Hi mikaelamaya, I'm getting porcelain benchtops for my new kitchen, so like you, I'm interested in how other people go with them. I was listening to a radio segment the other morning ('Homies' with Simon Marney) and they said the new porcelain benchtops were more more stain resistant than composite stone benchtops, and suggested that a caller replace her stained benchtop with a porcelain one. That gave me hope! I've been testing a sample of Arte Domus (Sydney) porcelain and so far its resisted red wine, beetroot, turmeric, oil and tea. My only concern with it is whether it will chip easily. I guess I'll just sand back a chipped edge and call it 'patina'. I'm going for porcelain because of its matt finish and slim edge, and because I can get a whole slab for an island bench without joins. I'm also putting it on the bathroom vanities, so I hope I'll be happy with it. Anybody else out there with experience of this product?

I would speak to Tim Lorian of Milano Stone in Claremont, he knows everything about stone. www.milanostone.com.au

Maintaining a clean and healthy living environment is crucial for the well-being of you and your family. In addition to regular cleaning, proper sanitation and disinfection play a vital role in preventing the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses. In this article, we will explore the importance of sanitation and disinfection in the house and provide practical tips to help you effectively sanitize and disinfect your home. Understanding Sanitation: Sanitation refers to the process of removing dirt, debris, and contaminants from surfaces, objects, and areas in the house. It involves thorough cleaning practices such as sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, and mopping to eliminate visible dirt and grime. Sanitation is the foundation for a clean and healthy home environment. The Significance of Disinfection: While sanitation removes visible dirt, disinfection takes the cleaning process a step further by eliminating harmful microorganisms. Disinfectants are chemical agents that kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces. Disinfection is especially crucial in high-touch areas and surfaces that are frequently exposed to germs, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures. Choosing the Right Disinfectant: Not all disinfectants are created equal. When selecting a disinfectant for your home, look for one that is approved by regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ensure that the disinfectant is effective against a wide range of microorganisms and suitable for the surfaces you intend to clean. Follow the instructions on the product label for proper dilution, application, and contact time. Key Areas for Sanitation and Disinfection: To effectively sanitize and disinfect your house, focus on key areas and surfaces that are commonly touched or prone to contamination. These include: Kitchen: Countertops, cutting boards, sinks, refrigerator handles, and kitchen utensils. Bathroom: Toilet seats, faucets, showerheads, bathtub surfaces, and bathroom fixtures. High-Touch Surfaces: Doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, computer keyboards, and mobile devices. Living Areas: Tables, chairs, TV remotes, game controllers, and shared electronics. Bedroom: Bed linens, pillows, mattresses, and bedside tables. Children's Play Areas: Toys, play mats, and surfaces frequently touched by children. Laundry: Washing machine surfaces, laundry baskets, and frequently used clothing items. Effective Sanitization and Disinfection Practices: To ensure proper sanitation and disinfection in your home, follow these practices: Regular Cleaning: Perform routine cleaning activities such as dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming to remove dirt and debris. Pre-Cleaning: Before disinfecting, ensure surfaces are free from visible dirt by sanitizing or cleaning them first. Proper Disinfectant Application: Apply disinfectant on surfaces and objects according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pay attention to recommended contact time, which is the duration the disinfectant needs to remain wet on the surface to effectively kill germs. Ventilation: Open windows or use exhaust fans to improve air circulation while cleaning and disinfecting. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When handling disinfectants, wear gloves and other appropriate PPE as recommended by the product label to protect your skin and respiratory system. Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after cleaning and disinfecting. Laundering: Follow proper laundry practices, including washing clothes, bed linens, and towels in the hottest water suitable for the fabric and drying them completely. Storage and Safety: Store disinfectants in a safe and secure location, away from the reach of children and pets. By incorporating these practices into your cleaning routine, you can maintain a hygienic and healthy living environment for yourself and your family. Remember, sanitation and disinfection are ongoing processes. Regularly reassess your cleaning practices and stay updated on the latest recommendations from health authorities to ensure that you are effectively preventing the spread of germs and promoting a safe and healthy home. Invest in a residential cleaning team Professional cleaning service will take care of your house cleaning needs, Investing in a residential cleaning team can bring numerous benefits and make your life easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent with a hectic schedule, or simply want to reclaim your free time, hiring a residential cleaning team can be a game-changer

