Good Question

Is There a Non-Toxic Stain-Resistant Fabric Protector?Cleaning
Q: We just reupholstered our comfy sofa with an all-cotton fabric. Is there a non-toxic way to “seal” the fabric and make it more stain-resistant? I’m sure a no-eating-on-the-couch rule would help, but it’s just not realistic! My family used to use some spray that worked well, but it has a daunting ingredient list.Sent by ElissaEditor: Elissa, great job on the reupholstery! It looks like an entirely new piece of furniture.
Cambria Bold
Jan 2, 2023
A Safe Non-Toxic Sealant for a Wooden Highchair?Life
Q: What is a safe, nontoxic sealant for a wooden highchair? We have an old wooden highchair that has a tray with all the finish worn off. The tray had also broken in half where it was seamed together. I glued it together again, but I’d like to refinish it to make it easier to clean. It is in otherwise perfect condition and we want to use it for our grandchildren.
Cambria Bold
Jul 17, 2020
How Can I Properly Dispose Of My Old Carpet and Pad?Life
Q: I’m getting new carpet in my house and trying to find out where in my local area I can dispose of my old carpet and pad properly? I live in Macomb, MI, and have over 1300 sq feet of carpet and pad to dispose of.Sent by LynetteEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide have to say:Answered by Cynthia Phakos of Koffka Phakos Design: My first step in finding carpet recycling options in your area was to visit the website for CARE, the Carpet America Recovery Effort.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
What’s the Best Green Way to Clean Tarnish Off Antiques?Cleaning
Q: As a student in interior design I was taught to use naphtha for cleaning antiques. Now I am more concerned about being green. What is best?Sent by BrendaEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide say.Answered by Jennifer Davidson, J. Davidson Design & Consulting Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the metal surface you want to clean.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
How To Stop Wasting Water While Waiting for Hot Water?Home Projects
Q: What is the best solution to stop wasting water while waiting for hot water to reach the kitchen? My kitchen sink and dishwasher are a long way from the hot water heater. What is the best solution to stop wasting water while waiting for hot water to reach the kitchen: a tankless water heater under the kitchen sink, an on-demand recirculating system, or something else?Sent by SandraEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide have to say:Answered by Alex Georgiou, Recurve Inc.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
Can I Use House Plants To Improve Indoor Air Quality?Plants & Yard
Q: Can I use house plants to improve my home’s indoor air quality? There is data and research on the value of outdoor plantings and the positive effect on air quality through natural transpiration. It would seem that the same would be true of indoor plants, if well maintained, both in terms of overall humidity levels, and in terms of potential CO2 reduction and biofiltration.Sent by TomEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide have to say.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019