more Bob Vila secrets for easy-to-clean kitchens and baths

As promised on Wednesday, more Bob Vila secrets for easy-to-clean kitchens and baths today (eventually available in their entirety on BottomLineSecrets.com). See Wednesday’s part 1

1. Countertops. Solid surface (such as Corian), engineered quartz (Silestone) or granite…yes. Marble, limestone, slate, soapstone…nada. Likewise, no to butcher-block, unless it is a removable insert that can be transported to the sink for cleaning.
2. Cabinetry. Look for sturdy pivot hinges. Anything more complicated is likely to loosen over time. Vila suggests adding panels that match cabinetry to refrigerators and dishwashers, suggesting that they do not “show” dirt as easily. Bob, this is a cop-out. Clean+istry enthusiastically supports milled fronts for aesthetic reasons, but NOT as an excuse to avoid cleaning. Whether you see it or not, the dirt is there and must be removed.
3. Lighting. Recessed is easier to clean (Clean+istry agrees). Don’t forget to purchase fixtures that can withstand moisture in the bathroom.
4. Don’t pinch pennies when it comes to ventilation for either bath or kitchen. Moisture build-up, smoke or cooking smells aren’t cool.

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2. life expectancy of home appliances and materials
3. materials for kitchen and bath renovations are the best for resale
4. subzero’s glass fronted refrigerator
5. vetrazzo: if this countertop could talk
6. corian care