To most people, all cutting boards might look the same: they are just simple blocks of wood on which they can chop food. However, not all cutting boards are created equal. For instance, end grain cutting boards have a distinct appearance, quality, and durability that sets them apart from the other boards. And to maintain those elements, you must follow certain maintenance practices. Here are some tips on how to make your end grain cutting board last for a long time:
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Wash away bacteria
Food particles, bacteria, and moisture can easily lodge in the wood and contaminate the food you’re preparing on the board. As a result, you should wash the cutting board thoroughly after every use using warm water and dishwashing soap. Rinse the board carefully, making sure to remove all food particles. Then, dry it immediately in an upright position to prevent moisture buildup.
Banish bad odors
Since a variety of food is prepared using the end grain cutting board, it can retain some unpleasant smells. Fortunately, you can remedy this using the stuff you have in your very own pantry. Just follow these steps.
Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle some salt on the board.
Rub the lemon on the surface while slowly squeezing the juice out.
Let it sit for about 15–20 minutes, then rinse with soap and water.
This trick also works well with baking soda and vinegar.
Store it correctly
As mentioned before, end grain cutting boards easily retain moisture. This can result in faster deterioration. Now, take note that moist cutting boards can also harbor bacteria. To prevent this, store your end grain cutting board in an open area, such as the kitchen counter. This allows air to circulate and keeps the board dry.
Things to avoid
To keep your end grain cutting board in prime condition, avoid using steel wool and other abrasive materials to clean it. Be sure to clean it right after each use instead of leaving it on the sink for a long time. Lastly, only use mineral oil to condition the board to prevent unpleasant odors.
Sealing oil on the cutting board
Conditioning your end grain cutting board with mineral oil seals the wood, preventing contamination and enhancing its appearance. You should do this every few months, depending on how often you use your cutting board. To condition your end grain cutting board, follow these simple steps:
Wash the board thoroughly using the method mentioned above.
Remove bad odors and stains with sliced lemon and salt, also described in detail above.
Allow the board to completely dry off overnight.
Using mineral oil, place a small amount onto the surface of the board. Using a clean cloth, rub it in the direction of the wood grain.
Let the oil soak into the wood for about 4–6 hours. Apply more coats of oil until the wood won’t absorb any more oil.
Wipe off any excess oil using a dry cloth and store in a ventilated area to dry off.
Sanding the cutting board
If you use your end grain cutting board often, you’ll probably notice scratches and knife marks on the surface. To keep it looking brand new, you can sand the cutting board. Take note that end grain cutting boards have solid and hard surfaces, so sanding by hand can be difficult. Thus, you will need a random orbit sander to do this.
Before starting, wear protective gear such as goggles and mask to protect yourself from the dust.
Start by using coarse sandpaper with 40–60 grit.
Gradually work up to medium sandpaper with 80–120 grit once you see that most of the scratches are gone.
To give the board a smooth finish, use fine sandpaper with 150–180 grit.
Wipe off the dust from the board with a clean cloth and re-apply mineral oil.
Cleaning your end grain cutting board will not only keep your food from contamination. It will also keep the board in a perfect condition for a long time. In fact, if you maintain it properly, an end grain cutting board can last for several years.
You also have the opportunity to see the best boards available for sale. Go on the link
clean air is essential, but these days, industrial air pollution has become a serious problem. No home is safe anymore. Even the cleanest room in a house can be filled with invisible particles that can affect the family’s health and aggravate existing health issues.
Enjoy cleaner air with a high efficiency air purifier
Fortunately, air purifiers are specifically designed to reduce concentrations of pollutants in indoor air. The best models all come with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These purify air by trapping particles that are too small for vacuums to pick up.
Air purifiers are a must for people with asthma or allergies. In addition, homes with smokers and pets will greatly benefit from cleaner, odor-free air. While there are obvious health benefits to breathing cleaner air, these machines can be particularly life changing for people who suffer from allergies.
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Buyers guide to the best home air purifiers
There are a huge range of air purifiers to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Home Product Advisor evaluated the best models for the home by rating efficiency, appearance, and price.
Before reviewing our top models, here are the answers to most frequently asked questions about home air purifiers.
Air Purifier FAQs
What does an air purifier do?
One of the primary roles of an air purifier is to eliminate the number of contaminants present in the air. They help you breathe better and keep you and your family healthier by removing harmful toxins in the air. This is accomplished using various filters or a combination of these: the HEPA filter, ionizer, the combination ionizer/HEPA filter, the antibacterial filter, and the activated carbon filter.
What are the benefits of using air purifiers?
Air purifiers not only clean the air but also help reduce the amount of dust and unpleasant odor. And, if you or any member of your family is suffering from breathing problems, then quality indoor air is equally important. Clean air means better breathing for people with asthma and other respiratory problems. This works by purifying indoor air to get rid of lung irritants and other chemicals.
Below are other benefits:
Reduced allergy symptoms: some allergens enter your home and settle on carpets or hard-to-reach areas. Quality air purifiers help get rid of these allergens and enhance your condition.
Improved quality of life: if you have an air purifying machine at home, you can keep you and your family healthy. With fewer substances that irritate your lungs, the air you breathe will feel fresh and less stuffy.
Absence of chemicals in the air: one way of keeping you and your family healthy is to ensure that formaldehyde and other chemicals do not linger in the air. Air purifiers can scrub these chemicals off the air to keep your lungs healthy.
Do home air purifiers really work?
Home air purifiers are designed to clean the air inside your home. They also aim to get rid of all impurities, including odors, smoke, pet dander, and dust. With the right filter, air purifiers will definitely work and improve your indoor air quality. This is accomplished through multiple filters and a fan that sucks and circulates air. As pollutants and particles are captured, clean air is circulated back to your home.
What is the best air purifier on the market today?
Do air purifiers remove dust from the house?
Are home air purifiers worth it?
With regular maintenance and regular filter replacement required to keep the device working, you may wonder if it's all worth it. Once you run an air purifier in your home, it will greatly improve the quality of your life.
One of the surefire signs that an air purifier is doing its job is when you notice less dust buildup on the surfaces of your home. You will also notice that allergens from the air are reduced, making it easier to breathe inside your home.
Another reason why air purifiers are important is their ability to remove pungent odors from fish or garlic. Pets also produce unpleasant smells that are not removed by scented candles or sprays, which only temporarily mask the problem. But with a charcoal based activated carbon filter air purifier, unpleasant smells are absorbed for good.
Best Home Air Purifier Reviews
This section reviews the best air purifiers on the market. Any one of these will do a great job ensuring your home is blessed with clean, odor free air.
Alen BreatheSmart Classic (top choice)
#1 rated
There is a reason why this air purifier is popular among users. It can service large rooms of up to 1,100 square feet, with customizable HEPA filter option, SmartSensor technology, and a quiet fan packed with lifetime warranty. Its sleek design allows it to seamlessly fit into your home without looking out of place.
[amazon box=”B00H2RMZKM” title=”Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier” description=”Dust, mold, germs, fumes, pet odors and harsh odors are primary contributors of lung problems. But with Alen BreathSmart Classic model, you can enjoy its smart features to breathe cleaner and fresher air. With the right filter, this product can do wonders to your overall health.”]
On top of its customizable HEPA filter, it also has a built-in ionizer that you can simply turn on or off depending on your preferences.
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic uses carbon filtration technology to effectively clean the air in small to very large spaces.
Key features and specifications
Dimensions: 26.7 inches in height but only 10 inches in depth
Weight: 21 pounds
Small enough to fit snugly into tight spaces without looking so out of place
It comes in 14 customisable designer panels to choose from to suit multiple interiors
Lightweight with a handy carrying handle
Pros
Perfect for living rooms, open concept rooms
Cleans 1,100 square feet every 30 minutes
Has laser Smart Sensor that automatically detects airborne particles down to 0.3 microns
Self-adjusts its fan speed depending on your indoor environment
Its WhisperMax technology makes it very quiet even on Turbo speed
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Changing to a new filter can be expensive for the short use
The unit is made of plastic and feels flimsy
Not recommended for people using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) as the machine may produce a small amount of ozone, but the CPAP device may force you to breathe deeper than normal
Why Should You Buy This Product?
Even with the minimal downsides, this product is still a premier choice because of its unlimited warranty. Whenever you have issues, you can simply return the product and wait for your replacement unit.
It’s sensors are exactly what you need to make your life comfortable while maintaining quality indoor air.
Blue Pure 211+ (Amazon top pick)
#2 rated
Another product you should watch out for has made it to the Amazon top pick. With its 3-part filtration, Blue Pure 211+ captures 99% of common airborne pollutants, like odors, smoke, allergens, mold spores, pet dander, and even dust mites.
[amazon box=”B073WJL99W” title=”Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier for Home” description=”Its activated carbon filter removes unpleasant smell caused by pets, cooking, smoke, cases and even wildfires. You can also wash its pre-filter to better improve the quality of your indoor air. “]
You can also enjoy cleaner air using less energy thanks to its energy-efficient features and lesser noise. Even at lower fan speeds, you can expect it to process air for a cleaner home without the annoying noise.
