Q: How can I make my tile floors more kid–friendly?
A: Use non–slip floor mats in high–traffic spaces, wet areas (kitchen and bathroom) and
anywhere your kids most commonly play. Carpet runners are
good for padding spaces like hallways and entryways, and can go a long way toward preventing heavy wear and tear in
frequently–visited areas of the home.
Q: Is there such a thing as stain–resistant carpet?
A: There is such a thing as stain–resistant carpet; however, note that stain–resistant is not
the same as stain–proof. Stain–resistant
carpets are processed with chemicals that make them less likely to stain when spilled on. Nevertheless, even carpet with a
high level of protection will stain if exposed to a
liquid for too long.
Q: What kid–friendly floors are recommended for a child with allergies?
A: Kid–friendly flooring that is allergy–resistant (hypoallergenic)
includes cork, concrete, rubber, bamboo, linoleum and laminate. Keep in mind
that some of these floor types are made using adhesives (glues) that may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as
formaldehyde. These substances are poisonous and can
trigger existing allergies or asthma, and even increase cancer risk over time. When purchasing new flooring, always check
what chemicals and materials are involved its manufacture
and installation to help ensure a more allergen–free environment.
Q: How do I repair scratches in my hardwood floor?
A: Find out if the floor manufacturer offers a floor scratch repair kit. If no repair kit is available,
small surface scratches can be filled with a stain pen,
wood putty, or a similarly–colored crayon. Repair crayons (and pens) can be found in most hardware stores and flooring
retail shops. Always test in an unnoticeable area
first to make sure the repair color blends in with your floor surface. Severely scratched hardwood floors can be sanded and
refinished (depends on the thickness of the flooring)
although this can be somewhat costly.
Q: I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old. What other things can I do to make my home more
kid–friendly?
A: Preventative measures such as door
locks, cabinet safety latches, and corner bumpers can all help minimize your child's indoor injuries. It's also
recommended that you put covers on all of the electrical outlets in your home, and install safety gates at the top and bottom
of all stairways. Make sure that all rooms containing
potentially harmful items are off limits to your children by putting out–of–reach locks on doors as well as
childproof locks on cabinets.
