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Kitchen Cleaning: What You Should be Doing and Why

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The kitchen is the heart of the home. For many, it is where we start the day and gather as a family!


Photo By: Pxhere

Taking care of it is an inevitable chore, but it doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. In this article, we will list what you should be cleaning every day, every season, and why.

The Benefits of a Clean Kitchen

Hygiene (and Mental Health!)

This one goes without saying, but it is often overlooked. The number one reason you should be cleaning the kitchen on a regular basis is to avoid illness. Kitchens are breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. Leaving food out to spoil or using dirty dishes may result in food poisoning.

Not surprisingly, having a clean kitchen does wonders for your mental health. It frees the mind of clutter and makes cooking more enjoyable. You will save yourself the frustration of having to clean before you cook, and you will find what you need more easily.

Pest Control

Mice, ants, and cockroaches can smell your food from a mile away and they will come to the kitchen first. Kitchens are full of crumbs, grease, and moisture that we do not realize is attracting pests. Keeping the kitchen clean is therefore your first defense against a pest problem. You will be avoiding the damages of an advanced infestation and the costs of hiring a pest control company.

Savings

Staying organized means that you won’t let things spoil or buy foods you already have at home. You will know what you have in stock. Having a clean kitchen will also encourage you to make things yourself, saving on those pricey delivered meals. Your appliances will thank you, too. Regular maintenance means fewer repairs.

Daily Habits

Here are the things you should do every day. That’s right, every day! Getting in the habit of these things will make cleanup easier and save you stress.

Wash the Dishes

Washing the dishes frees up space and removes odours. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher right away. Run it as soon as it is full. Anything that must be washed by hand should be done by the end of the day. Letting things sit for too long will make them harder to clean and they will spread germs.

Wipe the Countertops

Wipe surfaces clean whenever you do the dishes. Countertops, stovetops, and tables are covered in crumbs and spills that attract pests.

Clean the Sink

This should be done every time you do the dishes. Use a multipurpose cleaning product and scrub the sink down to remove grease. Don’t pour any oil down the drain and use a sink strainer to catch food.

Sweep the Floor

Like countertops, floors are covered in bits of food that will attract pests into the home. Sweep or vacuum the floor often. This will keep your floors in good shape.

Microwave

Don’t forget the microwave! Check if the microwave is dirty when you are doing the dishes. Remove the plate from the interior and be sure to wipes down every side.

Store Food Properly

Put food away as soon as you are done cooking or eating. Use sealed containers and organized them in a way that makes sense to you. This will help you keep track of what you have in stock.

Take out the Garbage

The kitchen garbage smells terrible and attracts pests. Use a lidded garbage can and keep it under the sink. Take it out every night or as soon as it is full. Clean the interior of the garbage can on a regular basis.

Seasonal Habits

Now for what you should do on a seasonal basis. The following lists what you should do every few months so that you avoid repairs and deep cleans that take hours to finish.

Clean the Oven

The cleanliness of your oven will affect your baking as the food inside will absorb fumes. Purchase an oven cleaner from the store and follow the directions closely. Cleaning the oven regularly will decrease the amount of time it takes.

Clean the Range Hood  

Wipe down the sides and the interior of your range hood to remove grease. Detach the filter, then soak it in soapy hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub it clean with water and baking soda, then rinse and dry. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar together and use it for a final clean.

Sweep Underneath Appliances

When is the last time you cleaned under the fridge? The undersides of kitchen appliances get very dirty with dust, food, and debris. Pull your appliances out every few months and clean these surfaces thoroughly.

Wipe the Inside of the Fridge

Take a good look inside your fridge and throw out all your expired items. Then, disinfect the interior from top to bottom. Clean every crisper and shelf.

Wash the Dishwasher Filter

There is a filter at the bottom of your dishwasher that collects food particles. Take this out and wash it thoroughly in dish soap and hot water. This will help prevent any blockages and keep your dishes coming out clean.

