We at Midwest Kitchens know this pandemic is requiring more thought and diligence to keep families safe and healthy!  After you come home from the store, social distancing is no longer required. However, other challenges present themselves and there still may be opportunity for the transmission of the virus. Keeping your kitchen safe during COVID-19, where most family members tend to gather, is imperative during this time.

Steps for Preventing the Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the primary mode of transmission for coronavirus is person-to-person contact. However, we should still exercise cautious about food handling and preparation and be extra diligent with washing hands, cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen. 

After leaving the grocery store, you should use hand sanitizer in your car. In addition, after you bring the grocery bags inside your home, immediately wash your hands. If you don’t regularly use hand sanitizer in your car after visiting the store, you may even want to go inside to wash your hands before returning to your car to unload grocery bags.

According to this article by Eater magazine, following these 4 simple steps for food safety can ensure far less possibility of contamination: 

1. Clean: wash hands, surfaces and all utensils used for cooking; 

2. Separate: keep raw meat, poultry items, eggs and seafood separated from the other groceries;

3. Cook: make sure foods are cooked through and reach a safe temperature to avoid illness; and

4. Chill: refrigerate or freeze any leftovers within two hours. 

Preparing a Meal

Most people have been eating the vast majority of their meals at home. While people are likely cooking more meals at home right now, it’s imperative that you’re keeping your kitchen safe during COVID-19. According to Don Schaffner, a professor of food microbiology at Rutgers University,  proper cooking procedures and safe handling of foods like raw meat is even more important during a pandemic. As long as we take proper sanitizing and food handling steps, the threat of transmitting the virus from food is unlikely.

Cleaning Common Surfaces 

Kitchens and bathrooms are two rooms in the home that harbor the most germs. According to this article published by Healthline, COVID-19 can live on some surfaces, such as cardboard for 24 hours and plastic and stainless steel for up to 3 days. While this information sounds alarming, when we take proper steps for cleaning and sanitation, we can kill a variety of germs on surfaces. 

According to Becky Rapinchuk, who started the blog Clean Mama and product line by the same name, the safest way to keep the virus from spreading in your home is to disinfect the areas that get touched the most. In the kitchen, this includes drawer and cupboard knobs and pulls and as well as all handles on appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher and oven.

Cleaning Products 

The CDC provides guidance on Cleaning and Disinfection for Households to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most EPA-certified cleaning products sold on the market are efficient and effective at cleaning everyday surfaces. By using the products listed on the EPA’s website, you will be keeping your kitchen safe from COVID-19.

Many people believe that bleach is the strongest and most powerful cleaning solution. However, one must use proper handling and precautions when using bleach due to its strength and toxicity to humans and pets. 

How to Clean and Disinfect Hard Surfaces

The CDC recommends the following when cleaning solid, non-porous surfaces:

• Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning.
• If using reusable gloves, they should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes.
• Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used.
• Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.

In addition, the CDC states that before using any diluted household bleach solutions, you must first ensure it is used on the correct surface. Bleach is a very strong, toxic substance that can potentially be harmful. Therefore, you’ll want to follow directions closely and use proper ventilation in your home. 

How to Clean and Disinfect Soft Surfaces

According to the CDC, we should clean soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes as follows:

• Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
• Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

OR

• Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant.
• Vacuum as usual.

Conclusion

In the age of a global pandemic, it is important to routinely clean frequently touched surfaces to prevent the spread of the disease. High touch surfaces include areas such as: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

In conclusion, we know that keeping your family safe during COVID-19 is of utmost importance. Frequent hand washing and social distancing are the most important precautions one can take to protect against COVID-19 and other viruses. Since we are eating at home and frequently gathering in the kitchen, we want to ensure that our kitchens are as clean as possible. At this time of anxiety and uncertainty about the pandemic, it is empowering to know that taking a few simple steps can help protect your family from disease.

The post Keeping Your Kitchen Safe During COVID-19 appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

In an effort to provide some guidance in this process of choosing the right options for your kitchen remodel, we’ve included the steps below to make the kitchen design process easier and create the kitchen of your dreams. 

