful, All Property Management, Countertop Guides