Key features and specifications
Dimensions: 13x13x20.4 inches
Weight: 13 pounds
Can clean up to 540 square feet and 350 cubic ft/min clean air delivery rate (CADR)
3-part filtration system to capture 99% of common airborne contaminants
Pros
More energy efficient as it uses only 60 Watts on highest fan speed
Equipped with specialized polypropylene filter media for cleaner air but with minimal noise
Filters are recyclable
Cons
Limited warranty
Emits some odors
No color options
Why Should You Buy This Product?
Even with all the downsides listed, this air purifier certainly accomplishes its job. It cleans the air and helps reduce dust and other contaminants without using too much power. If you are after a product that is affordable and allows you to save on utility bills, then choose Blue Pure 211+ today.
GermGuardian AC4825 3-in-1 (best value)
#3 rated
If you are looking for a model that you can trust when it comes to purifying the air, GermGuardian AC4825 3-in-1 will not disappoint. It is perfect for those suffering from allergies as it starts improving your indoor air quality the minute you turn it on.
[amazon box=”B004VGIGVY” title=”Germ Guardian AC4825 22 inch 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier” description=”Feel a lot safer with the air purifier that can run 24/7. Enjoy peace of mind that it can take care of your health by keeping you indoor air clean. It’s Energy Star rating is something you would not want to miss. After all, who wouldn’t want to save on utility bills?”]
It helps remove up to 99.97% of allergens and airborne particles down to .3 microns. You won't have to worry about dust mites, smoke, pollen, mold, pet dander, and even bacteria. It is also very quiet even if the fans are set to high.
Key features and specifications
Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 21.5 x 22 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Filter type: HEPA
Fan speeds: 3 speeds
Pros
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) verified, which means the air cleaner has been tested for its ability to remove pollen, dust, and tobacco smoke
Has UV-C light that works with titanium dioxide
Energy Star certified and carb compliant
Cons
Uses only a single filter
The filter is not washable and needs to be replaced every 6-8 months
Emits electrical burning smell
Why Should You Buy This Product?
Despite all the criticisms, there is a reason why this product is part of Amazon's best value list. It can still keep your home or office smelling fresh and clean. It is still pretty impressive considering its price and works well in removing allergens and airborne diseases.
IQAir HealthPro Plus (most expensive)
#4 rated
There are ultrafine particles in the air that are harmful to your health. Most of them are found inside your home and in the air that you breath. These ultrafines are 10 times smaller than viruses, and protecting your home from such harmful particles is your responsibility. That is what IQAir HealthPro Plus aims to do.
[amazon box=”B002VXDCHW” title=”HealthPro Plus Medical-Grade Air Purifier” description=”Most particles in the air are not visible to the naked eye. However, just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they are not harmful. In fact, the smaller they are, the greater their potential for harm. The IQAir HealthPro Plus aims to eliminate harmful particles down to 0.003 microns. This means you get to enjoy cleaner and healthier indoor air.”]
With its HyperHEPA filtration technology, it reduces ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns. These prevent ultrafines from penetrating the lung tissue and travel to vital organs in the body, such as the brain.
Key features and specifications
Dimensions: 16x15x28 inches
Weight: 35 pounds
Has triple-seal technology with 3D Ultra Seal
Delivers up to 215 Watts max at highest speed
EvenFlow diffuser
Sophisticated controls
Pros
#1 rated for reducing asthma and allergies
It costs only pennies per day to keep it running
Enjoy filtered air that is evenly distributed in all directions
Take advantage of programmable controls
Cons
HyperHEPA filter is very expensive
Slightly emits a chemical smell
Has limited warranty
Why Should You Buy This Product?
Its HyperHEPA filtration technology is a big plus. Imagine those ultrafine particles penetrating your lung tissue and affecting organs like your brains. There is not another air purifier that deals with such harmful particles in the air like IQAir HealthPro Plus.
LEVOIT Air Purifier (best portable)
#5 rated
Some air purifiers use deep ultraviolet (UV-C) light and anions that produce a kind of air pollutant called ozone. This is harmful for children and those with asthma. The LEVOIT Air Purifier aims to solve that problem by purifying their air 100% ozone free. It also has an advanced 3-stage filtration system that captures pet hair, smoke, mold, dander, allergens, large dust, and odor.
[amazon box=”B071D58ZY5″ title=”LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home” description=”Say goodbye to those bulky air purifiers that you can only put in one corner of your home. With the LEVOIT Air Purifier, you can enjoy an advanced 3-stage filtration system, which consists of the Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and high efficiency activated carbon filter. Wherever you go, you can filter the air of your room or office with the lowest noise level possible at just the right price. “]
Because of its stylish appearance, it will not look out of place when you put it on top of your nightstand or right next to you at your work. It is perfect for medium-sized rooms where you can just sit back, relax, and let the device clean the air to help you breathe easier.
Key features and specifications
Dimensions: 8.5x8.5x14.5 inches
Weight: 6.61 pounds
Neutralizes allergens, dust, and bacteria
3-stage filtration system
3 fan speeds
Nightlight function
Compact size
Pros
Take it anywhere with its compact size and portability features
Enjoy affordable replacement filter
Safe for your respiratory system
Cons
It can only filter one medium-sized room
Buttons can freeze and be unresponsive
Night light is blue and can inhibit sleep
Why Should You Buy This Product?
If you are looking for an affordable air purifier that you can take anywhere with you, then this is a good choice. No need to worry about airborne pollutants wherever you go.
It's 2-year warranty is already a bonus considering its size and its price. You will also be notified when the filter needs to be replaced through its built-in replacement indicator.
Best air purifiers by room size
200-299 feet
Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1
Just like many other air purifiers on the market, the Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 purifies the air using its True HEPA filter. Sometimes, you can't tell if its there because of its whisper quiet operation.
[amazon box=”B01JKDAN2M” title=”Eliminates Dust, Pollen, Smoke, Household Odors and More” description=”This product is very easy to set up and use. It comes complete with an auto timer that turns the unit off after 2.4 or 8 hours of nonstop use for better energy efficiency. It covers up to 200 square feet of space.”]
Its UV-C light gets rid of microorganisms, like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and germs. You can also expect PureZone to silently sanitize the air so you can breathe easily and enjoy restful sleep. You can also be at peace with its 3-in-1 filter technology that uses a combination of Pre-filter, activated carbon problem filter, and HEPA filter working hand in hand to ensure you breathe healthy air inside your home.
No need to worry about forgetting to change your filter as well. Its Filter Reset Indicator will remind you when it's time to replace it. Its 3-speed fan allows you to stay comfortable and can be adjusted to low, medium, or high depending on the environment.
Up to 199 feet
hOmeLabs 3-in-1
If you are looking for a portable quality air purifier, then Homelabs 3-in-1 deserves your attention. With its clean, modern, and sleek design that fits comfortably in your home, you can be sure to enjoy cleaner and fresher air without it looking out of place. It is so stylish, making it easier to integrate into your home or decor.
[amazon box=”B0725X333J” title=”Quietly Ionizes and Purifies Air to Reduce Odor and Allergens” description=”Just like most air purifiers in this article, this product eliminates 99% of impurities, such as unwanted smells, pollen, molds, dust, smoke, and pet dander. This is great for up to 199 square feet of space and keeps your space free of unwanted pollutants and allergens.”]
It is conveniently sized and its indicator light notifies you that it's time to change your filter as well. It's 3-stage purification system keeps the air around you at its cleanest, working 24/7 to help you breathe easier all day and night.
With Homelabs 3-in-1, you will enjoy long-term relief from air impurities in your home or office. Even as you sleep, the portable purifier releases 3 million negative ions per cubic centimeter. This is how it ionizes and purifies the indoor environment. You will wake up breathing easy without any unwanted congestion.
300-399 feet
Winix 5500-2
Enjoy great-quality air in your kitchen, living room, or office with the Winix 5500-2. Its smart sensors keep monitoring the air in your home and alert you via a LED indicator light when the air quality is poor. When there is a change in the air quality, the fan speed will automatically adjusts to keep indoor air clean.
[amazon box=”B01D8DAYII” title=”Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon Filter” description=”When this device senses that the filters need replacement, it will turn on the filter replacement indicator LED. Once the filter is replaced, you can just use a pin or needle to press the filter reset button. “]
You can enjoy its sleep mode function by adjusting the fan speed. It also dims the indicator lights so you can enjoy clean air without disrupting your sleep.
It comes with a 1-year warranty to give you more peace of mind while enjoying clean air. It can cover 300-399 square feet of space for a cleaner and fresher air without any harmful ozone.
400-499 feet
Rowenta PU4020
[amazon box=”B014SYDEUQ” title=”Super powerful performance for large rooms” description=”Rowenta is aiming to accomplish new breakthroughs in developing new products to address this problem. With the PU4020, you are improving your interiors with the best technology. You can enjoy its ultra-quiet operation and 4 manual speeds. “]
The air purifier is also easy to use with its self-monitoring and auto-adjusting mode that covers 400-499 square feet of space.