Organize the Pantry

Empty out the shelves in your pantry and wipe them clean. Throw out expired items and take note of what you could be using to cook. Put everything back in an organized fashion. Categorize your foods and use sealed containers for loose items.

4 Popular Layout Designs To Consider For Your Next Kitchen Remodel

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Trends in kitchen designs have changed tremendously over the past decade.

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According to a study by the  National Kitchen and Bath Association, organic and natural designs are rising quickly in popularity, and some of the traditional layout designs like the L-shaped are still ranking as the most popular design in America. However, when you decide to do a kitchen remodel, getting the right layout design is the most important factor in ensuring a functional and practical cooking area. A clever kitchen layout design will make a difference in helping you get the most storage space and enhance the comfort and safety of your kitchen. Here Are 4 popular layout designs to consider for your next kitchen remodel.

U- Shape Design

This design consists of counters flowing around 3 walls uninterrupted to create a “U” shape. It is known to be the most functional and efficient design due to its ideal work triangle. The design also provides enough open space for you to add a seating area, which helps in keeping the cooking social. According to Magnum, open layouts allow modern-style homes to shine, especially when they combine spaces that allow a natural flow of activity. Additionally, U-shaped kitchens are also designed to be user–friendly as having benchtops on three sides allows you to have ample cooking space and appliances easily accessible.

Solo Wall 

Also known as “Single line kitchen,” the solo wall comprises cabinets, countertops, and major work services arrayed along one wall. The other sides of the kitchen are always open and often facing the living area. This design is generally found in studio or loft spaces because of its ultimate space saver. The design also offers a good workflow, as all of the major cooking functions are kept within a few feet of each other. If you have enough space, an island can be used to add storage and workspace, although this may be a tight fit.

L- shaped Design

This is one of the most popular kitchen layout designs. The L-shaped design is ideal for small and medium-sized homes as it allows for maximum use of the available floor. It consists of countertops on two adjoining walls that are perpendicular, forming an “L” shape. Having this design will help you free up space and offer great flexibility in the placement of appliances and work zones. It is also a great proponent of the working triangle.

Walk-Through

Also known as a “walk-through” kitchen, this design is ideal for smaller spaces and one-cook spaces. It is characterized by two parallel countertops with a walkway in between them. With additional rows of cabinetry, the galley design offers more flexibility when it comes to storage space. It may also be open on both remaining sides, to allow your kitchen to serve you a passageway between the spaces. However, with the two sides being open, foot traffic through the kitchen can be inconvenient.
Ready for your next remodeling project? These layout designs will help you open your eyes and mind to selecting the best possible design you will want for your kitchen. Not to mention, give you a better insight into the ideal design that will suit your entire home space and layout.

Tips for buying a pull out kitchen faucet

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A complete home has to be both functional and beautiful. For ensuring this, you have to add things that can take care of these aspects well!

Photo By: Hampton Design

A kitchen tends to be the most crucial corner of your abode. It is the place where you cook meals for your family for their health and well-being. It is also that zone where you share chit-chat with your person while indulging in a delectable drink or food. You spend countless moments here, regardless of its size. And all this becomes possible only when you well equip it with the right appliances. Only these can enhance its functionality and aesthetic value. Of such items, the kitchen faucet is one considerable example.

For every light and heavy work, you depend on it, right from cleaning dishes to preparing meals. It will be right to point out that a faucet can be the tiniest of plumbing fixtures in that space, but it helps you keep up with its busy spirit hassle-free. When it malfunctions or stops working, even a five-minute job can feel like a burden. To be more precise, it will not take much time for your kitchen to feel dysfunctional. Going by this, it makes sense to pay due attention to this kitchen accessory. In the market, you come across overwhelming varieties. Each comes with promising traits, due to which it seems impossible to decide anything faster.

However, if your lifestyle doesn’t allow you enough free time that you could use for exploration, then consider pull out designs.

