Flooring is an investment, and there’s a lot to think about when choosing the right material for your home. One factor to consider is sustainability. The following five flooring materials offer beauty and natural resilience as well as less impact on the environment.

Craft: Artisan Wood Flooring

How It’s Made 

Craft Artisan Wood Floor in Burnaby, British Columbia, combines an artisanal approach to flooring with sustainable manufacturing. During the manufacturing

process, the wood is hand sanded and hand stained to enhance its natural qualities.

Craft’s manufacturing reflects sustainable practices, as its certifications indicate. The brand has a Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Chain of Custody certification, which means a third-party verifies that each step of the manufacturing process is legal, responsible and sustainable. Wood used by this brand can be traced back to its originating certified sustainable forest.

Craft products have Greenguard Gold Certification, which means they emit very low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This reduces indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure in a home.

All of Craft’s collections are sustainable.

Durability:

Craft flooring is engineered to be durable. The core layer, or structural material, is Canadian Spruce-pine-fir (SPF) harvested from certified sustainable forests. The solid SPF structural component requires less glue than typical plywood to adhere to the flooring’s top wear, or surface, layer. As a result, the finished flooring is highly stable and much less likely than flooring made with typical plywood to experience board distortion or separation caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Where To Use It 

Craft flooring can be used in most rooms, since it can withstand heavy traffic and the challenges that may come with pets. As with most wood flooring, bathroom applications is not recommended.

Look and Feel 

Craft flooring comes in a range of finishes, from hickory to oak and black walnut, and offers many different aesthetics.

Care and Maintenance 

While Craft flooring is made with premium wood products, as with all wood it requires periodic care and maintenance. Spills should be wiped up immediately, and the floors should be cleaned regularly. Never use wax, oil-based detergent or general purpose household cleaner on Craft flooring.

To keep Craft wood flooring stable, maintain an indoor temperature of 15 to 26 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 30% to 50%.

Organoid: Pressed Alpine Hay Flooring

How It’s Made 

Organoid makes flooring with surfaces of pressed alpine hay and florals. From rose or cornflower petals to daisies and moss, nature makes its presence known in this flooring material’s look and its scent. You can literally smell the flooring’s organic components in the room.

The natural surface of scented and textured hay and florals has a cork backing applied to a high-density fiberboard, which is a type of engineered wood product. Floor impact protection is added on the bottom of the fiberboard. For waterproofing and abrasion resistance, the surface is protected with polyurethane.

Organoid is one of the few manufacturers in the world to be carbon-positive. Each metric ton of hay the company uses binds with approximately 3,300 pounds of carbon dioxide, helping to create a waste product that is environmentally neutral. 

Durability 

The natural, petalled surface of Organoid flooring may appear delicate, but it is in fact a sturdy surface. This material has a very high resistance level, according to European standards, making it suitable not only for residential use but also for shops and restaurants. Organoid surfaces can be treated with conventional oils and varnishes to increase their resistance to abrasion and water, as well as to fading from light.

Where To Use It

Organoid can be used in any area of the home. For wet areas such as bathrooms or saunas, the company recommends the glue-down version of the flooring rather than the click-in floating system. An extra coating of epoxy resin can be added to this material after installation to protect it from scratches.

Look and Feel 

Organoid floors have an organic, natural appearance. Alpine hay, hop cones, cornflower blossoms, stone-pine needles and nearly any natural substance can be combined to achieve a desired look and palette. You can choose from a range of existing Organoid blends or create your own custom mix. 

Care and Maintenance 

Caring for Organoid flooring is like caring for laminate or hardwood. Clean regularly with mild soap water on a damp mop. Never use detergents that contain acids, and don’t soak the floor — otherwise water could seep into the joists and damage the flooring.

Cork Flooring

How It’s Made

Cork is harvested from a thin layer of tree bark, typically from cork oak trees, with care taken not to damage the tree. This thin bark is an impermeable,water-repelling material that is buoyant, elastic and fire-retardant.

To make flooring and other products, the bark layer is stripped into long, wide slabs that are then used to make wine corks, bulletin boards, flooring and other items. Binders are added for flooring applications to hold the ground cork together. These binders vary by manufacturer, and therefore it’s worth researching which binders are used before purchasing a particular product.

Cork is a natural insulator and sound absorber and can be recycled. Cork trees live for 300 years and aren’t cut down to produce cork floors. This has made it a favorite of eco-conscious designers and homeowners.