1. Cabinetry. Quality is so important in selecting cabinetry. When you select quality construction, you will enjoy the benefits of lasting durability and ease of use every single day! Cabinetry should be made from solid hardwoods. Other quality features include dovetailed drawer boxes, concealed hinges, and soft-close glides on drawers & doors. An oven-cured factory finish is critical to the longevity of your kitchen cabinets.  When getting started, select the color first. Then follow with the style of cabinets.The color is more important as it will set the tone for other decisions to follow. Generally, kitchen cabinetry accounts for 50% of your kitchen remodeling budget.
   
   
2. Countertops, sinks & faucets. Countertops can make a statement in your kitchen. They can be dramatic or subtle, depending on the look you are seeking. The countertop color and material should accent your new cabinetry. Whether you’re searching for quartz or granite, choose a color you love knowing it will occupy a large portion of visual space. There are many options for sinks and faucets. Single-bowl sinks, like the farmhouse style, are extremely popular right now.
   
   
3. Appliances. Stainless steel is still the most popular choice for appliances. It’s classic and looks great with any kitchen style. At Midwest Kitchens, we’re also able to work with our friends at Showplace Cabinetry to create custom refrigerator and dishwasher panels that match the cabinetry for a warm, cohesive look.
   
   
4. Backsplash.  Backsplashes provide a wonderful kitchen design opportunity to make a personal statement. It’s another way to introduce color, texture, and pattern to achieve your desired style. You can go with a neutral or dramatic look, depending on the countertop selected. For example, if the countertop is dramatic, you may want a more subtle backsplash.
   
   
5. Kitchen hardware. Cabinet hardware is another design element that helps you earn style points. Homeowners often spend a significant amount of time selecting drawer handles and pulls, as they can be prominent features in a kitchen.
   
    
6. Lighting. Lighting is both practical and decorative. Many kitchens do not have enough lighting. You will want to have ample light to show off your new cabinetry and other kitchen features. Options for lighting include fixtures, canned lighting and pendants. Over-cabinet and under-cabinet LED lighting provide additional illumination.
   
   
7. Flooring. If you’re planning to install new flooring in the kitchen, be sure it complements the cabinetry, countertop and appliances. There are many kitchen flooring options from which to choose.
   

At Midwest Kitchens, we pride ourselves in helping walk our customers through the process of selecting each and every detail to complete their dream kitchen. We understand that these can be tough decisions and not ones you make every day. A kitchen remodel is also a significant financial investment. Therefore, it’s important to us that you love what you pick out and enjoy it for years to come!

The post Choosing the Right Kitchen Design for Your Home appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

When undertaking a kitchen remodel, most homeowners want to replace their kitchen countertops, tile and sink. So in addition to selecting new kitchen cabinets and/or cabinet refacing, homeowners will need to select a new sink, faucet and garbage disposal at the same time.

In-Sink-Erator Garbage Disposals

At Midwest Kitchens, we are big fans of the In-Sink-Erator brand of garbage disposals. Did you know that architect John W. Hammes invented the garbage disposal on behalf of In-Sink-Erator in 1927?  Mr. Hammes created the invention in Racine, Wisconsin, where the company continues to maintain its world headquarters.

In-Sink-Erator is the world’s largest manufacturer of garbage disposals and instant hot water dispensers for residential and commercial use. They have been manufacturing garbage disposals in Wisconsin since 1938. We love using products that are made in the USA!

Quiet Disposal with Evolution Series®

Imagine carrying on a normal conversation while the garbage disposal is running. According to the company, it’s possible with InSinkErator Evolution Series®, the most advanced disposals available anywhere.

In-Sink-Erator engineered all Evolution disposals with advanced technologies to help them handle more types of food waste. They also make far less noise while doing it. The Evolution Series® easily whisks away tough waste like cornhusks, bones and melon rinds.

At Midwest Kitchens, we like In-Sink-Erator because it consistently works very well and it is easy to install. This brand is also known for durability over time. So when you are planning a kitchen renovation, it is important to consider every last detail, including the kitchen sink.

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