A sneak peek into the pull out faucets

You must have seen many deck-mounted options. Pull out taps are quite close to them in looks. Some people believe that these can be a perfect match for kitchens with traditional aura. While this is entirely subjective, you don’t need to restrict your choices based on this. Many homeowners choose this model for their ultra-modern setups too. If you are not sure, you can check a pull out kitchen faucet by Kraus. Its mere appearance is enough to communicate the reality.

When you opt for pull out faucets, you virtually ensure better use for your kitchen space. You may wonder how. Well, these taps are usually shorter than their pull-down siblings. Due to this, you get adequate room for overhead cabinets. Also, the hand sprayer in this model is smaller, which prevents the risk of splashing to a great extent.

For the same reason, it can be a perfect consort for a shallow sink. Talking of the convenience, whether your pots and pans are in the sink or on a nearby countertop, you can extend the sprayer to fill water. There will be no or fewer risks of overflowing or spillage.

If you are not a busy cook, you can rely on this specific design to diligently serve your needs. Otherwise, it can be slightly inconvenient for you to work with it. The smaller spout can come in the way when you deal with taller cookware.

If you feel your kitchen requires a pull-out version, you can start searching for it online and offline. No matter where you look for it, you have to make sure that your chosen design has some user-friendly features. Here are a few suggestions that can help you find the most desirable faucet for your favorite place.

Selecting a pullout faucet for kitchen

Most of these are usually single-hole models. So, it can be the best fit for a sink that comes with a single-hole cutout. The installation process will be straightforward. Look around for self- or magnetic-docking technology that allows the hose to retract and lodge itself securely to its location. Or, at least, it should enable you to dock it hassle-free. If this is lacking, it may not be a perfect idea to consider this choice. You can end up struggling to put it back while handling other things at the same time.

Also, these single handle models run both hot and cold water at a moderate temperature. Some styles can also provide temperature control. No matter how it works, it would help if you had awareness about it. Go for options that feature nylon hose. Nylon can be fantastic looking. At the same time, you can trust it for longevity because of its tensile strength and flexibility. If you are opposed to doing too much of maintenance job, it is recommendable to chase spot-free stainless steel structures. As such, stainless steel is the most durable. It can mingle with any interior decoration theme without complaint. And if you find something that doesn’t catch any finger or water spots, you don’t have to look beyond it.

Already stainless steel is well-known for its easy maintenance. But faucets built with spot-free material can make your task easier. You don’t have to bother about its natural sheen and charm. It will not get tarnished even after repeated uses.

Just remember one thing, whether you buy a pull out or some other variation, knowing your kitchen behavior can help you make quick decisions. Also, you will never regret your choice, regardless of how expensive or budget-friendly it was. That’s why even when you shop for a pull out faucet, keep what you like and dislike about your existing plumbing. It can also give you enough hints about the proper selection.

Nowadays, many brands use advanced technologies to give you the most ergonomic and appealing designs. It is up to you to select what suits your needs better. If you are not comfortable with too advanced features, such as a sensor system, you should not invest in them. Ultimately, in a busy place like the kitchen, you require things that operate conveniently and empower you to do your work with a peaceful mind.

A pull out version seems quite easy and friendly. It is neither old-fashioned nor too technical; you can acclimatize to it quickly. The moment you adjust with it, you will realize that it has turned your sink into a multifunctional zone. It would be best if you aim for this goal when replacing an existing faucet or going for a new fixture.

Kitchen Upgrades for Your Covid-19 Baking Goals

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The toilet paper shortage during Covid-19 was no joke, but there was another shortage that you might have noticed — flour!

Photos By: MacLaren Kitchen and Bath

Many people used the extra time at home during coronavirus to get to baking, everything from cookies to cakes to breads and pizza. If you are one of those people who discovered a new passion for creating baked goods during coronavirus, then you may be thinking about how you can upgrade your kitchen to help you achieve your baking goals. 