Durability 

Cork floors normally last longer than wood floors. They stand up to everyday traffic with the bonus of repelling water from spills. Cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew and termites. It’s also anti-microbial. Over time, discoloration of cork floors may occur if the flooring is exposed to direct sunlight. For many fans of cork flooring, this is a patina they embrace as part of the overall aesthetic.

Where To Use It 

Cork’s buoyant qualities make it soft underfoot and a great choice for rooms where you typically stand for long periods of time, like kitchens, laundry rooms and workshops. Its soundproofing qualities make it a wise choice for music rooms and apartments where noise may be a concern with neighbors.

Look and Feel 

If you want a warm flooring material with a comfortable, causual appearance, cork is the right fit. Since this material will develop a patina, it is probably not the best choice if you want a pristine floor material that will not change with time. Cork is available in tiles and planks and in many styles, colors and sizes. Alternating shades of cork can be combined to achieve unique patterns and custom designs.

Care and Maintenance 

Due to its highly textured appearance, cork naturally masks small scratches and stains. Regular sweeping, vacuuming and mopping with a damp cloth will keep cork floors looking their best. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaner and any cleaning products with ammonia. A simple solution of four parts vinegar and one part water is recommended.

Linoleum Flooring

How It’s Made 

Linoleum is often confused with sheet vinyl, and as a result it is overlooked as a flooring option with positive attributes. True linoleum is made of natural materials. Linseed oil is oxidized to form a thick mixture that is then cooled and mixed with cork powder (which gives linoleum its bounce and resilience), pine resins and wood flour to form linoleum sheets on a jute backing. Limestone dust may be added for hardness and durability.

Due to its natural makeup, linoleum is biodegradable and does not emit harmful VOCs. Linoleum comes in glue-down sheets and snap-together tiles. During the glue-down installation process, special care should be given to select adhesives that are free of solvents and labeled “no-VOC.”

Durability 

Linoleum flooring can resist scratches and mask them well because its pigments are saturated throughout the material, not just the surface. Linoleum does, however, get dented by high heels and furniture legs. Linoleum is water-resistant but not waterproof. It should never be fully immersed in water, as this can cause edges, corners or seams to curl. Much like cork, linoleum can also fade, or turn yellowish, when exposed to sunlight. When properly maintained, linoleum can last as long as 40 years.

Where To Use It 

Linoleum has traditionally been installed in schools, hospitals and commercial spaces, but it is making a comeback in the home. It’s durability and versatility make it a good choice for many rooms. Not all manufacturers recommend linoleum in bathrooms, so check the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure the product you choose is suitable.

Look and Feel 

Linoleum flooring comes in hundreds of colors, from subtle to vivid, and can be installed in a wide range of patterns. Your only limit is your creativity. Sheets in a single color work well for a modern aesthetic. Unlike wood, which has joints, or tile, which has grout lines, linoleum offers the opportunity to create a nearly seamless appearance.

Care and Maintenance 

Linoleum can be swept, dusted, or vacuumed regularly. For a more thorough cleaning, the flooring should be wiped with a damp mop or cloth using a solution of one gallon of hot water, one cup of vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. As with cork, avoid cleaning products with ammonia. Spills should be tended to immediately. Some manufacturers add a coating to linoleum flooring to protect it from scratches and fading. Without such a protective coating, linoleum should be cleaned and waxed every two or three years to maintain its luster.

Burnt Wood Flooring

How It’s Made 

Charred or burnt wood flooring is made using the ancient Japanese technique of shou-sugi-ban: treating wood planks with heat ontheir outward faces. This produces a scorched layer of carbon that is highly resistant to water, fire, mold and insects.  Once the wood is scorched, the manufacturer then cools, cleans and prefinishes the planks with hardwax oil. No chemicals, preservatives, paints or retardants are needed.  

Designers and architects are drawn to burnt wood for its elegant appearance and sustainable qualities. By selecting wood, a renewable resource, from sustainable sources and applying this ancient Japanese treatment, manufacturers achieve a high level of resiliency. Ultimately, the longevity of burnt wood leads to less 

material waste over time.

Durability

Look for manufacturers who apply a nontoxic, zero VOC hardwax oil prefinish on its charred flooring for extra protection and resistance to wear. The hardwax oil connects molecularly with the wood fibers, adding strength to the planks. When regularly cleaned and maintained, this flooring will look good for many years. Charred wood can scratch and dent, but spots can often be repaired. This material is available in both solid and engineered wood forms.

