Archives for January 2017

January 18, 2017 By

How to Reduce Bacteria in Your Kitchen

How to Reduce Bacteria in Your KitchenWarning!  Your kitchen may not be as healthy as you think!

Your kitchen can become a breeding ground for bacteria and regular, old-fashioned dirt.  Not only does it become a collecting ground for debris from the human body itself, but food and cooking oils can accumulate on your countertops, appliances and surfaces over time.  If you have moldy food, it can release spores into the air.  Raw, uncooked foods can expose your kitchen to harmful bacteria.  The list goes on.

There are things you can do to keep your kitchen clean and yourself healthy, of course.  Here are some tips on how to make sure your kitchen is a clean, safe room.

Solid Surface countertops are a great way to start.  They’re non-porous, as opposed to natural stone.  That means that not only will they not absorb stains, but they also don’t provide the cracks and crevasses for bacteria to lurk and multiply.  No seams means that your countertops are easier to clean, and clean thoroughly.

Small appliances, if left on the countertop, can accumulate unhealthy bacteria as well. Your coffee maker, toaster, blender and stand mixer, just sitting there, can become breeding grounds for bacteria, accumulating over time.  If you’re redoing your kitchen, consider having sliding cubbies and appliance garages installed; they allow you to keep your appliances put away when not in use without too much extra effort.  It will help clear up counter space, as well.

Utensils, if kept on the counter, can similarly become a breeding ground for bacteria, often requiring you to wipe and rinse each spatula and spoon before use.  Instead, invest in a cutlery drawer holder, or custom drawers with sliding plastic covers, to help protect your utensils.

Countertop containers, with sugar, flour and spices, are incredibly convenient for chefs – but they’re dust magnets.  If you’re remodeling your kitchen, consider a pullout rack or deep cabinet drawer to store these containers; it will give you quick access to all your materials and keep them safe from gathering harmful bacteria.

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January 18, 2017 By

Is Solid Surface Outdated in 2017?

Is Solid Surface Outdated in 2017?Are solid surfaces a thing of the past?  It seems, at times, that Corian and other, similar solid surface brands like Formica, Wilsonart or Avonite get pushed to the back burner when it comes to lists of the hot, “in” countertop materials such as marble or quartz.

Don’t pay attention to those trends, though – solid surfaces are still top sellers, and are just as relevant today as when they were first entering our homes in the ‘60s and ‘70s.  Its selling points haven’t gone anywhere – solid surfaces are still highly durable, stain resistant, easy to repair in case of minor scratches, heat resistant, available in a wide range of colors and styles and reasonably priced.  It’ll never truly go away, because no other surface can offer everything solid surfaces give you.

That being said, there are several reasons why solid surface continues to be one of the best-selling surfaces on the market, even 50 years after it was first created.  Here are just a few:

Solid Surface Isn’t Yet Dated

A surface really only becomes dated when everyone stops using it – that’s why you don’t see much avocado green linoleum or shag carpeting being installed anymore; as people stopped wanting it, it became considered old and dated.  The wide range of colors and patterns you can get solid surface in prevents it from falling victim to those sorts of trends and, according to Time magazine, solid surface countertops are still tied for the third most popular countertop material today.  It may not be as “in” as quartz or granite, but it’s still one of the most commonly selected options available.

Solid Surface is Durable

Renovating a kitchen is a major project!  It’s certainly not something you want to do over and over again – you want to make sure that your new kitchen lasts the test of time.  There isn’t a surface out there more durable than solid surface – while it’s possible to scratch, it’s nowhere near as fragile or damage-prone as granite or marble.  Most damage can be easily repaired with a scrubber sponge – it’s incredibly low-maintenance.  That means it’s a choice you can count on to last the lifetime of your kitchen.

Solid Surface is a Good Investment

If you select a trendy, “in” kitchen material for your design, you’re running a risk.  Remember when we mocked those avocado countertops a few paragraphs back?  Well, if you grab on to the latest craze, it’s possible your trendy, hip style will become the next shag carpet or frilly window treatment.  Solid surface, however, has stood the test of time, and that gives it those two magic words: “resale value”.  If you’ve ever been home shopping and saw a truly outdated kitchen, it probably made you think twice about making an offer.  Solid surface helps keep your kitchen looking great, and your home’s resale value up.

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