Published on: 19 October 2018
Last Updated on: 15 November 2021
Shower pods are the best thing that has entered the London market in recent years. They’re perfect for achieving that modern and sleek vibe, making your home look minimalist. Additionally, the pods make sure that your bathrooms stay clean, free from water spills and splashes from your energetic little ones. So, shower pods are very functional and quite handy to have around especially if you are starting a family. They allow you to have more time to spend for yourself since you won’t need to clean up water puddles every few seconds.
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your shower pods in tip-top shape. Here are two crucial things you should remember to make sure that your shower pods will still be in good condition even after a few years.
Different Ways To Maintain The Shower Pods
There are several factors that you have to consider while you want to maintain your shower pods in all possible manners. Work out the plans that can help you to achieve your goals in the best possible ways.
1. Mould prevention
Any shower will eventually grow mould if not cleaned regularly. You should immediately remove mould to avoid health complications. In a mouldy environment, you may be more prone to coughing, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. It would also pose a serious risk to those who have mould allergies or lung illnesses.
Mould loves to grow in moist environments, and that’s why even shower pods are vulnerable to it. To effectively clean mould, use a damp cloth to wipe every available surface you see in your shower pod. For stubborn ones, you need to make a DIY solution by mixing 1-part bleach and 1-part water. Spray the DIY solution onto the affected area and wait for at least 15-20 minutes. You can rinse the surface afterward. Repeat the process as necessary. To avoid mould from growing in the future, you should open at least one window in your bathroom. It will ensure that there will be proper ventilation and airflow to prevent humidity inside.
2. Glass cleaning
All pods have shower glass which is what makes them famous in the home fixture market. The shower glass needs to be cleaned at least once a week to maintain its sheen and beautiful finish. The cause of this is the shampoo and soap deposits that stick to the shower door glass while you’re bathing. You need to clean your shower pod often. If you do it regularly, all deposits will be easily removed, and it won’t require too much of your time to clean it.
Additionally, you need to drain all the water and dry the shower after use. It will significantly benefit you because there will be no accumulation of soap scum sticking to your glass.
Sometimes, stubborn deposits won’t be easily removed. Apply a glass cleaner to ensure that the glass door is sparkly clean. Use a clean paper towel to apply the glass cleaner and spread the solution in a circular motion. Leave it to do its magic for a few minutes. You’ll see the beautiful result after rinsing it off.
When you do these things, you can guarantee that your shower pod will last you a lifetime. Not to mention you can better protect your family from unwanted diseases and other health problems.
Final Words
Hence, these are some of the factors that you have to take care of while you want to maintain your shower pods in all the possible manners. Do not make your choices in grey while you want to improve the arrangements of the shower pods. Shower pods can make things work in your favor if you select the best one for yourself. Do not make your choices in the wrong direction in all possible manners.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Small spaces can be a test to embellish. The wrong shading can make a room cramped, a lot of furniture can feel like a storage room, and the wrong placement of decorative accessories simply feel excessively occupied. Interior decorators are professional in creating illusions in a room. The way to getting the most out of a little room is boosting each square inch with smart designing. Here are a couple of tips to help you do that.
2. Brightening with Lighting:
A small space with poor lighting will feel confined. An appropriately lit room should have three wellsprings of light that skip off dividers and give the room a visual broadness. Light is a standout best approaches to make an illusion of space. For a small region, it's about getting the style and visual effect of the light correctly.
Read also: Secrets To The Perfect Bedroom Light
In a space with little floor space for a table or floor lights, track lighting can light a room. Another great trap is to utilize mirrors. It will reflect normal light and the light from bulbs and it will make the figment of a more extensive, more profound space.
2. Conceal with Appeal:
A small space appears to be smaller and overly cramped if everything necessary or extra is on display. So consider all the covering strategies accessible to you. Furniture with implicit, concealed capacity is justified regardless of the price.
A great hideaway ottoman stow away bounty and tuck perfectly under a drifting rack for seating that is there when you require it and off the beaten path when you don't need it.
3. Shading and Patterns:
It's very much recorded that pale shades make a room appear to be greater and brighter. Light-shaded dividers are intelligent and this will expand the impacts of characteristic light in the range. Consider utilizing, huge scale floral rose comforters, vertical or even stripes.
The straight stripes will outwardly extend a little tight room. Vertical stripes will make a low roof appear to be taller. A little room will open up with the utilization of enormous prints. Keep away from modest prints; they will be excessively occupied and clamorous in a little space.
4. Window Treatment:
Windows allow the flow of light but a large portion of them need covering at specific times of the day. Small rooms can be overpowered with elaborated textures of curtains. Pick drapes that let light in and tenderly edge the windows.
An elegant style will amicably blend with a divider as compared to outwardly separating the wall. You should hang window treatment high and letting them fall all the way to the floor because it gives the illusion of height.
