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9. Blender gasketAt the base of the blender jar, there is a rubber seal installed to help prevent leaks. It is called the gasket. This bit of the blender is often populated with bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli plus yeast and mould. Repeated use and washing leaves moisture and particles of food trapped between the base and the gasket, making it a great place for germs to proliferate.How to cleanCleaning the blender without dismantling its parts will not be effective. So, separate the gasket, blade unit and lid and wash all the parts in hot soapy water or put them in the dishwasher (check the manual to see if your blender is dishwasher safe). Do not use water on the motorised base. Wipe all the parts with a clean dry cloth or sponge, especially the gasket. Read more:Kitchens: 5 Biggest Problems Solved10 Things Every Cleanliness Freak Can Relate toTell us:How do you keep your kitchen appliances clean? Share your special tips and tricks in the Comments section below
CopperIn the market for something different? Copper sinks are big on charm and also happen to be rust-resistant and antimicrobial, making them a great choice for the kitchen. Just be sure to select a quality copper sink that is at least 99 percent pure copper – a small amount of zinc may be added for strength. Avoid harsh chemicals with these beauties and instead clean up with a mild soap and water, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Read more:16 Sink Designs for Kitchens of All KindsTell us: Homeowners and design pros, what’s your go-to kitchen sink? Tell us in the Comments below.
Composite graniteComposite granite sinks are my go-to sinks, both for my clients and my own kitchen. They are good-looking, durable and don’t show water marks or scratches the way stainless steel sinks do. They come in a variety of neutral hues, but I prefer the darker greys, browns and black because they camouflage food filth the best. This is my own sink pictured here, and I must confess, I don’t clean it nearly as often as I probably should because it never looks dirty. Although these sinks are durable, they can crack if mishandled – I’ve heard stories of sinks being damaged during shipping. Always inspect your composite sink thoroughly before installation to make sure it suffered no trauma during transit.
ShowerA 16-inch rain shower extends from inside the skylight well, reminiscent of a natural outdoor shower. “The crazy, beautiful idea of setting a large rain shower up into the skylight made this bathroom playful and luxurious,” Linnebach says. “It was one of those ‘Can we really do that?’ moments that really excited everyone. We took a risk, and now it’s the homeowner’s favourite feature.”Linnebach added a concealed vent in the skylight well to make sure moisture didn’t get trapped up there.Faux-wood tiles on the shower floor, walls and ceiling create a rich, organic feel without the hassle of maintaining real wood in a wet area. Linnebach meticulously placed each faux-wood tile so it would be almost impossible to spot individual tiles. The slender slat-like tiles on the floor mimic the look of a tatami mat. The other tiles are concrete.Here’s how to weave magic with skylights
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