Conclusion
Most homes nowadays are insulated and practically airtight to ensure energy savings. However, this becomes a problem as airborne contaminants remain trapped inside, along with toxic chemicals that can cause health problems. And if you are exposed to these contaminants on a daily basis, it can worsen allergies, asthma, respiratory infections, and may even lead to cancer.
Fortunately, this list of the top five air purifiers for the home can address these issues with style, power and efficiency. Further, if you have specific room size requirements, this guide has you covered as well.
Protecting your family against disease is crucial. Sneezing releases airborne pathogens that can include the common cold, influenza, measles and tuberculosis. Beyond infectious diseases, everywhere that people gather in America is festering with pathogens.
Sneezing releases airborne pathogens that can rapidly infect others
For example, in public restrooms, tests show that faucet handles are festering with E. Coli. At home, faucet handles are equally problematic, along with cutting boards, coffee makers, toothbrush holders and children’s toys.
Fortunately, there are solutions. If you are serious about keeping your home as clean and sterile as possible, this guide reviews a variety of disinfection solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, counter tops and even baby bottles.
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Dirtiest places in the home
This study about contaminated areas in the home found these household germs as the most likely to cause illness:
Staphylococcus aureus (staph)
Salmonella
Fecal matter
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Pathogens spread differently throughout the house, as summarized below:
Kitchen: a study done by the National Sanitation Foundation found that the kitchen far outranks the bathroom as the place with the most germs. When swabbing for coliform bacteria (which includes salmonella and E. coli), they found traces on 75% of dish rags, 45% of kitchen sinks, 32% of counter tops and 18% on cutting boards.
Bathroom: the bathroom ranks as the second dirtiest place in the home, with the toilet, toothbrush holders, faucet handles and towels the most contaminated areas.
All rooms: light switches, TV remotes, fridge door handles and other devices touched by many should be sterilized regularly
FAQs about disinfecting your home
What's the difference between sanitized, disinfected and sterilized?
Sanitizing: this is the weakest antimicrobial treatment. Sanitizing decreases the amount of microbes on a surface, which reduces the number of pathogenic microbes.
Disinfecting: this reduces the number of microbes to a greater degree, rendering pathogenic microbes too low to have any negative effect. This method is effective and safe is most cases.
Sterilizing: when you need high-powered removal of all microbes, UV sterilizers will kill 100% of microbes on a treated area. At home, this method is most effective for treating things that go into the mouth (like baby bottle nipples and toothbrushes).
For decades, UV has been used for industrial disinfection. Fortunately, recent advancements have brought this technology to consumers with household devices that can sterilize everything from toothbrushes to cell phones.
A study by the American Journal of Infection Control found that a portable UV wand can kill 100% of surface bacteria with less than 5 seconds of exposure.
Best disinfectant sprays for homes
Flu viruses can live on surfaces for around 24 hours, while norovirus can survive for weeks. Thus, while regular use of disinfectants are ideal, extra care should be taken to disinfect a home after illness.
After an illness in your home, generous use of disinfectant sprays can ensure that others in your family do not get infected. Our top-rated products are powerful, easy to apply and can be be used to clean both hard and fabric surfaces. A single application will freshen the air and eliminate mold, mildew and bacteria.
Featured Disinfectant Sprays
[amazon box=”B01DCG0GPC” title=”Lysol Disinfectant Spray” description=”Suitable for use on everything from counter tops to couches, this is an EPA-registered disinfectant that kills more than 99.9% of illness-causing bacteria in your home. In addition to killing viruses, Lysol Disinfectant Spray can also be used to eliminate odors and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.”]
[amazon box=”B075H837X5″ title=”PURELL Multi Surface Disinfectant Spray (Citrus Fragrance)” description=”This this a powerful eco-friendly product that kills 99.99% of germs on surfaces with no harsh chemicals – water rinse is not necessary. Don’t be fooled by the ‘green’ aspect: compared to other leading brands, PURELL Multi Surface Disinfectant delivers the fastest overall disinfecting time, killing 22 organisms in just 30 seconds.”]
[amazon box=”B01K2NMFXO” title=”Purefypro Disinfectant Spray” description=”This is a high-end multipurpose hospital-class disinfectant. In as little as 60 seconds, an application of this product will eliminates odors and allergens, prevent mold and mildew growth and destroy Salmonella, E coli., Norovirus, H1N1 Flu Influenza, Hepatitis and more. In addition, Purefypro Disinfectant Spray offers free expedited shipping on every order.”]
Best UV sanitizers for the home
While disinfectant sprays are effective and convenient, they pale in comparison to the sterilization of UV light disinfection devices.
Essentially, UV light sterilizes by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting the molecular bonds that hold DNA together.
Note that while germicidal UV lights are dangerous for humans, the UVC lighting variant has a very limited range that is unable to penetrate through the outer dead-cell layer of human skin. Since bacteria is much smaller than human cells, UVC light can reach their DNA and destroy them, without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.
Featured UV Sanitizers
[amazon box=”B07MNH6JB3″ title=”Ultraviolet Pocket Sterilizer Wand” description=”This UVC germ killing machine is a portable, lightweight clamshell device that can easily be used to sanitize mobile phones, TV remotes, keyboards, children’s toys, pacifiers and even cutting boards. To use, simply flip open the unit and press the ON button for five seconds. Then shine the light within 1/4 inch of the surface. Disinfection takes just a few seconds.”]
[amazon box=”B01JPY9SPO” title=”UPANG 120V Ultraviolet Baby Bottle Sterilizer” description=”The UPANG Ultraviolet Baby Bottle Sterilizer contains dual UV lamps for chemical free, waterless sterilization that effectively eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Because the unit uses waterless UV sterilization and a low temperature drying method, you can sterilize almost anything inside: toys, teethers, TV remotes, toothbrushes and even cellphones.”]
[amazon box=”B003JHSA62″ title=”Purebrush Antibacterial U.V. Toothbrush Sanitizer” description=”If you leave your toothbrush in a cup in your bathroom, you’re exposing the bristles to fecal matter every time you flush the toilet. The Purebrush Antibacterial U.V. Toothbrush Sterilizer holds four toothbrushes and eliminates 99.9% of yeast, mold, viruses and bacteria that live on your toothbrush. Simply place your toothbrush inside unit, close the door and let the the ultraviolet lights dry and disinfect your toothbrush before putting it in your mouth. Brilliant!”]
Best Disinfecting Wipes
Beyond sprays and UV devices, the final component in our household disinfection armory is disinfecting wipes. The following are two of our favorites: every home should stock Lysol Disinfecting Wipes for fast cleanup in the kitchen and bathroom. In addition, keeping a canister of PURELL Hand Sanitizing Wipes around will make it easy for your whole family to keep their hands germ-free.
Featured Disinfectant Wipes
[amazon box=”B004Y0VGH8″ title=”Lysol Disinfecting Wipes” description=”These disinfecting wipes are perfect to keep in your kitchen and bathroom. Three times strong than paper towels, Lysol Disinfecting Wipes allow you to use less to clean more. To sanitize, simply apply a wipe and then allow the area to remain wet for 10 seconds. These wipes work great on counter tops, faucet handles, refrigerator door handles, smartphones, TV remotes and more. “]
[amazon box=”B00XOS09T2″ title=”PURELL Hand Sanitizing Wipes” description=”This is by far our favorite brand of personal hand sanitizing wipes, which we use before every meal. These wet wipes kill 99.99 percent of illness causing germs without harsh chemicals in a formula that is safe and gentle on the skin. “]
Conclusion: starting with a disinfection routine
Regular disinfection is the best way to keep colds, E. coli, salmonella, flu, and other infectious illnesses from spreading. Thus, it’s a good idea to develop consistent cleaning habits using a combination of products listed in this guide.
Regularly apply Lysol Disinfectant Wipes on things everyone in the house touches: doorknobs, faucet handles, TV remotes and appliance handles.
Get yourself a UV sanitizer for easy kitchen sterilization. Prior to using cutting boards, counter tops or dish rags, run them under a UV sanitizing light for a few seconds. This will ensure perfectly sterile food preparation.
On the subject of UV sanitizers, a unit for your toothbrushes is highly recommended.
As a final step, keep one of our top-rated disinfectant sprays on hand. Whenever a family member gets sick, apply liberally around the house. In conjunction with a regular sterilization routine, this will eliminate the risk of infection from a sick member of your family onto others.
Natural cleaning products take care of your home and laundry without leaving unpleasant chemical residue that can potentially harm your family and pets. These products are made using sustainable production methods, using nontoxic biodegradable ingredients that will ensure wellness in your home – without negatively impacting the environment.