5. Shelve It Up:
When we talk about storage space, the more storage we have better we will space get. You can introduce a handcrafted open and close racking unit to add more storage room because if it's all open, the room will feel messed regardless of how moderate your goals.
You can go to a floor-to-roof plan or select only a couple of racks which are truly convenient for putting away books or other decorative items.
It is less likely you will come up with unusual tips to guide you hire a good heating service Bergen County NJ. While some might ask you to go by the company goodwill, there will be some who will make you check the packages. However, there are several elements that make any service better than the others.
It is imperative for you to go through them carefully before confirming on the services of any heating and cooling professionals.
Here are 5 most essential qualities that any heating service Bergen County NJ should have:
1. Work Certification:
It is important that you have only certified professionals to take a look at your HVAC unit. You cannot risk the comfort and health in your home or office. The heating units crafted for the residential purposes are different from the commercial ones.
When you have certified professionals they are capable of providing assured services to any problem in your unit. You should be looking out for “HVAC certification”. Additionally, you should be looking out for the legal requirement that your state has laid down for the functioning of the services.
2. Quality:
It is best to track the company’s record. This will help you know if the heating service Bergen County NJ has the right experience to handle the unit issue. Only a company that believes in offering quality service will come and offer a thorough evaluation of your unit.
According to their evaluation, they will suggest you the solution. Only a good service provider will suggest you with honest solutions and help you fix the issue on time.
3. Work Contracts:
When you are looking forward to hiring a heating service Bergen County NJ, go for the work contracts. Apart from the regular repairs, you will need such services for maintenance. Keeping the units well-conditioned can help them perform efficiently.
Additionally, you will not have to worry about major damages or repair work. A trustworthy company will not hesitate in getting the contract ready and signing it. Hence, you should be looking out for a company that believes in working only with a signed contract that has all the agreed terms and conditions.
4. Insurance:
It is important that the heating service Bergen County NJ has professional liability insurance. While working on the heating or the cooling units, it is possible that there might be an accident. The insurance takes care of the damages that incur upon the property.
At the same time, it even covers the repair or hospitalization expenses if necessary. Hence, instead of just going by the goodwill of the company, you should be looking out whether the company is certified and insured to undertake the maintenance and the repair work.
5. Referrals:
The best and assured way to know if you are looking for the best service in the town is to ask for the referrals. This is a tested way that will help you know if the professionals of the heating service Bergen County NJ are experts and experienced in handling your queries and resolving them.
You can get in touch with their previous clients to learn about their work policies. This will help you to
5 Safety Precautions That Heating Services Should Take!
Heating services involve working with heating equipment such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, fireplaces, and space heaters. These equipment can pose various hazards such as fire, electric shock, gas leak, carbon monoxide poisoning, and burns. Therefore, heating services should take the following five safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries:
Install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms: These devices can alert the heating service workers and the homeowners of any potential fire or gas leak. They should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): Heating service workers should wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, masks, hard hats, and boots to protect themselves from heat, sparks, flames, chemicals, and dust.
Follow electrical safety rules: Heating service workers should use insulated tools, avoid wet or damp areas, and turn off the power supply before working on any electrical components of the heating equipment.
Avoid flammable objects and materials: Heating service workers should keep the heating equipment at least three feet away from any combustible items such as curtains, furniture, paper, or aerosol cans. They should also store and dispose of any flammable liquids or gases properly.
Ensure proper ventilation: Heating service workers should work in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, and death. They should also check the vents, chimneys, and flues of the heating equipment for any blockage or damage.
Final Word
In case you wanted to know about heating services and why you should take them, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are nay other queries that you might have related to the same, please feel free to let me know.
All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and queries in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
Read More:
Additional Ways To Keep Your Home Warm
Five Efficient Uses Of Propane In Your Home
Being a gardener, I know Spinach is one of the most popular and versatile leafy greens you can grow in your garden. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest spinach the right way so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest spinach, so it keeps growing. I will also explain how to harvest spinach seeds, how to store and freeze spinach, and the health benefits of spinach. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your spinach harvest. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more, and thank me later!
Driven by Benefits: Why are People Growing Spinach?
Spinach is not only tasty but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye Health
Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Spinach also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood Pressure
Spinach is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Spinach also contains folate. This helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Spinach is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Spinach also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune System
Spinach is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Spinach also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Spinach is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also supports the immune system.
Skin And Hair
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How To Harvest Spinach So It Keeps Growing
One of the best things about spinach is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season if you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest spinach is when the leaves are young and tender. This is usually about 40 to 50 days after planting. You can also harvest baby spinach leaves earlier, about 25 to 30 days after planting.
You should harvest spinach before it starts to bolt. This is when it produces flowers and seeds and becomes bitter and tough. Spinach usually bolts when the days get longer and warmer. So, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem, or cut individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
You should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil, to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. Moreover, you should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the spinach leaves as soon as possible after harvesting, to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. You can use a colander or a salad spinner to rinse the leaves under cold water. After this, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. Additionally, you should remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the spinach leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. We'll explain how to store and freeze spinach in the next sections.
