Home & Kitchen Appliances Guide

A clean kitchen countertop not only makes the kitchen look orderly but also gives you maximum cooking space. Here we share with you some useful tips to clean different types of kitchen countertops:

Marble: Marble kitchen countertops are pretty easy to clean. You need lukewarm water, a non-abrasive cleaning agent and a microfibre cloth. Spray the cleaning agent on the surface and wipe it with the damp cloth. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaning agents.

Granite: to keep your granite countertop shiny and streak-free, use gentle liquid dish wash, and microfibre cloth. Every day after cooking, wipe the countertop with a damp cloth and liquid dish wash. There are special granite cleaners also available in the market. You can use that too.

Laminate: If there’s one material that is widely used in the kitchen these days, it’s laminate. Laminate countertops look sleek. As prolonged exposure to moisture can damage the laminate. It is best to wipe the spills as and when they happen. A daily wipe down with a mild cleaning agent should do the job.

Stainless steel: Many homeowners are lending an industrial-chic look to their kitchen by having a stainless steel countertop. For daily cleaning, wipe the surface with warm water and soap. For weekly cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on the countertop and add two to three tablespoons of vinegar. Use a sponge or an old soft toothbrush to gently scrub the countertop. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning stainless steel countertops.

Soapstone: Soapstone countertops look elegant and give a rustic look.The best part about soapstone is that it does not react with acids and thus, you can use lemon juice and a soft sponge to clean. To avoid scratches, use a soft sponge. In case, the countertop develops a scratch, use sandpaper to even it out.

Concrete: Use a non-acidic cleaning agent to get rid of stains and smells. Use a soft cloth or microfibre cloth.

Tiles: Tiles can be a bit tricky to clean as the dirt and debris can get stuck in the space between two tiles. Also, tles can chip and crack. Hence, it is advisable to not place hot cookware on the countertop directly. To clean the countertop, use a mild cleaning agent to wipe the tiles. Do not scrub too much as that can ruin the glossy finish.

In Indian kitchens, one of the reasons behind greasy and stained countertops is the use of oil and spices. One of the best ways to avoid cooking fumes and grease from staining the countertops is to buy a kitchen chimney. A kitchen absorbs the greasy particles and cooking fumes at the source before they can spread in the kitchen and stain the countertops, cabinets and walls. If you don’t have a kitchen chimney installed, you can explore auto clean chimneys. Many suggest that auto-clean chimneys are the best chimney for Indian kitchen as they are low on maintenance and are effective in absorbing oil, cooking fumes and odour at the source. They have a blower fitted inside that helps in moving the smoke particles towards the chimney’s wall. The heat melts the oil particles which get collected in a detachable cup. The cup can be emptied and placed back as and when required.

'Drink your way to better health. Drink water!'

Drinking water throughout the day not only makes you feel better but is a key to optimal health. The human body is about 70% water, which helps in maintaining body fluids. Drinking sufficient water is important for the body to carry out vital functions such as energising the muscles, maintaining blood pressure levels, promoting digestion, detoxifying the liver, regulating body temperature and flushing out the waste.

While everyone understands the importance of staying hydrated, doing so becomes a little difficult for many. Read on to know 9 simple ways to drink more water:

Always keep a water bottle in your bag: Having easy access to water makes it more likely that you’ll drink it. Always carry a water bottle wherever you go.

Set alarms: There are times when you might forget to drink enough water in a day or on time. Set an alarm on your mobile phone every one or two hours --- to remind you to drink water. There are several mobile apps that remind you when it’s time to drink water. It can be customised for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Adequate intake of water is important for them.

Set a daily goal: Set a daily water intake goal. It will motivate you to drink more water. To be effective, the goal must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.

Replace your other drinks with water: Replace drinks such as soda or other soft drinks with water. This will not only boost your health, but also reduces your calorie intake. These drinks are often full of added sugars and preservatives, which can be extremely detrimental to your health.

Eat foods high in water: Another simple way to get more water in your body is to eat more foods that are rich in water. For instance, lettuce, cabbage, watermelon, zucchini and celery have high water content.

Sip before every meal: Drink water before every meal, be it dinner, lunch or snacking. These simple rules automatically increase your water intake, without having to put too much effort into it.

Buy the best water purifier for home or office: One of the easiest and reliable ways to access clean water is to use a water purifier at home or office. If you are looking for good water purifier suppliers, you can consider Propello. It offers water purifiers with RO, UV and UF technologies, ensuring you get clean, purified water for consumption. Its select water purifiers come with features such as child lock technology, auto-clean function and auto-leakage detection. Propello water purifiers also have Essential Mineral Technology (EMT), which retain essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Refill your water bottle as soon as it's empty: Always refill your water bottle as soon as you empty it. This ensures that you’re well-stocked and will not make any excuses later.