The best eco-friendly products offer powerful cleaning options that work in harmony with the environment
On the other hand, many popular household cleaners, soaps and disinfectants contain harsh toxic chemicals. These make dishes, floors and counter tops sparkling clean and germ-free. Unfortunately, many are also poisonous if ingested or inhaled. Consider:
Corrosive cleaners: drain, oven and toilet bowl cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that can cause severe burns. Chlorine bleach and ammonia are particularly irritating to the eyes, throat and lungs
Chemical fragrances: commonly added to laundry detergents and fabric softeners, these may cause headaches, watery eyes and respiratory distress in sensitive individuals
Subtle toxicity: some household cleaning ingredients contain carcinogens that subtly act as ‘hormone disruptors’. For example, alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) are used in detergents and cleaners and mimic the estrogen hormone. Misaligned hormones can decrease sperm counts and increase cancer risks
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Benefits of using natural cleaning products
Simply by purchasing natural cleaning products instead of chemical ones, you are doing your part to reduce impact on the environment. Here are just a few of the big-picture benefits of using eco-friendly cleaning products:
Environmental protection: whenwashing dishes or doing laundry with chemical products, these chemicals get released back into the environment.
Skin protection: chemical dish soaps, detergents and cleaners that can penetrate the surface of your skin and affect your circulatory system. Conversely, eco-friendly cleaners use glycerine, which cleans while actually softening your skin.
Allergy protection: many people are sensitive to the dyes, fragrances and chemicals in commercial cleaners. Fortunately, eco-friendly cleaning products are very gentle on both the skin and environment.
No animal testing: to avoid using household cleaners that are cruel to animals, use natural cleaning products that ensure no animal testing. Eco-friendly products include animals!
Cost savings: natural cleaning products use energy-efficient production methods and natural ingredients. This means they are cheaper to produce, and cheaper to buy. In addition, since they do not harm the environment or the body, the long-term costs savings are also substantial.
Frequently asked questions
Do natural cleaning products really work as well as chemical cleaners? How exactly do natural cleaners benefit the environment? How do natural disinfectants work? Of of these questions and more are answered within our five FAQs.
How exactly do natural cleaning products help the environment?
As the world witnesses increasingly severe typhoons, floods, hurricanes and droughts, people are waking up to the importance of looking after the planet. By using natural cleaning products, you are helping to decrease water and air pollution while ensuring a non-toxic super clean home that is 100% safe for your whole family.
Why are natural cleaning products better than chemical ones?
At home, small children and pets are particularly vulnerable to toxic chemical exposure. What happens if a child drinks drain cleaner? In addition to the risk of poisoning, chemical cleaners can also cause headaches, skin rashes and breathing problems, especially among children and the elderly. Using natural cleaning products from legitimate brands completely eliminates these risks.
Do chemical cleaners really cause cancer?
A National Academy of Sciences report submitted to Congress in 1990 (but not acted in with regulation) showed that 95% of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances were made from petroleum (which is derived from crude oil). Petroleum contains carcinogenic benzene derivatives and many other toxic chemicals that have been linked to birth defects, cancer, various allergic reactions and central nervous system disorders.
Are natural cleaning products better than homemade solutions?
Making natural cleaning solutions with household products is easy. For example, add one part vinegar, one part water, some lemon rinds and a few sprigs of rosemary to make a perfectly natural all-purpose cleaner that can be used throughout your home.
The problem with homemade solutions versus commercially sold natural cleaning products is the effectiveness. Using homemade solutions, your cleaning will be less spectacular and last for a shorter time. On the other hand, commercially sold eco-friendly cleaning products give you cutting edge product sourcing, science and testing for superb cleaning power that stacks up very well with chemical cleaning alternatives.
How do natural disinfectants work?
On the chemical side of the cleaning equation, the most popular (and powerful) disinfectant is bleach. In fact, for many years both the EPA and FDA endorsed it as a viable disinfectant for everything from food surfaces to toys. Unfortunately, consistent exposure to bleach has been linked to respiratory problems, skin reactions (rashes and burns), birth defects, vomiting, headaches and even cancer.
Natural products that can be used in place of bleach include vinegar, tea tree oil, lavender oil and thyme oil, which the EPA now acknowledges as having the same effectiveness as bleach. However, unlike bleach, thyme oil can safely be applied to cutting boards and kitchen utensils without any worries.
Five of the best natural cleaning product brands
While many cleaning brands claim to be safe for the environment, it's important to understand some subtle differences in commonly used terminology:
Natural: made with non-synthetic products
Non-toxic: does not contain harmful chemicals
Green: is good for the environment in some vague manner
In addition to vague terminology, there are no federal regulations that force cleaning product companies to list all included products on packaging.
Since most consumers lack the expertise to accurately determine the true eco-friendliness of cleaning products (and also the effectiveness of those products), our team has done the hard work for you.
Below, we review five of the most trusted legitimate natural cleaning product brands and highlight a range of selected cleaning products for use around your home.
PURELL
#1st Rated
Founded in 1988 as an industrial cleaning supplies company, PURELL Hand Sanitizer was made available to consumers in 1997 and exploded in popularity. Today, their flagship Hand Sanitizer is accompanied by a plethora of industrial-strength all-natural cleaning products for your home.
On the environmental side, PURELL surface sprays have the lowest EPA toxicity rating - less than 100 products in America can boast having EPA’s Category IV lowest toxicity rating. Of those few, less than 10 have the EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) Certification, as PURELL does.
[amazon box=”B01BOWFPSY” title=”PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer (2-pack)” description=”Originally formulated to meet the needs of professional healthcare providers, this powerful product was made available to consumers in 1997 and has been an industry leader ever since. Each bottle contain antimicrobial gel with 70% ethyl alcohol and four types of moisturizers to eliminate 99% of germs while keeping hands well-hydrated. “]
[amazon box=”B075H837X5″ title=”PURELL Multi Surface Disinfectant Spray (Citrus Fragrance) ” description=”Formulated to kill 99.99% of germs on the surfaces you touch, this powerful product contains no harsh chemicals and requires no water rinse. While many green cleaners have limited potency, PURELL Multi Surface Disinfectant delivers the fastest overall disinfecting time, killing 22 organisms in just 30 seconds – with zero environmental compromises.”]
ECOVER was founded in 1979 by Belgian hippy scientists who were alarmed by the damage to waterways and aquatic life caused by commercial cleaning chemicals. They developed a phosphate-free cleaning product and then began a commercial eco-crusade via the official launch of the ECOVER company.
Today, their entire line of products promotes clean business practices, clean sourcing and clean products for our homes, our communities and the world. Very inspiring!
[amazon box=”B00NFM9WGS” title=”ECOVER Laundry Detergent (4-pack)” description=”Save on washing energy costs with four 93-ounce bottles of all-natural laundry detergent that tackles tough stains – even in cold water. Made from plant-based ingredients and packaged in plastic made from sugarcane, this biodegradable product is gentle on the skin and boasts has a 100% natural fragrance that leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean. “]
[amazon box=”B00Q70Q2DG” title=”ECOVER Fragrance Free Zero Dish Soap” description=”Receive six 25-ounce bottles of this renewable, odorless plant-based liquid dish soap that is non-toxic and biodegradable. Packed with high-potency cleaning power, this formula cuts through grease and leaves dishes sparkling clean.”]
This brand was inspired by Mrs. Thelma A. Meyer. She is an Iowa homemaker. One day, one of her daughters was walking down a cleaning aisle of a supermarket, feeling uneasy about all of the harsh chemical cleaners. That inspired the beginning of a thriving American company on the cutting edge of green cleaning technology.
Today, the Mrs. Myers brand ethically produces a range of natural household cleaning products that are scented with essential oils from flowers and herbs, while at the same time providing maximum cleaning effectiveness.
[amazon box=”B01IQ9R37E” title=”Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner ” description=”First, this product is free of animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals. Second, it is made from essential oils and plant-derived ingredients. Third, it contains a concentrated cleaning formula with a natural Lemon Verbena scent that will leave multiple surfaces clean and odor-free. “]
[amazon box=”B01MZZ0N5N” title=”Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Body Wash, Honeysuckle Scent” description=”Made with aloe vera, essential oils, flaxseed oil, and other thoughtfully selected ingredients, this dermatologically tested product contains the sweet scent of flowers and fruits. It’s a moisturizing body wash that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and superbly refreshed. “]
In 2008, BETTER LIFE Founders Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs were watching their toddlers. They noticed that as the kids crawled on the floor, they were picking up toxic cleaning residue. An idea was born.
That idea was to create a range of plant-derived non-toxic household cleaners that would exceed expectations for both environmental safety and cleaning performance.
Today, BETTER LIFE is thriving. That is mainly because their range of cleaning products continue to push the envelope towards more plant power - with ultra-effective household cleaning results.
[amazon box=”B004JSLZEO” title=”BETTER LIFE Natural Granite and Stone Cleaner (Pomegranate Grapefruit Scent)” description=”This unique formula protects surfaces while cleaning and is free of solvents, VOCs, alkyphenol surfactants and petroleum. Not tested on animals, this product (safe for all food surfaces) cleans, shines and degreases quartz, granite, marble, slate and concrete. “]
[amazon box=”B001KYNZYI” title=”BETTER LIFE Natural Wood Polish (Lavender & Cinnamon Scent)” description=”Also free of free of solvents, VOCs, alkyphenol surfactants and petroleum, this product cleans and polishes all of the wood furniture in your home: cabinets, paneling, antiques and veneers. In addition to removing dust and smudges, natural oils in the formula help to condition wood and bring out a natural shine. “]
Founded in 2011, the Greenscents range of products now supplies some of the best retailers in the UK and is also sold in Europe, Scandinavia, South East Asia and the Middle East. Everything is made in a workshop in Dulverton, Somerset staffed by a small but experienced team of passionate artisans.