How to Harvest Spinach Seeds?
If you want to save some spinach seeds for the next season or share them with your friends and family, you must let some spinach plants bolt and produce flowers and seeds. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach seeds:
Select the best plants to save seeds from
It would be best if you chose healthy, vigorous, and productive plants with the desired characteristics. Some of these are the flavor, size, color, and disease resistance.
Apart from these, you should also avoid saving seeds from hybrid varieties, as they will not produce true-to-type plants. You should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, which will produce plants that are similar to the parent plants.
Isolate the plants to prevent cross-pollination
Spinach is a wind-pollinated crop, which means that it can cross-pollinate with other spinach plants or related plants, such as beets, chard, or quinoa, within a distance of up to a mile. This can result in seeds that have different traits than the parent plants. To prevent cross-pollination, you should isolate the plants you want to save seeds from, by either planting them far away from other spinach plants or related plants, or covering them with a mesh bag or a cage.
Let the plants flower and set seeds
You should let the plants bolt and produce flowers, which are small and yellow, and then wait for the seeds to form and mature. The seeds are round and black, and they are enclosed in a spiny husk. The seeds are ready to harvest when they are dry and hard, and the husks are brown and brittle, usually about four to six weeks after flowering.
Harvest and clean the seeds
You should cut the seed stalks and place them in a paper bag or a bucket, and then shake or rub them to release the seeds from the husks.
Furthermore, you should then winnow the seeds, which separates the seeds from the chaff or the husks and other debris. You can do this by blowing or fanning the seeds or using a screen or a sieve. You should end up with clean and shiny seeds.
Store the seeds
It would be best if you stored the spinach seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a jar, a tin, or a plastic bag. You should also label the seeds with the variety name and the date of harvest. Besides, you can store the spinach seeds for up to five years, but they will germinate better if you use them within two to three years.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach?
Spinach is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve spinach for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze spinach:
Store spinach in the refrigerator
You can store fresh spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. However, you should avoid washing the spinach before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the spinach just before using it.
Freeze spinach raw
You can freeze raw spinach without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw spinach will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw spinach, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw spinach for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze spinach blanched
You can freeze blanched spinach, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw spinach. To freeze blanched spinach, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for one to two minutes, depending on the size of the leaves.
You should then drain and cool the leaves, and squeeze out the excess water. You can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Furthermore, you can freeze blanched spinach for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
Things to Keep in Mind: How to Grow Spinach Successfully?
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. It can tolerate light frost but not heat or drought. Spinach also prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here are some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully:
Choose the right variety
There are many types of spinach, but the most common varieties are savoy, semi-savoy, and flat-leafed. Savoy spinach has dark green, crinkly leaves that are great for salads and wraps. Semi-savoy spinach has slightly curled leaves that are more resistant to diseases and bolting. Flat-leafed spinach has smooth, broad leaves that are easy to clean and process. You can also choose spinach varieties based on their maturity time, bolt resistance, flavor, and color. Bloomsdale, Tyee, Space, Melody, and Red Kitten are popular spinach varieties.
Sow the seeds
You can sow spinach seeds directly in the garden, or start them indoors and transplant them later. The best time to sow spinach seeds is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also sow spinach seeds every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
Besides this, you should sow the seeds about half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You should water the seeds well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the spinach seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about four to six inches of space between each plant, and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the spinach plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
Depending on the variety, you can start harvesting spinach leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 25 to 50 days after sowing. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should harvest spinach in the morning, when the leaves are crisp and fresh, and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest spinach before it starts to bolt, which is when it produces flowers and seeds, and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Use Spinach in Different Cuisines and Recipes?
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a pasta, a pie, or a smoothie, spinach can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use spinach in different cuisines and recipes:
Mediterranean cuisine
Spinach is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, such as spanakopita, a Greek pie made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, or spinach and chickpea stew, a Moroccan dish flavored with cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. You can also make a simple spinach salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Asian cuisine
Spinach is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a Chinese spinach and tofu stir-fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, or a Japanese spinach and sesame salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also make an Indian spinach and potato curry with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala, or a spinach and paneer cheese dish with cream, tomato, and fenugreek.
Italian cuisine
Spinach is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta, pizza, and lasagna. You can make a spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage sauce, or a spinach and mushroom pizza with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You can also make a spinach and cheese lasagna with béchamel sauce, or a spinach and artichoke dip with cream cheese and sour cream.
American cuisine
Spinach is also popular in American cuisine, especially salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a spinach and strawberry salad with almonds and poppy seed dressing or a spinach and bacon sandwich with mayonnaise and mustard. You can also make a spinach and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, or a spinach and artichoke quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Wrapping It Up!
Spinach is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store spinach, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Spinach is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know about how to harvest spinach, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you.
Read Also:
How to Harvest Lettuce: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fresh and Crispy Salads
Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!
Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?