Where To Use It

Charred flooring can be used in most of the home. As with all wood flooring, wet areas should be avoided.

Look and Feel

The shou-sugi-ban process produces an elegant surface with distinct lines and textural beauty. It is usually associated with a dark, rich charcoal appearance. This material has become popular in modern interiors because it offers a textured matte, almost black appearance that reads as chic, yet with imperfect qualities that balance the look for a fuss-free feel.

Care and Maintenance 

As with all wood it requires periodic care and maintenance. Spills should be wiped up immediately, and the floors should be cleaned regularly. Never use wax, oil-based detergent or general purpose household cleaner on burnt wood flooring.

Eventhough we use it all the time, it’s a good idea to clean your washer once a month. This will ensure that it stays clean and fresh along with your clothes. While your machine is ridding your clothes of dirt, it doesn’t always rid itself of that same dirt or a buildup of detergent residue.

In addition, the newer HE (high efficiency) machines are prone to developing mold and mildew, especially if you live in an area with high humidity levels, which can lead to an odor developing both in the machine itself and on your “clean” clothes. So give your washing machine some love. 

How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the washing machine once a month, although the majority of us, are still wrapping our heads around the idea of cleaning the machine at all. Fortunately, the process is fairly painless, especially since the machine itself does most of the work.

Before Cleaning: Identify Your Machine and Select Your Cleanser

The type of washing machine you have will dictate which method you use to clean it. HE front loaders and top loaders need one approach; top-loading non-HE machines need a slightly different approach.

Before you start, decide what type of cleanser you want to use: white vinegar, bleach or a commercial cleanser. Using vinegar to clean a washing machine is nontoxic, and it’s easily available, making it a favorite, but some manufacturers recommend bleach or other chemical cleansers, so check the manual for your machine. If you are using a commercial product, follow the label’s instructions for the recommended amount.

Caution: Choose only one cleanser. Never mix products.

How to Clean a High-Efficiency (HE) Washing Machine:

Front Loader or Top Loader

A monthly cleaning is especially important if your HE machine has developed a smell. Wiping down the interior of the washer with cleaner, using extra detergent or running everything on hottest cycle does nothing to get rid of odor. Many newer high-efficiency (HE) machines have a clean cycle, which makes the process even easier, but the basic procedure is the same whether you have that or not.

1. Choose the “clean” cycle. If your machine doesn’t have this, select the hottest water setting. In some cases, this may be the setting for whites or heavily stained clothes.

2. Choose the added rinse cycle if it’s available.

3. Fill the bleach dispenser with your cleanser choice.

4. Fill the tub to the highest level (this will probably be automatic with the clean cycle) and run the machine.

5. If you don’t have a second rinse cycle, run the rinse cycle again manually.

Once the cycle has ended, use a microfiber cloth dipped in vinegar to clean the gasket that seals the door and the area around it. Carefully pull it back and inspect to see if you have mold or mildew underneath.

Don’t overlook cleaning the washing machine soap dispensers. Use vinegar or soapy water to wipe any detergent, bleach, fabric softeners or other laundry add-ins from the dispensers. You can often just pop them out. Wipe off all these areas with a cloth dipped in water and dry them with a microfiber cloth.

Finish by wiping down the controls and the outside of the machine with a microfiber cloth dipped in vinegar or an all-purpose spray. To make the exterior shine, dry with a microfiber cloth.

How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine

Although older top loaders don’t generally have a cycle for cleaning, you can easily create your own version. It involves a bit of a wait time between beginning the cycle and ending it, so use that time to clean other areas that won’t be reached by the water in the tub.

1. Choose the hot water setting and the longest cycle.

2. Fill the tub to the maximum level, then pause the machine.

3. Add 4 cups of white vinegar or 1 cup of bleach to the water and let the machine agitate for a minute or two.

4. Pause the washing machine and let it sit for an hour. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soaking solution, wring it out and use it to clean the top of the drum and agitator where the water doesn’t reach and the inside of the lid.

If you can remove the bleach and fabric softener dispensers, do so and clean the areas beneath them with the cloth and cleaning solution as well. If they are fixed in place, clean them and the area around them. 

Finally, clean the control panel and the outside of the machine with the cleaning solution or an all-purpose spray. Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry and polish the surfaces.

5. Restart the machine and finish the cycle. If you still smell vinegar, add another rinse cycle.

Almost Daily Care

The experts also have some advice for preventing a buildup of dirt and odors between cleanings. If mold and mildew are a problem, leave the machine’s door or lid open after you finish a load of laundry so that the interior will dry out completely. Before you do this, make sure curious children and pets can’t get into the machine, especially if it’s a front-loading one. Some machines have latches designed to keep the door ajar without leaving it wide open.