Cleaning Tips for Busy Professionals: Keeping Your Home in Order Introduction: As a busy professional, finding time to maintain a clean and organized home can be challenging. The demands of work, family, and personal commitments often leave little room for cleaning and tidying up. However, with some smart strategies and efficient cleaning tips, you can keep your home in order and create a peaceful and inviting living space. In this blog post, we will explore practical cleaning tips specifically tailored for busy professionals like you. Set Realistic Cleaning Goals: Start by setting realistic cleaning goals based on your schedule and priorities. Understand that you may not have time for deep cleaning every day, but focus on maintaining a tidy and clutter-free environment. Set aside small blocks of time for daily tasks like quick tidying up, wiping down surfaces, and doing a load of laundry. By breaking down cleaning tasks into manageable chunks, you can stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed. Create a Cleaning Schedule: Having a cleaning schedule can help you stay organized and ensure that cleaning tasks are distributed throughout the week. Identify specific days or time slots for different cleaning activities, such as vacuuming, dusting, and bathroom cleaning. This way, you can tackle one task at a time without feeling like you need to clean the entire house in one go. Stick to the schedule as much as possible, but also be flexible and adjust it based on your changing priorities and commitments. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas: Focus your cleaning efforts on high-traffic areas of your home, such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. These areas tend to accumulate dirt and require regular attention. Keep surfaces clean and sanitized, wipe down countertops, and quickly sweep or vacuum floors to maintain a fresh and inviting space. By giving priority to these areas, you can create a clean and comfortable environment for yourself and your guests. Declutter Regularly: Clutter can make your home feel chaotic and overwhelming. Take a proactive approach to decluttering by regularly purging unnecessary items and organizing your belongings. Set aside dedicated time to go through different areas of your home, sorting items into categories like donate, sell, or discard. Find storage solutions that work for you, such as baskets, bins, or shelves, to keep things organized and easily accessible. A clutter-free home not only looks cleaner but also reduces stress and promotes a sense of calm. Multitask and Delegate: Make the most of your limited time by multitasking and delegating cleaning tasks. For example, while waiting for your coffee to brew in the morning, wipe down the kitchen countertops or clean a small area. Involve your family members or housemates in cleaning responsibilities, assigning specific tasks to each person. By sharing the workload, you can lighten your cleaning burden and create a sense of shared responsibility for maintaining a clean home. Invest in Time-Saving Cleaning Tools: Consider investing in time-saving cleaning tools and gadgets that can streamline your cleaning routine. For example, a robotic vacuum cleaner can automatically clean your floors while you focus on other tasks. Microfiber cloths and mops are effective at capturing dust and dirt, requiring less effort and time. Look for cleaning products that are quick and easy to use, such as all-purpose cleaners or disinfecting wipes. These tools can help you clean efficiently without compromising on effectiveness. Practice Daily Maintenance Habits: Incorporate daily maintenance habits into your routine to prevent messes from piling up. Simple habits like making your bed in the morning, washing dishes immediately after use, and putting items back in their designated places can go a long way in maintaining a clean and organized home. By addressing small cleaning tasks as they arise, you can prevent them from becoming overwhelming later on. Conclusion: Keeping your home in order as a busy professional may require some extra planning and effort, but it is certainly achievable. By setting realistic goals, creating a cleaning schedule, prioritizing high-traffic areas, decluttering regularly, multitasking and delegating, investing in time-saving cleaning tools, and practicing daily maintenance habits, you can maintain a clean and organized home that serves as a sanctuary from your busy life. Remember, a clean and tidy space not only enhances your physical well-being but also promotes mental clarity and relaxation. Invest In a House Cleaning Professionals For all your professional residential, apartment rental cleaning needs in Australia, it is always a good idea to seek an external or outsourcedprofessional maintenance andcleaning service.