All products use premium organic, ethically sourced ingredients that contain no enzymes, alcohol, gluten, palm oil, GMOs or animal-based ingredients. Their non-scented range is as pure and hypoallergenic as possible - very good for sensitive skin.
[amazon box=”B01N8PXW87″ title=”Greenscents Citrus Floor Soap 400ml (2-pack)” description=”Made from 81% organic ingredients, this super-concentrated product comes in 100% bioplastic bottles and contains no phosphates, enzymes, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, gluten, or alcohol and is suitable for vegans. Simply dilute a capful or two into a bucket of hot water and apply a gorgeous-smelling, highly effective clean upon vinyl, sealed wood, marble or ceramic tile floors.”]
[amazon box=”B01KHL12MG” title=”Greenscents Minty Laundry Conditioner” description=”This organic laundry conditioner will give you comfortable clothes, softer linens, fluffy towels and fabrics that yield to a wonderfully easy iron finish. Greenscents laundry conditioner works well at all washing temperatures and is suitable for delicates, silk and wool. “]
Cleaning house using traditional chemical cleaning products will make your home sparkle. However, every time you pour a bucketful of chemical cleaner down the drain, that contributes to more contaminants in our already polluted waterways.
In addition, strong chemical cleaners are a potential danger to young children, pets and the elderly.
While homemade organic solutions (like washing with vinegar scented with essential oils) will work, they simply can’t match the cleaning power of commercial cleaning solutions.
Fortunately, this roundup of top natural cleaning product brands provides you powerful solutions that will clean your home, protect your loved ones and look out for the long-term health of our planet.
No matter how much you try to keep the furniture in your dining and living room damage-free, it is almost impossible to prevent water stains, tears, and scratches. These little damages can come from several sources: your pet has an accident or chews some wood, your children are too enthusiastic with permanent markers or pens, or your favorite furniture suffers from smoke or damage. Strong upholstery such as microfiber and leather can equally get damaged in some situations.
The same applies to wood furniture damages; using coasters, furniture polish, and glass covers may not prevent stains, water rings, or scratches from severely affecting your wood furniture.
This article looks at some easy home remedies you can try to spruce up old furniture. In addition, it also lists several high-quality commercial products that will assure spectacular results. Here is a quick summary:
[amazon table="2121"]
Table of Contents
8 Tips to Repair Your Damaged Furniture
Furniture deterioration is inevitable, but fortunately, there are several ways to fix them. Here are some tips and tricks to help repair your damaged furniture and make them look as good as new again, depending on the different materials and type of damage.
Darken and Stain Naturally
There are many natural home remedies you can try to freshen up your furniture with a dark stain. For example, staining your furniture darker with vinegar will give it a rich, natural hue.Simply apply the vinegar and use a wire brush to scrub it into the wood.
Another natural option is to use linseed oil, a high quality furniture solution that dries quickly, leaving a tough slightly glossy finish. Suitable for all types of wood and stone, this will give you high quality results without much effort.
[amazon box="B00CDRQ4BW"]
Repair Minor Scratches and Nicks
To repair reasonably minor damage, one option is to try restoring your furniture using a natural recipe. Mix one-quarter cup of vinegar (apple or white cedar) and three-quarter cups of oil (you can make do with canola oil) thoroughly. Follow the application instructions, and in no time, your wood will look as good as a new one.
For a more powerful solution that will yield more predictable results, the Weiman Repair Kit is our favorite product for hiding furniture scratches and smoothing out worn edges.
[amazon box="B07NCZT37P"]
Restore Furniture Naturally
Before purchasing wood stain from stores, try using a natural ingredient. For example, coconut oil can be used to re-hydrate furniture and also restores the wood’s soft glow and natural color. It may make the furniture look darker, yet it actually restores the natural color and makes it look healthier.
Another natural restoration option is to use a high quality beeswax polish and conditioner. These polishes contain no artificial coloring and work amazingly on wood, metal and marble surfaces.
[amazon box="B00CB4RD44"]
Repair Major Damage
If you’ve got a beautiful wood piece, but an eyesore is detracting from the overall appearance, you can use a latex-based wood filler. This is an all-purpose alternative preferred by several furniture restorers to the normal furniture fillers. Simply mix up the wood filler, apply to the damaged portion and then sand smooth.
[amazon box="B00181J1A0"]
If you feel capable you should try using specific tools to make your job easier. Using tools like fasteners, glue and pliers are always useful, just make sure never to underestimate a good paintbrush! After that, you can give the furniture an even look by repainting the entire piece.
Refinishing Furniture Like A Pro
It may seem simple to refinish wood; simple purchase a stain and apply it – but we can tell you confidently that there’s more to be done to enhance this staining process. First, ensure to sand the furniture piece – even if you’re not seeing any sort of top coat or finish. Do remember to sand with the grain, that’s the exact direction of the furniture grain.
To achieve the best result, begin by doing a coarse-grit, and finish with a fine-grit. Nice smooth wood surfaces will readily accept the stain and color evenly. For good control, use a rag to apply the stain, and thoroughly buff towards the end for a more attractive and durable end result.
[amazon box="B06XS7BMBZ"]
Return to Underlying Furniture
If you have an old piece that has been painted and overused in the past, you can return its lost glory by stripping it to the beautiful, original piece. Depending on how large the damaged area is, you can use liquid paint strippers (for a large area) or sand it down (for a small area). Applying liquid strippers require an even spread around. You could use a chip brush to make a cool, thick layer. Allow the stripper to dry for about 40 minutes and scrape it away while maintaining the wood grain.
Here is one of of favorite furniture stripper that effectively removes paint, enamel, lacquer and varnish from wood:
[amazon box="B07L424TPS"]
Repair holes
If you love the appearance of reclaimed pallets or wood, but there are unattractive old nail holes that disfigured the furniture, do not worry. You can get over this with a simple restoration trick!
Filling the holes with pieces of wood, in place of glue is recommended. We recommend using wood stain because they look more natural and even. Just sharpen a skewer, caramel apple stick, or even a toothpick and then pop it in! After sanding it down to a moderate finish, check it out again!
Fix Watermarks
If there is a pesky watermark that is refusing to align with your repainting or refinishing efforts, simply eliminate the annoying stain using spray shellac! Just like the Zinsser Bulls Eye Spray, a shellac coating will seal the watermark and prevent any bleed out to enable you to paint with ease.
Restoring and repairing your furniture is simple, only if you have the perfect materials and instructions! Now that you have them, go ahead and take delight in the natural beauty of your furniture!
Conclusion: buy now!
If your furniture is scuffed or faded and you have the time to experiment, try out some of the home remedies listed in this article for fast and easy solutions. However, if you want the best results possible from your restoration efforts, keep these products in mind as you make your plans:
Choose your next knife carefully, and it will save you hundreds of dollars down the line.
When it comes to the most versatile kitchen knives, you wouldn’t settle for something just okay, right? You would look for quality, excellence, and guaranteed performance.
Nothing beats a multipurpose chef knife for its indispensability in the kitchen.
We’ve listed three of our favorite models here—some of the best you can find on the market today.
Choose your bet wisely by reading this buyer’s guide, first.
More suitable for push-and-pull motion of cutting.
If you want a sharper tip, you can choose this knife.
It has a flatter belly than the German knife, allowing you to have more control.
You can easily sharpen the blades, as Gyuto knives don’t have full bolsters that extend to the edge.
Since high- carbon steel blades are thinner, they have acute bevel angles.
They stay sharp longer than German knives, given that you maintain them regularly.
German chef knife
More suitable for rocking motion of cutting.
These are also heavier, having full bolsters that extend to the edge.
With an even bevel, they don’t develop chips easily; however, they tend to lose their edge quickly.
German knives have thicker blades, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks that involve cutting bones or tough cartilages.
Size and Weight
Size
Your choice of size basically depends on your preference. However, the ideal size is 8 inches, both for home cooks and experts. Still, you can choose anywhere from 6 to 14 inches.
Weight
Like size, choosing the right weight for a knife can be subjective.
Do you want to cut through tough flesh? You might want to use a heavier knife, as it can fall heavily and cut the meat right away.
Alternatively, you might want a lighter knife if you move fast and use knives for longer periods.
The ideal chef knife weighs a little over 7 ounces.
Balance and Comfort
Balance
You can test a knife’s balance by gripping its handle.
Either of the handle and the blade shouldn’t be heavier than the other. If the grip feels awkward, then it’s not worth it.
Comfort
Maximum comfort is achieved when you feel like your hand and the knife are one.
A knife should also have a knuckle clearance. Nothing can be peskier than your knuckles repeatedly bumping into the wooden board!
Full Tang or Partial Tang
It’s always better to choose a full tang blade, as it provides more balance to the knife. Also, with a full tang, you can put more force through the handle against any tough meat or bones.
