White kitchens with dark floors- I don't get it
marvelousmarvin
10 years ago
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raenjapan
10 years agofsteph
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What's the best way to get socks white if I don't use bleach?
Comments (8)STPP is sodium tripolyphosphate; it's a purer form of the "phosphates" that were removed from detergents and other cleaning products some years ago in order to reduce chances of eutrophication problems in streams, rivers and lakes. Eutrophication occurs when two ingredients are in excess supply in water (nitrogen and phosphorus) and result in an overgrowth of green algae which damages the water body and animals living in it. Nitrogen is the more common excess element and comes mostly from fertilizer run-off (both agricultural, and to a surprisingly large degree from lawns) and from human and animal wastes getting into waterstream. It is hard, both in practical sense and in a political sense since it would require expensive modifications to current sewage treatment and agricultural practices, to reduce the nitrogen load enough to make a big difference in preventing eutrophication. Since the eutrophication process also needs a certain amount of excess phosphorus, it was deemed easier to reduce phosphates introduced by cleaning products (primarily from laundry and dishwashing) into the waste stream. Hence most US states and Western Europe enacted phosphate bans. But not all states did that, and in many states, even those with bans, it is only illegal to sell the phosphates for home laundry, not to buy, possess or use them. So some people elect to use small quantities in their laundry. I have a private sewage system, and live on a large property where I can (and do) control the amount of nitrogen that enters my soil, so for me the improved cleaning is an acceptable trade-off. And I use an extremely minimal amount, certainly less elemental phosphorus goes down my washing machine drains every year than I put on my extensive gardens. (Yes, I have done the math on that and my college training was in plant science so I'm confident of my figures.) For those who use public sewage systems, the phosphorus is generally removed when it is treated, before waste water is discharged. Excess phosphates does drive up the cost of sewage treatment, which of course is paid for by the taxpayers. Many people buy STPP online from stores like the Chemistry Store, though there are other sources in some areas. One needs only a very small amount (I use what I can pinch between two fingers, or about 1 teaspoon per load, and only for a fraction of the loads I do.) A little goes a long way and in small quantities the shipping minimum is often more than the product. It does an excellent job getting whites whiter, particularly at the higher end of temps in the wash liquor. It is less effective if you use cool, or warm water, and so would be an environmental cost with little benefit under those circumstances. Choosing to use it is something one should be especially thoughtful about, so I am not making a blanket recommendation to add it to your washing regimen. Molly~...See MoreI don't like my new kitchen floors and the transition to family room
Comments (88)I totally feel your pain! Remodels aren't cheap and it's not easy for everyone to picture what something will look like before its done. I had a similar situation - I just didn't feel that I could afford to redo the tile in the entire house - so I only did part of it. Huge mistake. I "solved" the problem with carpet squares. You can buy just what you need, get pretty creative and install them yourself. I'm sure there are many companies, I used Flor. I recommend getting samples - as it's impossible to accurately assess color from the computer monitor. (Samples are free during promotions and sales are frequent.) I would also suggest that moving the sofa to face away from the kitchen will not only cover up some of the transition, but also define the space in a way to enhance the separation of the rooms....See MoreKitchen update... thought I knew what I was doing... I DON’T
Comments (110)Vastly better, although I think the hood and cabs should be the same height. The window looks 100% better without those two narrow cabs flanking it, too. BTW, I would swap the fridge and the tall pantry cabinet so that your fridge doesn't open into that wall (and so the pantry cabinet isn't between your fridge and your landing space for prep items)....See Morebest white color for spanish interior. Don't want something too dark
Comments (7)You have to test white paints in your house because the light is different in each space, even from one room to another. Buy small samples in a few colors and paint up pieces of poster board (I use 14 x 22 from walmart) and compare the colors in your rooms. Also compare to your furniture to see if they look right. Benjamin Moore Wicker White and Feather Down are reputed to be non-yellow off whites. You probably don’t want a stark white....See MoreUser
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