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Page 14, RURAL-URBAN RECORD, October 11, 2021

Fall Home & Garden

How to maintain hardwood cal home improvement stores sell a host of hardwood floor How to reduce risk of
cleaning products, but the HDA notes that many flooring
floors manufacturers now sell their own hardwood floor cleaners allergic reactions in the
designed specifically for their floors. These products are like-
Hardwood floors have long been sought after by home ly homeowners’ best bets. Homeowners who can’t find them kitchen
buyers. In its 2019 “Remodeling Impact Report,” the Nation- can seek recommendations from a local flooring retailer.
al Association of Realtors® revealed that new wood flooring Hardwood floors are attractive for many reasons. And they Kitchen safety requires a broad range of efforts to pre-
was the fourth most popular project to attract buyers. look even more stunning, and last much longer, when home- vent injuries and illnesses. Kitchen safety should involve
Of course, hardwood floors aren’t just for buyers. Home- owners make an effort to maintain them. efforts to keep kids away from sharp objects and hot sur-
owners who already have hardwood floors know just how Making the best of a small faces. Attempts to prevent foodborne illnesses, which can
impressive these floors can be, especially when they’re well prove dangerous and potentially deadly, also must be part
maintained. Maintaining wood floors is not necessarily as of maintaining a safe kitchen. The relatively recent rise in
straightforward as it may seem, and homeowners may ben- dining space food allergies has added a new variable to the mix as well.
efit from a tutorial on how too keep the floors under their feet According to Food Allergy Research & Education
looking good. Some homeowners may aspire to have expansive dining
rooms replete with seating for 12 beneath a stunning chan- (FARE®), a group dedicated to improving the life and
To polish or not to polish? delier. That kind of space certainly makes hosting dinner health of millions of people with food allergies, a food aller-
gy reaction sends someone to the emergency room every
Polishing floors is an inexpensive way to keep them look- parties easier. However, modern homes typically have small three minutes. FARE® also notes that, between 2007 and
ing good. But the home improvement experts at BobVila. dining rooms that require homeowners or renters to be re- 2016, treatment of anaphylactic reactions increased by 377
com note that not all floors can be polished, and determining sourceful when entertaining guests. percent.
which ones can depends on the finish. Floors with water- Hosts may not be able to expand their dining spaces, but The increase in food allergies underscores the impor-
proof barriers such as urethane will benefit from routine pol- there are some clever ways to maximize every inch of a tance of prevention. Individuals can take various steps to
ishing. However, floors with penetrating finishes like tung oil small dining room and even some smart solutions for those keep their kitchens clean and reduce the risk of allergic re-
will need to be waxed rather than polished. who don’t have dining rooms at all.
· Create the illusion of more space. Eating areas can be actions in their homes.
· Avoid cross-contamination. The Food Standards Agen-
What finish is on the floor? made to feel larger with a few tricks. A mirror on the wall will cy in the United Kingdom notes that cross-contamination
The Hardwood Distributor’s Association recommends a reflect light and make the room appear larger. In addition, a occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms are unin-
simple way for homeowners to determine which type of finish large-scale patterned floor or oversized artwork on the wall tentionally transferred from one object to another. The FSA
is on their hardwood floors. Homeowners are advised to rub may make the room appear more spacious. notes that the most common example of cross-contamina-
a finger across the floor. If no smudge appears, then the floor · Maximize seating. Chairs can take up a lot of room in tion occurs when bacteria is transferred between raw and
is surface sealed. If a smudge is created, then the floor has a dining space. To maximize seating availability in small- cooked food. Cross-contamination poses a threat when
been treated with a penetrating seal. The HDA also notes er dining rooms - or in spaces where you need to create a cooking for people with food allergies and people without
that recently installed wood floors are likely surface sealed. seating area - look to built-in banquettes or bench seating.
These ideas can help create an instant cozy nook and save such allergies. In such instances, cooks must make sure
How often should floors be polished or waxed? on space in the process. foods never touch and that cooking surfaces, including cut-
ting boards and pots and pans, are thoroughly cleaned be-
Wood flooring professionals recommend polishing floors · Let space lead furniture choices. Depending on the size fore preparing and cooking for people with food allergies.
that can be polished once every few months. Waxing wood and shape of the room, select a table that will fit comfortably. Prepare meals for people with food allergies first as an ex-
floors does not need to be done as frequently, and most can A round, pedestal table may take up less real estate in a tra precaution.
benefit from a fresh coat of wax every 12 to 18 months. smaller room than an oblong or rectangular one. Also, if you
have a narrow, galley-type dining space, select a narrow ta- · Designate certain utensils and dishes for people with
What can I do on a daily basis? ble and low-profile chairs. Again, benches may work well in food allergies. Another way to reduce the risk for allergic
reactions in the kitchen is to designate certain utensils and
Some simple tricks and daily maintenance can help wood narrow spaces. dishes exclusively for people with food allergies. This can
floors maintain their impressive look. · Utilize the kitchen island. Many modern homes have no reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions and serve as a
· Utilize floor mats. The HDA notes that floor mats near dedicated dining rooms but kitchens that open up to living safety net if dishes aren’t thoroughly cleaned.
entryways can reduce the time it takes to clean hardwood rooms. Homeowners with kitchen islands can utilize large · Don’t invite too many cooks into the kitchen. Having
floors and reduce the wear and tear they endure. For exam- islands as dining areas, and they’re easy places to enjoy too many people in the kitchen at one time can increase
ple, tiny particles like dirt can scratch the floor and contribute casual meals when stools are pulled up to the island. the chances that people with food allergies will eat food or
to the kind of minor damage that adds up to significant scar- · Install a drop-leaf table. Drop-leaf tables do for dining touch a contaminated surface that could make them sick.
ring over time. Floor mats near entryways ensures that most spaces what Murphy beds do for guest rooms. A wall-mount- This is especially so for children with food allergies, as kids
of that dirt never makes it to the wood floors. ed drop-leaf table can be dropped down for entertaining and may not be aware of all the foods they should avoid. Guests
· Vacuum without a beater bar. Some vacuums contain folded back up when the space needs to be repurposed. with allergens on their hands also may unintentionally touch
beater bars, which are designed to pick up human hair, dog · Lighten up the color palette. Make dining spaces seem surfaces, potentially triggering allergic reactions in others.
hair and other things that conventional vacuums may not larger with brighter colors. Brightly colored decor, furniture · Wash hands. Cooks should wash their hands with soap
be able to pick up. The HDA advises vacuuming without the and flooring can do the trick. and water prior to touching foods. This reduces the risk
beater bar, as it can contribute to small scratches in the floor. · Invest in storage pieces. A simple buffet can store silver- of contamination caused by allergies lingering on cooks’
Sweeping with a high-quality broom or microfiber cloth is an- ware, table cloths, wine glasses, and more, but also serve hands. Cooks should wash their hands prior to touching
other way to pick up dirt without damaging floors. double-duty as a bar or server for a buffet. any food they haven’t already touched. This may require
· Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products. Lo- Petite dining spaces can be functional when space is max-
imized and design tricks are called into action. cooks to wash their hands multiple times when preparing
a single meal, but it’s an effective way to reduce the risk of
allergic reactions.
Taking steps to reduce the risk of allergic reactions when
preparing and cooking meals is a vital component of kitch-
en safety.

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