Both bamboo and hardwood are environmentally-friendly flooring options that have a variety of benefits. Bamboo and hardwood are both aesthetically pleasing materials that complement many different dcor styles. When comparing the two, however, bamboo flooring takes the lead for the following reasons:

• Faster Source Replenishment:Bamboo is one of the most sustainable products that you can put in your home. The trees that supply hardwood can take 15-100 years to completely grow back, but bamboo, a grass, grows extremely fast?within 3-7 years, it will replenish itself! While this is great news for the environment, it is also helpful to consumers: Since bamboo is so plentiful, it is a cost-effective flooring material.
• Greater Stability:The stability of a floor depends on its ability to expand and contract in relation to the temperature and climate. Bamboo is actually 50% more stable than wood, since the material is better able to adapt to a variety of climates. Stability like this is especially helpful in areas with drastically different seasons, like the Northeast.

• Extensive Warranty:Bamboo is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. Because of this, manufacturers feel confident enough to outfit it with a long-term warranty to protect it against damage. As long as you properly care for it and damp-mop it instead of soak it, it should last you for many years.

It?s almost impossible to prevent spills on your carpet, but with the proper knowledge, you can keep them from becoming permanent. Watch this video to learn about the best way to remove red wine stains.

Acting as quickly as possible, blot the stain, starting at the outer edges and working your way in. Salt helps to keep the stain from setting, so you should use it if you do not have other cleaning products available. Mix clear dishwashing liquid, white vinegar, and warm water together in a bowl and blot it onto the stain. Alternate blotting with the wet rag and a dry one. When the stain is gone, blot the area with cold water and then dry it.

Spring is right around the corner, so you may be planning an upcoming spring cleaning weekend. If so, consider how new carpet could freshen up your home and give it the cosmetic facelift it needs. Below, you?ll find information on how to determine whether new flooring is just what your home needs to look clean and rejuvenated:

• Are Your Carpets Looking Dingy?A number of factors can alter the way your carpet looks and smells over time. Cigarette smoke, pet hair and dander, food stains, dirt, and dust can all cause your carpet to lose its luster and brilliance. Eventually, even with routine vacuuming, a ?no shoes on the carpet? rule, and years of professional cleaning, you?ll need to have your carpet replaced. If your carpet has a yellow or brown tint to it, you?re probably better off replacing it rather than continuing to hire professional cleaners.
• Does Your Home Look Outdated?Certain carpet styles can make older homes look even older. A chic and modern way to give your home a facelift is to install wood or laminate flooring. Wood or faux wood flooring can give your home a sophisticated and classic look. Laminate is less expensive than real wood, so many homeowners opt for this choice when upgrading their floors.
• Are Carpet Stains Bringing Your House Down?Some carpet becomes dingy while other types become spotted. If stains are an issue in your home, your old carpet could be affecting its value. New carpet or laminate flooring can quickly and affordable give your home the cosmetic facelift it needs.

Maintaining a clean and soft carpet can be a difficult task for a homeowner?pets, children, and guests may all leave dirt and debris on the surface of your floors. A good way to keep your carpets looking like new is by regularly vacuuming them. Watch this video for tips on the proper technique to use.

Regularly vacuuming your floors keeps dust out of your home and maintains the fresh look and feel of your carpeting. Before vacuuming, clean the carpeted area of larger debris such as toys, paper, and coins. Make sure that your vacuum is in proper working order, with an empty dust bag. While cleaning, remember to overlap your strokes and switch up your direction every now and then.