On this Week’s Podcast: Eco-Friendly Renovation

Next time you renovate your home, try these eco-friendly tips.

From cars to food, people are modifying their lives to help conserve the earth’s resources and support a cleaner environment. 

In this podcast Danny, Joe, and Chelsea open up about some of their eco-friendly renovating tips.

It’s a project we are taking on at Chelsea’s house for a recent episode of the Today’s Homeowner television show. A focal point of the show is a set of cabinets that used to be in Chelsea’s kitchen. Now, these cabinets are perfect for her new garage workshop.

There are also smaller ways to be gentle in the landfill when working around the house. Old shirts can be cut to create rags, and old cereal bowls are great for saving nails and screws.

When you have to buy materials for a renovation project consider buying eco-friendly. Zero VOC paints are better for you and the environment.

Also, when upgrading, pick sustainable options like dual-flush toilets, bamboo or cork flooring, and energy-efficient LED bulbs.

And, if you still have furniture that works fine but just don’t work for you – donate them. Find a local donation center like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore to donate working appliances, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, power tools and full cans of paint

Also in this week’s podcast:

• Ever think about installing a hot tub in your basement? Well, there is a lot more to think about than just how are you gonna get it down there.

• A piece of furniture that’s been passed down to a listener is stubbornly not opening its drawers. What she can do to safely pry open her inherited cabinet.

• The garage floor often stains due to its porous nature. We discuss what you can do if you notice a stubborn rust stain on your garage floor.

• Joe has a Simple Solution that will have you reaching for an ironing board next time you need to do any work under the kitchen sink.


Question of the Week

Donna Writes, I need some advice, please.

I am currently adding an addition to the back of my home. I recently discovered that when the masons poured the concrete slab for the foundation, they removed the Visqueen plastic vapor barrier.

So now I’m looking for suggestions to fix the problem? I live in Florida and moisture is a big problem.

Should I insist that the masons re-do the foundation or are there other solutions to guarantee I will not have a moisture and mold issue in the future?

Please help. I am so frustrated right now. (Just so you know, my contractor is also coming up with a solution, but I just want to know what my best options are.).

Thank you. (Love your show.)


DIY Project of the week

Brick Fireplace
Here is a simple way to clean soot off of a brick fireplace.

How to Clean Soot From a Brick Fireplace Surround

Stains from soot and smoke are a common problem on the surround around a wood-burning fireplace.

To remove black stains around a fireplace, use a strong degreaser, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP), which is available at home centers and hardware stores.

To remove soot and smoke stains:

  1. Make a paste from TSP and water.
  2. Apply the paste to a sponge, and use it to scrub the black stains.
  3. Rinse the sponge thoroughly, and remove any residue with clean water.

Since brick is more porous, you may need to apply the TSP paste with a scrub brush when cleaning a brick surround.


More Inspiration

How to Remove Oil, Grease and Water Stains in Your Kitchen

Leak or Condensation? How to Identify Mysterious Moisture | Ep. 58

Organization Made Easy: How to Declutter in a Week! | Ep. 57


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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