Open shelves

When you start baking, you suddenly accumulate a lot of dry goods: flour, sugars, grains, and other necessities. If you are baking a lot, it can be annoying to have to pull these items down from a high shelf every time you need them. Creating an area with open shelves above your workspace is the best way to organize a dream kitchen for bakers. If you don’t have one already, you can think about adding a half shelf on a wall, or see if you can rearrange some items to make room for your baking necessities. 

Tray and baking pan storage

The other new items in your kitchen are pans and trays — because cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and breads all need different ones. Upright storage is ideal but you don’t need cabinets made specifically for trays. You can place your storage in an upper cabinet and get a standup file divider from an office supply store to keep your trays organized. 

Rolling cart

A rolling cart can be a convenient way to add more storage to your kitchen, for a portable bakers’ nook that can travel anywhere. When you need it, you can move it around to the most ideal spot for easy access. The top of your rolling cart can also serve as your pastry table, and ideally it should be lower than a typical kitchen counter. Another advantage of the rolling cart is that it’s not a permanent upgrade and that can be attractive if you are thinking about moving after coronavirus, so you can take your baking station with you. 

Book/tablet stand

If you are new to baking, you are likely experimenting with many recipes to learn your skills and techniques. You might often be consulting recipes on your tablet, or recipe books. For books, you can buy an inexpensive stand and use that to hold whatever you are working on in place. 

Shelves for recipe books

Kitchens do not always come with bookcases, and if you have many recipe books, you’ll probably want shelves for them. You can turn a cabinet into a bookcase by removing a door and adding more shelves, or if you have the wall space, consider buying a bookcase to add to your kitchen. 

Acquiring or revisiting a passion for baking that you may not have had time for in the past, means your kitchen might need to take on a new life. But with these tips, you can find that you don’t need a complete kitchen overhaul to be well on your way to your baking dreams. Moving items around and adding a few tools can give you the space you need to get creative in the kitchen. And if you are thinking about selling your home during Covid-19, or in the future, these upgrades might be attractive to help buyers imagine themselves in your kitchen. 

Tips to Improve Your Kitchen Lighting and Ventilation

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Known as the heart of the home, the kitchen is where you spend time with your loved ones bonding – sharing memories and meals. We all want a beautiful, well-designed kitchen. However, a complete kitchen must consider function, as well as decorative elements!

Photo By: MacLaren Kitchen and Bath

When designing a kitchen most homeowners place a strong emphasis on the sleek appliances or beautiful cabinets to install, but it is also important to consider proper lighting and ventilation like what they did at apartments for rent in oxnard ca.

KITCHEN LIGHTING

To ensure safety and cleanliness while preparing food, adequate lighting is essential. The illumination of your kitchen lighting sets the mood whether you want a bright room for a family meal or dim room to entertain. Recessed, pendant, and LED lighting are the most common choices for modern kitchens. 

  • Recessed Lighting – Recessed lights are semi-flush or mounted flush. They work best if the home has a low ceiling or in a small space. 
  • Pendant Lighting – Pendant lights hang over a large or kitchen island from the ceiling. The ambiance from eye-catching pendant lights provide function and perfect for task lighting. Although, pendant lights are not practical in homes with low ceilings or in small spaces.
  • LED Lighting – The most energy-efficient and versatile lighting on the market today. LEDs produce less heat and last four times as long as a traditional bulb. LED track lighting not only provides customized task lighting but you can also install LED lights under kitchen cabinets and around baseboards to add a touch of flare.

KITCHEN VENTILATION

During the cooking process, toxic substances accumulate – such as – smoke, steam, and grease and release into the air affecting the air quality in your kitchen. If you use combustion-based appliances another threat is Carbon Monoxide (CO.)  CO is a colorless, odorless gas that in a small concentration can cause loss of consciousness, coma and even death. A CO detector will warn of any impending problems but prevention is the best policy and the best prevention is a range hood. 