Stainless Steel VS High-Carbon Stainless Steel VS Carbon Steel
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel knives are what you can call “second options”. They are next to the carbon steel knives in almost everything. Their only aces against carbon steel knives are durability and rust resistance.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel knives are miles better than stainless steel knives. They’re also sharper than the latter. You should only worry about their high demand for maintenance.
High-Carbon Stainless Steel
Needless to say, these knives have the best of both worlds. They mop the floor when it comes to edge retention, balance, comfort, and, of course, sharpness. Most of these knives are also forged, which guarantees excellent-quality steel blades.
Superstar brands of chef’s knives you will love
1. ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife 8 Inch – Alpha-Royal Series – Our premium pick for chefs
This premium chef knife boasts of excellent function and form in every inch.
It has beautiful intricate details etched on its blade. Its highly thoughtful handle will please seasoned chefs and home cooks.
Every glide through meats, fruit slices, or greens left us with gasps. Breathtaking knife, really.
It’s one of the best kitchen knives for the money that you will not regret buying.
Pros
Forged full tang
Visually stunning blade
Excellent build quality and precision
A handle with smooth tactile quality
No blemishes or chips, guaranteed flawless
Ideal for any meat, fish, or vegetable cutting
Beautiful VG10 Super Steel 67-layer Damascus blade
Cuts turkey meat, fruits, vegetables, and bread
Crafted using the traditional 3-Step Honbazuke method
Has traditional Asian features, but has the Western heft and feel
Ergonomic rounded, top military grade G10 triple-riveted handle
Cons
No sheath
Not suitable for dishwashers
Why should you buy this product?
If you want incredible quality for the long run, you should stick to the Zelite Infinity’s Alpha-Royal Series model.
Definitely our premium choice—price, features, and quality-wise.
It’s the one to beat.
With this piece, you will be buying for quality, comfort, and balance. Most importantly, the sharpness—this high-carbon stainless steel knife will help you cut uniform vegetables and dice beautiful marbled beef.
What we love the most is the specially designed handle. With its grip and balance, we instantly knew this knife is for long-term use.
2. Shun DM0706 Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife – Best for experienced chefs
The Shun chef’s knife is the classic, high-performing knife as you know it. But don’t get it twisted—classic doesn’t equate to plain and predictable.
At 7.13 ounces, this knife is lightweight, minimalist and treat filled with premium features.
It’s easily one of those best chef knives we have confirmed by only trying it once.
With a feature-packed commercial design, this knife will fill the hearts of seasoned chefs with joy.
Pros
Dishwasher-safe
Highly resistant to rust
It has knuckle clearance
Ergonomic D-shaped handle that fits most hand sizes
Handle is NSF certified for use in commercial kitchens
Has microscopic air pockets that minimize friction when slicing
With a 16-degree angle, it’s sharper than most Western 22-degree angle knives
Features Japanese super steel high-carbon VG-10, famous for great edge retention
Cons
Users must immediately prevent water from sitting on the blade
Not suitable for chefs who like knives with intricate details
Why should you buy this product?
Most experts advise chefs to work with what they know. And, if you agree with this, this classic model by Shun should be your choice.
It’s exactly what we expected from a premium chef’s knife—classic design, excellent high-carbon steel blade, and elegant handle certified for commercial kitchen use.
If you’re one of those hardened superior chefs who hate gimmicks, the Shun chef’s knife will be your best buddy.
Who says familiarity always breeds contempt? Not with this knife. It’s reliable, classic, and sharp.
3. Imarku Pro Kitchen 8 Inch Chef’s Knife – Most Popular Budget Option
This chef’s knife by Imarku Pro Kitchen is revered for its strength and sharpness. It’s no surprise, given that it’s crafted using German engineering techniques.
On top of that, the handle’s rounded shape is gentle for the hands, so it’s ideal for long periods of cutting.
It iss truly designed for busy professionals.
Pros
Dishwasher-safe
Anti-tarnish, stain-resistant blade
Anti-fatigue, anti-slip handle from Africa
Elegant, glossy appeal because of the chrome finish
Added toughness, with its blade having 0.6-0.75 carbon
Cons
Has a tight package
Logo starts to fade eventually
Not suitable for slicing frozen foods
Why should you buy this product?
Although we can’t say it’s the best, this visually striking chef’s knife attracts and pleases a lot of people. In fact, it’s the best-selling Gyutou knife on Amazon.
We love its lightweight, sharp blade. If you have a limited budget, but still want a reliable knife, this is your best choice.
Surely, this model will meet any budding chef demands.
Chef’s Knives 101
How to use them
First, learn the pinch grip. Once you master it, you can avoid hurting your fingers and have more control.
Learn two slicing techniques with a chef’s knife: the rocking motion and the push-pull motion.
With the rocking motion, the blade’s tip never leaves the chopping board. Meanwhile, with the push-pull motion, the whole knife leaves the board with each slice.
For rocking motion, use German chef’s knives. Since the blades are curved, it complements the movement better, making it seamless and fast.
For the push-pull motion, use the Japanese chef’s knives. Since the blades are straight-edged, it will be easier to lift the knife during slicing.
How to care for your chef’s knife
Hand-wash your knife after every use.
Make sure it dries thoroughly.
Realign the microscopic teeth using a ceramic honing rod.
Sharpen your chef’s knife blade using a Japanese whetstone.
If you’re a seasoned chef, store your knife properly by mounting them to a magnetic strip on the wall. This is also highly sanitary.
If you’re a home cook and have kids, you can safely store them under your kitchen cabinet or in any of your drawer docks. To be safer, you can childproof your cabinet and drawers as well.
Chef’s Knife VS Santoku Knife
The chef’s knife is better suited for preparing vegetables, as it’s faster using the rocking motion. Well, pretty much, the chef’s knife can do anything.
Therefore, if you have diversified high-power cooking tasks, you can choose the chef’s knife.
Meanwhile, the Santoku knife is best for slicing boneless meats, mincing herbs, or slicing fruits and cheese.
If you work at a small cafe or cook stews at home for your kids, you can opt for the Santoku knife.
Chef’s knife VS Vegetable knife
If you need a versatile knife in the kitchen, you should invest in a good chef’s knife.
The chef’s knife is all-around—it can slice and dice vegetables, cut meat, tear through cartilages, mince herbs, and even fillet fish.
That’s why if you work with a diverse set of cooking tasks, it would be a better investment.
However, if you truly desire an excellent knife for greens, carrots, or potatoes, always choose the vegetable knife.
The vegetable knife’s design is specifically dedicated for peeling, slicing, mincing, or dicing vegetables. You won’t be disappointed with its design.
Why do some chef’s knives have holes in the blade?
Blades have holes so you can easily push them down with your thumb.
The holes are for reducing the friction on the blade’s side.
The holes help prevent the slices from sticking to the blade.
Some cleavers also have holes, so you can hang them on the meat hook.
Are chef’s knives with dimples worth it?
They will be worth it if you mostly work with moist, sticky, or wet food.
For instance, if you always slice cheese, liver, or any soft meat, you can invest in knifes with dimples. You can also coin carrots or cucumbers better with these blades.
But in general, the dimples or kullens typically have no ground-breaking purpose.
Do you want finely chopped garlic cloves that melt on the meat and vegetables? How about Julienne carrots in the exact, uniformed dimension that you wanted?
Trusted by thousands of satisfied customers, the Mercer Culinary Genesis may be one of the best knives to achieve this goal.
We’ve listed our other favorites here, but this 7-inch super lightweight knife is our favorite.
Its exclusive intelligent design perfectly caters to the slicing of vegetables.
And the best thing is that it has the lightest blade we’ve carried so far.
The other vegetable knives wowed us, but the Mercer Culinary Genesis blew us away!
Buyer’s guide
What makes a good knife for cutting vegetables?
Easy to sharpen. Straight edges for sharp cuts and easy maintenance.
Intelligent handle design. Left- and right-handed chefs can firmly grip the handle without fatigue.
Perfect size of the blade. Wide enough for scooping dices and strips of vegetables.
Guaranteed full tang. The knife’s blade should extend to the tip of its handle, for optimal balance and weight.
What are they used for?
Vegetable knife is best used for preparing vegetables. It’s for chopping, shredding, and dicing — whether they are small or big pieces of greens and produce. However, you shouldn’t use it for filleting fish or chopping blocks of meat.
Vegetable knives vs Chef knives
The main difference lies in the exclusivity of their purpose.
The vegetable knives are exclusively for cutting vegetables, while the chef knives are for multiple slicing and cutting tasks.
You can use chef knives to dice vegetables, but you can’t use vegetable knives to cut meat. In fact, the only knife in our list that meet that criteria is the TUO Cutlery Vegetable Meat Cleaver Knife, which can be used to cut both vegetables and meat.
Nevertheless, both are not ideal for slicing bread and cleaving meat.
The Kyocera Ceramic Nakiri knife is a powerful beast that calls for the utmost care.
Its Ceramic blade’s razor-sharp edge doesn’t disappoint — every cut is smooth. The slim Ceramic blade is highly reliable for making precise Juliennes. And, even if it’s a vegetable cleaver, you can use it to slice piles of boneless meat.
