Cleaning Aluminum Sinks

The easiest way to clean an aluminum sink is to use:

Borax
Clean soft cloth
Water
Rubber gloves

Sprinkle some Borax in the sink, then using some warm water on a SOFT cloth, wipe out the grime. Borax is a very gentle abrasive and will not scratch the sink surface.

For hard water stains or lime build up, use vinegar (white usually works best, but apple cider will work, too) on a clean soft cloth to buff out the water stains. This trick also works on chrome and stainless steel.

What is sustainable wood?

This article was reprinted with permission from Bradco Kitchens and Baths.

There is no clear cut definition of what sustainability is. The World Commission (Bruntland 1987) has broadly defined sustainability as “development that meets needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Luckily, when it comes to wood and forestry, there is a clear definition:

“the capacity of forests, ranging from stands to ecoregions, to maintain their health, productivity, diversity, and overall integrity, in the long run, in the context of human activity and use.”

What does that mean? It means trees should not be cut down faster than what is necessary to keep the earth safe and habitable for humans.

Why use sustainable wood?

In general, wood is a more eco-friendly choice. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the leading gas contributing to the greenhouse effect. Trees “breathe” CO2. They store the carbon-C and release the oxygen-O2. Most cubic meters of wood have about 0.8 to 0.9 tonnes of CO2.

1 tonne CO2 = 556,000 litres or 556 cubic meters (about the volume of a 3 bedroom house)

On average, 1.1 tonnes CO2 emissions would be produced for each cubic meter of a manufactured material such as plastics or other materials that aren’t eco-friendly. So by selecting wood over a less eco-friendly product you are essentially saving 2 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

In addition, if you select wood from a sustainable source that wood is being replaced by new growth.

What kinds of woods are sustainable?

1. Bamboo – Grown on immense plantations in China, Vietnam, other Asian countries and is over 1/8 of the forests in India. This fast-growing wood is ready to harvest in 4-6 years! Due to its fast rate of growth, it utilizes much less fertilizers and pesticides. Technically it’s grass and not wood, but is more durable than many hardwoods due to its pore structure – it’s the same as wood. Its light in color like ash or maple.
2. Cane – Like bamboo, it is a grass, but is stronger and more flexible. It is indigenous to the Phillipines and like bamboo it is also 100% sustainable.
3. Mango – Chances are you’ve eaten a mango, afterall it is the world’s #1 fruit! Mango trees provide fruit for 15 years, after that, they stop. So the wood is harvested and new trees are planted.
4. Maple – It is a relatively fast growing tree; growing 18” or more per year.

What are the worst woods to buy?

Obviously, buying wood from endangered species is not a good idea. Luckily, in the US it is prohibited so your chances are very slim.

Stay away from slow growing trees such as Oak, Redwood, Beech and Colorado Spruce. However, these are great trees to select when landscaping your home! Medium growth rate trees such as red oak, birch and red-bud have medium growth rates and should be okay when purchased from sustainable resources.

How do I find sustainable woods?

The Forest Stewardship Council is an international not-for-profit organization that has created a set of standards that finds solutions for existing bad forestry practices and promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. By purchasing products with their label, you are supporting environmentally responsible management of the world’s forests.

For more information, about custom, formaldehyde-free cabinets made from sustainable wood, contact Bradco Kitchens & Baths at (323) 936-3457 or visit their showroom at 6011 West Pico Blvd, LA 90036 (at the corner of Pico and Crescent Heights).

Caring for your stainless steel sink

Stainless steel sinks are easy to care for. Water spots and mineral deposits can be prevented by rinsing thoroughly after each use and wiping dry with a clean, soft cloth. Non-abrasive cleaners are ideal for regular maintenance. Use vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar) for a non-toxic, eco-friendly way to clean your sink.

In regards to stainless steel, most minor scratches can be softened with a Scotch Brite (soft scour) pad, accompanied with a deep cleansing agent such as Comet. Wet pad, apply cleansing agent, rub vigorously with the “grain” or finish of the sink (note: do not just rub against the grain or in one area. You must rub across the entire surface), then rinse thoroughly.

Stainless Steel Fixtures are Green

When you buy a stainless steel sink or faucet, you’re actually not only buying a terrific value, you’re also doing a good thing for the environment.  Stainless steel has a relatively low environmental impact as compared to many other popular materials.

• AISI 316 stainless steel is a highly durable metal that does not contain any additives or additional metals.
• Steel fixtures are the healthiest.  Since only steel is used, it is free from other toxic particles, such as lead and zinc which have been found to leech into drinking water. In fact, the National Sanitation Foundation promotes the use of stainless steel faucets. Many faucets made from brass or chrome plated brass faucets can leech significant amounts of lead into the water.

• The durability of the stainless steel allows for a longer life cycle, thus reducing the need for replacement and extra waste. Stainless steel will remain stainless steel forever and does not corrode like chrome plating. It is also recommended for coastal regions as it as a higher corrosion resistance than other metals
• Stainless steel production has significantly lower environmental waste as compared to other metals commonly used (copper, brass, and chrome).
• Steel is the most recycled metal in the world.

So next time you’re looking to update your fixtures for your bathroom or kitchen, think about stainless steel…  stylish and eco-friendly.