TYPES OF RANGE HOODS

Duct/Vented Hoods – The most efficient and effective hoods available are duct/vented range hoods. Although, you may need a HVAC engineer to help design the ventilation to ensure capability to your home. It is easier to consider duct/vented hoods as part of the original design instead of an afterthought because it may not be an option during a remodel.  

Ductless Hoods – The most affordable solution to kitchen ventilation is a ductless range hood. Ductless hoods use a carbon filter to filter the air through and return the clean air back into the kitchen. The carbon filter will need to be cleaned regularly – most are dishwasher safe.  

Downdraft Hoods – Downdraft hoods require unique design plans and are often used over a stove top on an island in the kitchen.

Sometimes circumstances do not allow for a kitchen range hood. For instance, a tiny rental apartment may not have room for a hood so you can use a small fan, preferably in a window, to remove the stale air or a portable HEPA air filtration system. Although these will not work as well as a kitchen range hood to help control grease settling on surfaces, they can improve the air quality in your kitchen.

AUTHOR’S BIO

Michael Tobias is the founder and principal of Nearby Engineers and New York Engineers, which is an Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America. He leads a team of more than 30 mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers from the company headquarters in New York City, and has led numerous projects in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, and California, as well as Singapore and Malaysia. He specializes in sustainable building technology and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

10 Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas

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If you think wallpaper is confined to libraries, half-baths, and your Aunt Linda’s sitting room, think again. Wallpaper is an affordable, chic way to add color to your kitchen!

Photo by Chronicle Books

The next time you collaborate with your interior designer Los Angeles, keep these 10 kitchen wallpaper concepts in mind.

Create an Accent Wall

Not ready to go all in on wallpaper? Paper just one wall and make it the room’s focal point. Keep your paint, cabinets, and backsplash neutral, and don’t be afraid to use that papered space to showcase your style.

Warm Up Your Pantry

Your pantry maybe under constant assault by your family, but that doesn’t mean it has to look dull. A pop of color between shelves can liven up even the most mundane stockpile of chickpea rotini and canned tomatoes.

Add Texture

Wallpaper is a tremendous way to add texture to a space and decorate your kitchen. Go for grasscloth, make it mica chip, or simply create the illusion of texture with a classic plaid print.

Add a Graphic Print to Your Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

A bold, graphic pattern can fit a variety of kitchens but works especially well in kitchens that have a mod vibe. Team up with your kitchen designer Los Angeles to find a colorful print that fits your space.

Paper the Front of Your Fridge

Got an eyesore of a fridge? Update that drab icebox with wallpaper. It’s an inventive design touch that can be completed in an afternoon. Just make sure to waterproof your paper with a clear sealant as your final step.

Add Depth to Storage Furniture

If you have open cabinets or furniture such as a hutch, papering the back wall can make the items inside stand out. Plus, choosing a brighter shade of paper can lighten up even the heaviest of furniture.

Turn a Corner Into a Breakfast Nook

Using wallpaper to delineate one area of your kitchen from another is an easy way to transform an ordinary corner into a cozy, separate space dedicated to eggs, waffles, and cup after cup of coffee.

Draw the Line Between Kitchen and Dining

In the same vein, you can use wallpaper to define your dining room. By applying wallpaper strictly to the walls surrounding your table, you can mark that spot as separate and inviting in its own right.

Create a Bold Backsplash

Striking prints and patterns work best in small spaces, including the backsplash behind your sink or stovetop. After applying, be sure to cover your work with a coat of polyurethane or a sheet of glass in order to protect it against, well, splashes.

Test Things Out With Temporary Paper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is perfect for those who aren’t ready to commit to wallpaper or who want the ability to change the look of their kitchen frequently. Simply remove the backing and apply it to the desired surface. Don’t like it? Ready for a change? Peel it right back off again and marvel at the lack of damage to your wall.

A little bit of wallpaper goes a long way in most kitchens thanks to their cabinetry, making it a fun, inexpensive way to add style to the space. When you’re ready to update the heart of your home, don’t be afraid to add a bit of color, a bit of depth, or both.