Pros
Made from proprietary Zirconia material, a ceramic formula in Japan, which makes it extremely sharp
Perfect balance because of the full-tang blade
10 times longer than the traditional knives
Ideal for everyday use
Lightweight, which is ideal for fast cutting
Dishwasher-safe but should be separated from other metal cutlery
Cons
Suitable for only plastic and wooden boards
Not fit for carving, prying, and boning
Not for frozen meats
Should not be used for cutting food on glass or plates
Why should you buy this product?
Another vegetable knife that definitely wowed us is the Kyocera Nagiri knife.
It’s extremely sharp edge doesn’t back down from relentless dicing and slicing. It may be high-maintenance, but it’s a powerful, high-performing knife.
It’s a worthy purchase if you put performance and sharpness above all factors in buying vegetable knives.
5. DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable Knife – Shogun Series X
The performance of Dalstrong Shogun series Nakiri knife precedes its aesthetic.
Its gorgeous and intricate markings stand out from the rest. Its thoroughly processed blade can dice small vegetables and large vegetables.
The G-10 handle also provides comfort and ease with its smooth surface.
Pros
Sharpened using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method.
66 layers of premium high-carbon stainless steel layers
Wear- and stain-resistant
Hand-polished G-10 handle
The blade is cooled using liquid nitrogen
Triple-riveted for full resilience
Beautiful engraved designs
Cons
Might be a bit too heavy for new users
Not mirror finish
Not suitable for you if you want a minimalist knife design
Why should you buy this product?
Knife culture is at its peak with Dalstrong’s Shogun Nagiri knife.
Whether you have a plant-based diet or run a vegan restaurant, you will feel glad in owning this cleaver.
You will not regret buying this if slicing veggies is a constant in your life.
Its sharpness is only a bonus. Its design and blade thickness is reliable for slicing thin tomato slices, carrot cubes, or potato wedges — you name it.
Vegetable Knives 101
How do chefs keep vegetables from sticking to their knives when chopping?
It’s not a problem for most chefs unless the food is excessively sticking to the knife.
Also, it’s dangerous if the food is acidic. If this is true in your case, you need to clean your knife at all times.
The key here is to invest in a knife with scalloping (small dimples), so the food won’t stick.
Other Japanese knives also have concave backsides, so the food separates cleanly. This is also known as Urasuki.
In addition, watch out for poor-quality knives that are grounded at an angle. This allows the food to stick more to the blade.
How the right knife can increase nutrients
Did you know that slicing your veggies boosts its antioxidant level?
Chopping your leafy greens like spinach or celery will increase the polyphenol content.
When you cut greens, it wounds the leaves causing it to release more polyphenol.
Since antioxidants consist mostly of high polyphenol levels, it will be good to consume food that has more of the latter.
However, you definitely need a great vegetable cleaver to shred greens better.
Cutting them with a sharp knife will cause less damage to their cells, leaving your veggies with high polyphenol content.
In a nutshell…
Slicing vegetables is an art of accuracy, precision, and timing.
That is why you should invest in a high quality knifeto sustain your mastery.
We understand how you feel. Every day, as you contemplate the blue sky (unless you leave in Seattle of course), two existential questions plague your mind.
Is Fidget Spinner dead already?
What is the most expensive sushi knife in the world?
To answer your first question: though Wyoming offers a slight resistance, Fidget Spinner is steadily becoming a corpse, as people are losing interest over time. Yay!
But let’s get down to business. You never miss an opportunity to show off your ninja cooking skills, so why not add some curious anecdotes to throw at your peasant friends while slicing that fish?
Types of Sushi Knives
Since there are many types of Japanese knives, and more specifically sushi knives, here we will only focus on the most expensive knife to slice fish.
Actually, there are three main types of knives to handle sushi:
Yanagiba (Willow Blade): prepare ye, raw fish!
Deba bōchō (Pointed Carving Knife): ideal to fillet fish and cut through bone.
Usuba bōchō (Thin Knife): suitable for preparing vegetables.
The most popular sashimi knife is the Yanagiba, used to slice raw fish. Loved by both professional and budding chefs around the world, it will probably be the only one you will ever need in your kitchen anyway.
The type of knife that we have chosen and we will show you in a moment it’s called Yanagi Kiritsuke (Sashimi Knife). Kiritsuke combines the functionality of both the Usuba and Yanagiba knife.
Most expensive Sashimi Knife
The most lethal sashimi knife to get revenge on your enemies is called Yoshihiro Aoko Blue Steel #1 Mizu Yaki Water Quenched Honyaki Mirror-Finished Yanagi Kiritsuke with Mt.Fuji under a Full Moon Hamon Blade Line. If the name didn’t throw you off, the price may, as this little beauty can cost more than 5.000 dollars.
As the legend goes, ancient samurai Michel Courtemanche used it to castrate a mosquito possessed by an evil demon. The strike is so fast you can barely see the blade.
Why is the knife so expensive?
The question is relative. Expensive for who? Why some pieces of art are so expensive?
At first glance, the price may throw you off, but let’s learn a little bit more about it.
Japanese knives are famous not only for their quality but for their exquisite craftsmanship. Do you love Japanese cuisine? When you are buying a high-end Japanese knife you are not buying your average kitchen utensil. You are literally investing in a piece of art, a collectible, crafted with the utmost care, inspired by many elements of the Japanese culture.
The technique for forging this knife is known as Honyaki, which is the application of the Japanese swordsmithing tradition to create the most refined work of the craftsman.
The artisan is Genkai Masakuni, a very popular Smith specialized in Mizu Honyaki (water quench), a process intended to produce a sharper, long-lasting blade.
The Hamon (which is literally the blade pattern) is the visual effect you can appreciate on the blade and represents Mount Fuji (the highest mountain of Japan) under a fool moon.
All the little details add to the price of the blade, which is obviously not intended for the average consumer.
Do you love sushi? Now you know which gift you should ask your partner for your next birthday.
If you don’t want to break up but still desire to put your cooking skills to the test, our buyer’s guide to the best sushi knives offer some high-quality, affordable options.
What do you think? Would you invest in this knife if you had the money?
Have you recently bought a ceramic knife or are you thinking about getting one but are not really sure what kind of cutting boards can you pair it with?
Ceramic knives are sharper than steel ones, and can last up to ten times longer, provided you care for them. Ceramic blades are not as flexible or though, so they are not good for slicing hard foods, and in the same way they are not suitable for certain surfaces.
But don’t despair! Let us help you choose the best cutting board for your ceramic knife.
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Best Premium Option: Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Virginia Boys Kitchens
Are you looking for an elegant, sturdy and durable option?
If a slightly higher investment is not a concern for you, then wood is the way to go, and this large cutting board is one of the best of it’s kind, still available at an affordable price.
A good wood cutting board can’t miss in your kitchen. They are very versatile and can be used to safely slice most kind of foods. The wood surface will care for your ceramic knife blade, increasing it’s lifespan, more so than bamboo.
The elegant design make this premium cutting board perfect for a gift, or to be used as a rustic serving platter.
Best Budget Option: Extra Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board by Royal
Are you in a hurry? Then look no further than this bamboo cutting board with more than 900 satisfied customer reviews.
Both wood and bamboo are excellent materials for a cutting board, especially when pairing with a ceramic knife. Bamboo boards are perfect to slice vegetables, fruit, and other soft foods. As you may already know, ceramic knives cannot be used on hard foods, so this board is a perfect match for them.
If the low price is not reason enough to buy it, then you may be interested in knowing that this product is 100% eco friendly. Built only with organic materials and resistant to bacteria and microbes, you’re getting top notch quality at an unbeatable price.
Bamboo (which is considered a type of grass and not wood) is also a solid choice if you are looking for an eco-friendly budget option. Check also: Buyer’s guide to the best bamboo cutting boards.
Polypropylene (Plastic, Acrylic, etc.) is a suitable option either, but in terms of quality this cutting boards are not as good as wood and bamboo, so we would suggest you stick to those materials if you can.
Materials To avoid
Ceramic knives blades are extremely sharp, but are not suitable to slice hard foods. In the same way, if you use a cutting board made of any of the following materials, chances are you will dull the blade rather sooner than later, so you must avoid them at all costs.
Glass
Granite
Marble
Wood VS Bamboo
If we had to choose between a wood cutting board and a bamboo one, we would be inclined to buy the former.
Wood and bamboo cutting boards are the best fit for a ceramic knife, but wood takes the prize home. They are sturdy, durable, elegant, and they will last you much longer than bamboo boards.
Their surface is softer and it’s the best overall to care for your knife blade. That means you won’t have to sharpen your knives all that often (and as you may know, you can’t sharpen a ceramic knife with a sharpener meant for metal blades). All in all, if you are looking for the best cutting board for a ceramic knife, we suggest you invest in a good wood cutting board.
Plastic cutting boards are usually easier to clean, and cheap to replace, while wood cutting boards need constant careful maintenance.
The main disadvantage of plastic cutting boards is that they are easily scratched, so is easy for bacteria to hide and growth on those cracks. On the other hand, end grain wood cutting boards made of hardwood are usually safer and less prone to bacteria growth, but they are harder to clean.