It is also a go idea to wipe down the door or lid to get rid of any condensation. Wiping and drying the gasket around the door every time you finish a load of laundry will help prevent a buildup of dirt in that area. As a final tip, be sure to use the correct amount of detergent for your loads.

Happy washing!

With Halloween only 2 weeks away, our Halloween creativity will have to be cranked up this year. The B.C. Centre of Disease Control has released guidelines on the best way to celebrate Halloween while remaining safe and reducing the risk of exposure or transmission.

Indoor gatherings, big or small, put people at higher risk of getting COVID-19, according to the centre. Therefore, consider watching a Halloween movie or observing other traditions with your family or small social group rather than hosting a party.

Pandemic Party Rules

You should know everyone who attends, no plus ones. Don’t pass around snacks, drinks, smokes, tokes or vapes. Be more outside, than inside. Keep the space well-ventilated with windows open. Because hand sanitizer is flammable, be careful around open flames.

Trick-or-Treating Safely

Respect homes by staying away if the lights are out. Keep to your local neighbourhood this year; avoid trick-or-treating in busy areas or indoors. Trick-or-treat in a small social group of six people or fewer. Leave space between you and other groups. Wash your hands before you go out, when you get home and before eating treats. Keep hand sanitizer with you if eating treats on the go. You don’t need to clean every treat but you should wash your hands after handling treats. Do not touch your face.

Handing Out Treats

Use tongs when handing out candy. Hand out individual treats instead of offering from a shared bowl. Only hand out sealed, pre-packaged treats. Wear a non-medical mask that covers your nose and mouth when handing out treats. If you can, stand outside your door to hand out treats which also ensure kids won’t need to touch the door or doorbell. If you’re not able to remain outside, clean and disinfect doorbells and knobs, and any other high-touch surface often during the Halloween night. If you are decorating, avoid props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines.

For more information visit bccdc.ca.

With turkey, thankfulness, and togetherness at top of our list, B.C. health experts have some tips on how to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, without giving COVID-19 a chance.

This weekend is Thanksgiving, but in these interesting times it will take sacrifice and adapting, according to B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Get creative, but stick to the basics when it comes to COVID hygiene practices and don't forget to be meticulous about handwashing, covering coughs, and wearing non-medical masks or face coverings where appropriate.

How To Give Thanks Safely

Avoid shared meals or shared utensils. Do not use the same serving spoon. Do not eat from the same plate and hand it across the table.

Sticking to six people is the recommendation from Dr. Henry, even within that bubble of six, people need to adapt during Thanksgiving, upcoming holidays and celebrations.

Keep the celebrations shorter than you usually would. Don’t have the long, prolonged meals because risk of spreading the virus increases with the duration of an exposure within a close space.

Henry reiterated this message by saying, "Make our celebration large in thanks, large in gratitude, but small in size." She said there's no need to leave family and friends out, but make the connection by phone or video call.  "Make sure you have ways to include others that you might normally have in the room with you, remotely," Henry said.

Opt out of a buffet style meal, serve individual plates of food instead and sit apart from those not in your household.

Or spend Thanksgiving outdoors if you can.

Thanksgiving To Go

If you are planning to have a small group over to mark the day, some restaurants are stepping in with their own holiday hack and prepping Thanksgiving to-go packages to order.

If you are preparing the meal yourself make sure there are few people involved in the actual cooking.

Henry said getting creative is the name of the game when it comes to the holiday season. With Thanksgiving just days away, it could be the first look at how future holidays can be spent safely.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Pets are truly people’s best friends; snuggly, cuddly and therapeutic. They are a part of the family. Regardless of the type of pet, one thing they have in common: they smell.

Pet owners quickly become “nose blind” to the odors our pets omit. Unfortunately, smell isn’t contained to the animal, it can quickly spread throughout our home, carpets, floors, walls, furniture and curtains - anything that can absorb odors. 

While a little “wet dog” smell might not be a big deal to you, it can be a real turn-off to a potential buyer if you are trying to sell your home. If you are thinking about listing your house or you just want to get rid of unwanted pet odors here are some ways of neutralizing those odors.

Air Out Your House

Many homes lack good ventilation and just circulate contaminated air. Depending on the type of pet you own, simply opening the windows and allowing fresh air to flow through is enough to help alleviate any lingering smells. 