Are you Re-decorating Your Kitchen and Home? Here are 4 Things You Need to Replace!

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If you are thinking about giving your kitchen and home a whole new look, keep reading!

Dining Chairs

To begin with, when a dining table goes out of fashion or its color fades out, we rush into an online or local store to replace it with a more modern one or at least refurbish it. But what about dining chairs? They are made of wood (oak, chestnut etc.) or steel or iron. They also come into all kinds of coloring such as black, grey, white or more fascinating ones as oatmeal or brushed hues. They can be truly inspiring in terms of style since on the market we can find Antoinette, vintage, French Louis or studio sorts of chairs. In terms of pricing, they vary between 100€ and 300€. You have to be very cautious though while thinking of their height and I am not referring only to the height of the back but mainly to that of the seat. Besides, a high-rise seat won’t suit a short table and you won’t be able to sit properly and enjoy your meal. Vice versa, a short chair can’t be combined with a tall table as you will struggle to reach the middle of the table or even worse your own dish!

COFFEE TABLES

Except for the dining room, living room has got a special place in our heart as well and we hunger it to make us feel like home. So, we select carefully our sofas and we confirm that they fit and suit the provided space in terms of dimensions, design trends, shade, coziness. Will it be a double or a triple sofa or are we going to need some armchairs, too? Should they be of similar tinting to the kitchen and the dining or must they make a difference and stand out from the rest of the furniture?

Nonetheless, you have already missed on something important, a subtle detail that could transform the whole living room-a coffee table! The place you share food and drinks with friends or read your beloved newspaper or magazine. Yeah, I guess some of you already own one but it may be a bit odd or damaged already as time goes by. Now, it’s about time you traded it. Let’s check on available options. Starting off with pricing, they range from 85€ to 600€ so it won’t be a major concern to get it at a price you feel happy with. It’s not only about that for sure. You have to decide on the style-they’re made of. To name but a few wood, metal, steel or mirrored glass and shape (oval, round, rectangular, square and so on) are used, so you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice!

STOOLS

OK, now picture that… You think everything is arranged since you’ve just been delivered your new sofas and armchairs. You have also received a brand-new coffee table as well as a TV set. What about a stool to rest your feet after a hard day at the office? Did you forget about that? You will claim “I’ll lie along the sofa to rest my whole body” but you can’t unfortunately since the rest members of the family want their space as well. So, what are you waiting for? Surf the Net and order your individual stool as soon as possible. They are constructed of oak wood, antique glass, fabric and other kinds of materials to suit your needs and taste. No matter how your living room is decorated, you will land a tasteful stool no matter what. The prices begin from 119€ and top up to 349€ depending on the size, shape and style. Wait no more and place your order now at www.my-furniture.com.com.au to get great value for money furniture.

BEDSIDE TABLES

Now let’s move on to the master and the rest of the bedrooms. There, you might need to look after a lot of stuff. Maybe as a family you will be led to the decision to refresh or change the color on the walls or putting new closets. Apart from that, if drapes are damaged and worn, they should end up in a second-hand store. For sure, the bed or the mattress itself could be replaced with new, more elegant and comfortable ones. And the bedside tables..? Have you totally forgotten about them? Haven’t you had enough of this old-fashioned wenge wood hue already? I know you have. Let’s start considering throwing them away and buying mirrored glass or acacia wood ones. Don’t forget though to play with mix-and-match styling and think of the use they are aimed to. Will the bedside table will be the place of a lamp or they need to fit all your underwear? Keep your mind clear and go easy on your final choices!!!

There are so many different ways to glam up your kitchen, and a lot that you can do all by yourself. Whether it be purchasing new furniture, revamping existing furniture, changing the color scheme of your kitchen, or learning how to fit skirting boards to match your new kitchen cabinets, there is always a way to make your kitchen chic. This year there are tons of beautiful bold decorating trends, making it the perfect time to experiment with new trends and have some fun!