Our suggestion? Wood it’s still the most suitable material for a ceramic knife so we recommend you to have at least one in your arsenal. Use it to slice fruit, soft cheese, soft bread and vegetables. Keep a second plastic cutting board at hand and use it to slice boneless raw meat (remember that you cannot use ceramic knives to cut bones).
You haven’t decided which ceramic knife to pick yet? Check why you should buy one in our detailed buyer’s guide.
These knives are nothing like we’ve seen before. From the blades’ sharpness to the handles’ material, we didn’t expect to get such superior features from knives priced under $30.
Firm grips. Top-caliber blades. Incredibly sharp cuts. They didn’t fail.
You still have to prioritize your preferences, though. Not all of us have the same tastes. Will these knives fit your needs?
Read on to make an informed buying decision.
Buyer’s Guide: How to choose a Sushi knife
Find out if buying the Hiroshi knives set is a stellar idea.
What are Sushi knives?
Sushi knives are utensils exclusively designed for cutting fish, vegetables, and rolls.
Types
Deba-bocho knives. Professional chefs use these cleavers to fillet the fish and chop the head.
Usuba-bocho knives. With their thin blades and single-beveled side, you can use these knives for peeling and slicing vegetables.
Yamagiba knives. These have similar features to the Usuba, but Yamagiba knives are best for cutting fish fillets and fish.
Length
Among the three, the Deba-bocho knives are the shortest, while the Yamagiba knives are the longest.
Today, you can find Yamagiba knives that span from 8 to 12 inches. Whichever fits your personal preferences is the best length.
Blade material
Stainless steel. These knives don’t easily rust, but they are not particularly sharp.
Carbon steel. The best types of knives if you want an extremely sharp edge. The blade needs regular maintenance to prevent rust.
Composite steel. These knives are quite pricey but definitely sharper and more resistant to rust.
Handle Material
The Japanese knives have wooden handles with plastic caps, while the Western knives have shiny rivets holding the blade.
It’s best to choose knives with lightweight, wooden handles so you can cut and shove with ease.
Top 5 Best Sushi Knives Review
By owning premium knives, you can cut anything to perfection. Here are our top picks.
High-quality carbon and stainless steel core, treated with heat
Single bevel knife edge on the right
Flat side on the left
8-inch blade
Full-tang traditional Rosewood handle from Madagascar
Product Description
Settle for nothing but the best.
For that, you can check out the Gyuto knife by Simple Song.
The Gyuto Sushi knife is perfect for expert Sushi masters or learning chefs who have no time for games. They only use the finest steel core to cut tough cartilages and heavy blocks of Tuna.
Its single-bevel knife will cut through anything, while its full-tang rosewood handle will endure intense cutting efforts from the user.
Pros
Beautiful, striking look of the blade and handle
Tasteful packaging
Suitable for those who prefer traditional Japanese knives
Heat-treated razor-sharp blade for cutting and gutting fish
Durable Rosewood handle
Can dice vegetables and fruits well
Cons
High-maintenance — needs cleaning, wiping with oil, and air-drying
Single-bevel — not suitable for those who like double-bevel knives
Why should you buy this product?
An imperfect, moderately sharp Sushi knife wouldn’t just cut it.
You should get the best Japanese knife.
That’s why the Gyuto knife is the best companion for serious Sushi chefs.
With its price, you would expect a premium quality — fortunately, the Gyuto knife ultimately delivers.
This knife is also the perfect investment if you are Pescetarian and cook your own fish meals.
270mm or 10.5-inch single edged blade with a traditional grind
Handcrafted Japanese Octagonal Rosewood Shitan handle
Available in 9” blades, 10.5” blades, 11.8” blades, and 13” blades
Lacquer coated magnolia wooden sheath
Product Description
Another Sashimi knife that takes the cake is the Yoshihiro VGYA270SH Stainless Hongasumi Yanagi Sushi Knife by Yoshihiro Cutlery.
Its high carbon and VG stainless steel blade, in particular, is treated with heat to ensure premium quality.
With thorough and consistent Whetstone sharpening, you can count on this knife for a lifetime.
Pros
Perfect for cutting delicate slices of fish
Ideal for slicing boneless beef
Rust-resistant, sharp steel blade
Comes with lacquer Saya cover that prevents stinky odor
Features a flat side that prevents pieces from sticking
Handles and blades are all handcrafted in Japan
Cons
Not designed for left-handed people
You might find the cover a bit too spacious for the blade
Needs regular cleansing, wiping, and air-drying to avoid bacteria accumulation
Why should you buy this product?
Don’t let its elegant appearance fool you.
This knife’s high-grade carbon steel can cut through tough, heavy slabs of beef and large Tunas. You can shove the sliced pieces with ease with its D-shaped Rosewood handle.
After buying the Hongasumi Yanagi Sushi Knife, you will work without worries because of its rust-resistant blade.
You will impress other chefs with its gorgeous wooden sheath with a lacquer coating.
The knife will be a noteworthy investment if you’re just setting up your first Sushi restaurant.
4. Yoshihiro Shiroko High Carbon Steel Kasumi Yanagi Sushi Knife
Comes with wood knife sheath, knife oil, and rust eraser
Prices: $399.99 to $464.99 + $29.99 shipping fee
Product Description
The expertly crafted Yanagi is the best in the field.
Blue steel knives are known for being the badasses of cutlery.
This knife by Yoshihiro, in particular, never falls short in power and finesse.
Its high-grade carbon steel is graded 64 at the Hardness Rockwell C scale. Its blade, wave-forged by masterful artisans, flaunts an exquisite form and shine.
Any piece of food won’t stick to the single-edge blade — this is ideal for the hectic chefs who want to perform flawlessly in the kitchen.
Pros
Blue Steel blade guarantees 100% quality
Finished and forged to resist corrosion
Ideal for highly demanding activities
Glides through any fish with no jagged edges
Incredibly sharp edge for slicing delicate Sashimi slices and tough, heavy-duty Tuna cuts
Also ideal for entry-level chefs
Cons
Needs dedicated maintenance habits to prevent oxidation
Can develop small rusty spots within less than 15 minutes, if not dried properly
Might not arrive particularly sharp or straight, so you need to sharpen it
Why should you buy this product?
The Yanagi is a great beast that must be treated with the utmost care.
To receive its gifts, only the passionate warrior must handle it.
Therefore, if you highly respect the maintenance and dedication that carbon steel demands, then you’ve found your match.
From its name, you can guarantee a beast of a performance in a demanding, high-pressure kitchen.
The knife, in its essence, guarantees a genuine Japanese cuisine experience.
If you’re a highly dedicated learner or chef, this is the best investment you can make.
Start sharpening the front side’s tip, with your hand slightly raised to prevent contact.
Change angles often, so the tip can touch the Whetstone.
Next, sharpen the whole blade, from the heel to the tip.
To remove the burr, start sharpening the back or flat side.
Make sure to wipe the knife clean and air-dry it.
Why are Sushi knives one-sided?
Sushi knives are single-beveled so that their other side is flat. A flat side or edge will prevent the fish or meat from sticking to it.
Why are Sushi knives so expensive?
They are handcrafted and hand forged by blade masters who have trained and perfected their craft.
A single blade takes more than 4 weeks to complete, with the minimum time being 2 weeks.
The Japanese craftsmen treat Sushi knives as art and not just a tool. If you are buying a knife from them, you’re not buying a simple utensil but a collectible.
What makes the best Sushi knives?
Hardness – The knife must be able to endure any type of stress.
Toughness – The steel must not crack easily.
Edge retention – The blade’s edge must be sharp for a long period of time.
Resistance to wear – The blade must resist damage from abrasive wear and adhesive wear.
Washing / Caring Requirements
Soak a soft cloth in soapy water to clean the blades.
Clean your knives as you cook in the kitchen.
Act quickly and clean your knives immediately if you’re dealing with acidic food.
Invest in a good maintenance kit, such as the Whetstone, oil, rust eraser, or sheath.
To preserve the quality even longer, learn the Kobatsuke process. Seasoned chefs use this technique, so take your time to learn it.
Make yourself a gift. Invest in something that complements your passion for Sushi.
Are you craving for more information on perfect knives to add to your collection? You may be interested in checking our buyer’s guide to the best ceramic knives and electric knives available today.
Food particles, bacteria, and moisture can easily lodge in the wood and contaminate the food you’re preparing on the board. As a result, you should wash the cutting board thoroughly after every use using warm water and dishwashing soap. Rinse the board carefully, making sure to remove all food particles. Then, dry it immediately in an upright position to prevent moisture buildup.
As mentioned before, end grain cutting boards easily retain moisture. This can result in faster deterioration. Now, take note that moist cutting boards can also harbor bacteria. To prevent this, store your end grain cutting board in an open area, such as the kitchen counter. This allows air to circulate and keeps the board dry.
To keep your end grain cutting board in prime condition, avoid using steel wool and other abrasive materials to clean it. Be sure to clean it right after each use instead of leaving it on the sink for a long time. Lastly, only use mineral oil to condition the board to prevent unpleasant odors.