For items that can be removed from the home, like bedding, and blankets, take them outside and leave them for several hours. The sunlight and fresh air will help neutralize and remove odors that might be stuck in the fabric.

Wash, Clean and Scrub, Everything

Get ready to give your house a deep clean, which means cleaning and scrubbing everything. Yes, everything. Start with the floors and work your way up. Use a mop or get on your hands and knees and scrub the floors, baseboards and walls where your pets may have left their mark or had an accident. Make sure to use an appropriate cleaner for the surface and has odor-neutralizing capabilities. 

Wash all fabrics such as removable couch cushions, slipcovers, pillows, blankets, curtains and washable area rugs. And don’t forget any pet beds or blankets! If you have items that cannot be put in the washing machine take them to be professionally steamed, dry cleaned or laundered. 

For larger upholstered items such as couches, chairs and ottomans consider renting a carpet shampoo/steamer with an upholstery attachment for a deep clean. Lastly, use a cloth to wipe down furniture, picture frames, light fixtures and ceiling fans in your home as pet dander can float through the air and settle on anything.

Vacuum Floors And Carpets

Odor-causing bacteria and pet dander have a way of embedding themselves in carpets, furniture and fabric—even the cracks in your hardwood floors are the perfect “traps” for dander, dust and pet fur. Vacuuming can help! 

To capture and neutralize any smells coming from your carpets or upholstered items simply sprinkle with baking soda and let it sit for several hours before giving the area a thorough vacuum. Keep those smells at bay by vacuuming regularly, two to three times per week, depending on how much your pet sheds.

Shampoo/Steam Clean Your Carpets

When it comes to life with pets, accidents happen and are often hard to avoid. Oopsies can leave carpeted areas in your home smelly and stained. Purchasing or renting a shampoo/steam cleaner from your local grocer or hardware store is always a wise investment as it’s the most effective way to remove odors, stains and bacteria. 

If your pet is constantly having accidents or frequently marking in the same spot you might want to pull back the carpet and underpad to see if it has reached the subfloor. In this case, it might be wise to replace both.

Replace Pee Pads And Clean Litter

Not only are used pee pads and dirty kitty litter unsightly to see while viewing a home, they tend to have a very offensive odor, especially when they aren’t tended to regularly. 

Be sure to remove and replace used pee pads immediately after each use and clean all litter boxes daily. Right before a scheduled showing, replace the kitty litter entirely and place it in an inconspicuous, but still accessible spot, this should help minimize any odors from the box.

Change Your Air Filters

Heating, ventilation and air conditioner filters are often the last thing homeowners think about replacing when trying to free their homes from offensive pet odors. If your filter is old and clogged, you’re not doing yourself any favours by recirculating that smelly air throughout your home. Pick a filter with odor-eliminating technology and install it as soon as possible. 

Purify The Air

If you have several pets, or even just one, you might consider purchasing a portable air purifier. These powerful little towers can be toted around from room-to-room and are used to purify the air, in most cases, capturing more than 99% of dust, pollen, smoke, odor, mold spores and pet dander. The best part about this investment is you can use it in your new house and get a jumpstart on keeping your home pet odor-free.

Apply A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Did you know pet dander sticks to everything? This means any porous surface, like your walls, is susceptible to odors. If the smell in your home is particularly pungent, sealing and painting the walls might be an option. Use a sealer/primer to cover the area before applying your chosen colour. Not only will this seal and cover the smells, it will help stage your home’s interior when it’s time to list.

Fragrance Is Your Friend

Have a last minute showing and not enough time for a deep clean? Try using strategically placed fragrances like diffusers, wallflowers, potpourri or scented candles as they can help mask offending odors until you have time to fully address the problem. Just be aware, there’s a fine line when using synthetic fragrance in your home, too much can be a bad thing, so don’t go overboard.

Keep Your House And Pets Clean

Consider giving your pet frequent baths or take them to be professionally groomed to reduce bacteria and yeast that might be embedded in their fur. Use wet wipes or a towel to wipe their feet when they come in from outside. Brush them weekly with a high-quality brush, to capture the shedding undercoat fur. Depending on your pet’s demeanor you may wish to keep them in a crate or confined to one room while you’re away to keep them off clean furniture. Or, if you have the option to have your pet stay at a friend’s house while your house is listed, take it!

Remember, potential buyers use all their senses when touring a home, so it’s just as important to have a good smelling home as it is a good looking one!