The dish rack portrays a straightforward efficacy

The dish rack which finds a place typically next to the kitchen sink provides a way to air dry wet dishes, glasses and silverware. The rack is usually equipped with slots and gaps so that dishes can be kept in a standing position and glasses can be placed upside down to facilitate the drainage of water. These racks used to be available only in materials like rubber and wire. But now they are available at online stores like vitalwares.ca depending on a home owner's needs and lifestyle. These racks are available in a wide choice of models ranging from cheap plastic models to expensive wooden models at vitalwares.ca.

What are the benefits of a dish rack?

• If you are in the habit of washing your dishes by hand, you can save your valuable time and effort by using this rack to air dry your wet dishes and glasses.

• If you employ the use of a dishwasher you can do your bit to reduce the electricity bills by switching off the dishwasher before it reaches the drying cycle and then opting to place the dishes in a rack.

• A dish rack takes up only a minimum amount of space on your kitchen counter thus making it ideal for small homes.

• Some models of these racks can be easily installed in a sink.

• The individual slots and compartments in this rack prevent your dishes and valuable china from falling and getting damaged.

How should the dish rack be ideally used?

• After washing the dishes ensure that they are free of any soap or debris and then shake off the excess water into the sink.

• If your dish rack is kept on the counter top ensure that there is a catch basin to collect all the water that is dripping from the dishes.

• If your rack does not have a catch basin, then place a towel or mat under it to catch the dripping water. Ensure that the mouth of the mat is sloped towards the sink so that the water draining from the dishes will go straight down the sink.

• Follow the planned design of the rack for placing the dishes. Most of these racks have slots to enable the dishes to be placed in a standing position. There may also be small sections for glasses and silverware. Sometimes hooks are provided for the hanging of mugs.

What are the different types of the dish rack?

When it comes to choosing a rack at vital wares, you will find that they are available in a variety of sizes, materials and designs.

• Countertop rack: The countertop rack is the basic model. These dish racks can be placed near the kitchen sink for the purpose of the quick transfer of rinsed dishes and glasses. These types can come in small varieties that have a single level or can be slightly large with two to three levels. The countertop racks are usually made of plastic or metal though they can be made of wood. For those of you who are conscious about the environment can make an environment friendly choice and opt for an eco-friendly bamboo rack.

• Sink rack: If you have a small kitchen that is constrained on space the sink dish rack would be an ideal option. If your kitchen counter top lacks adequate space and is already crammed with appliances then go for a sink rack that can be used in a sink. After you are done washing the dishes, you can drain the water from the sink and then place the sink rack in it. This also helps in the clean up since the excess water simply drains down the sink.

• Multi utensil rack:Some models of these racks on offer at vital wares come equipped with multiple cubicles, slots and baskets for each type of kitchen ware like plates, glasses, mugs and silverware. These racks facilitate the air drying of all types of dishes and make it much easier to balance all these dishes on the rack. The last thing you would want is for all your precious kitchen ware to tumble down and be damaged.

• Folding rack: Folding racks are ideal for saving space since they can be folded and tucked away when not needed. These racks are usually made of materials like wood and metal. Once your dishes are completely air dried remove the dishes and store the folding dish rack in a cupboard or closet.

What are the materials used in the manufacture of the dish rack?

At vital wares, these racks come in a variety of materials which dictate its quality, durability and price.

• Metal: Metal racks come crafted in iron, plated chrome and steel. Metal racks are also available with a silver powder coating. These types are usually expensive but are consistent in durability

• Wood racks: Wood dish racks are good for complementing kitchens that are predominantly done up in wood. Moreover these racks are available in multi tiered models that provide plenty of space for the effective drying of dishes and glasses. Wood racks are available in a model that is mounted on legs and can be folded.

• Plastic rack: Plastic racks are a good option if you are shopping on a budget. Though they might not be as sturdy as the metal or wood models they can nevertheless hold up a certain amount of kitchen ware.

• Bamboo rack: For people who want to make a statement about their environment friendly status, bamboo racks are a great option. These are also available in a folding variety.

How do I choose a suitable dish rack?

Choosing an appropriate rack need not be a cumbersome task. All you need to do is to keep a few essential things in mind to make a wise choice when you visit vital wares.

• Space: Consider the space that is available for the effective placement of a dish rack. If you have a double sink, then look for a rack that will comfortably fit into the second sink. This way you will not have to worry about the water that will drain from the rinsed dishes and you will not have to concede valuable counter space. If you have a small space then consider the use of a folding rack that can be folded and kept inside a cabinet when not in use. Since these folding racks are designed to stand on legs they take less space on the kitchen counter thus giving you space to appropriately place your kitchen gadgets.

• Features: When investing in a dish rack, think of the features that you would want in it. Ideally it should come with a catch basin that will enable the collection of the water that is draining from the rinsed dishes. Another consideration would be the fact that if you are buying a rack without a catch basin then you can either shop separately for it or opt to place an ideally sized mat or towel under the rack.

• Compartments: Some models of these racks do not come equipped with separate compartments for holding silverware or glasses. You may want to buy a dish rack that has slots for the proper placement of common kitchen items. It might be a waste of time and effort if your best silverware keeps slipping out of the rack and gets dirty again in the sink bottom.

• Material: These racks come in a variety of materials like plastic, stainless steel, wood, rubber, metal racks and bamboo racks all of which are available at vital wares. The plastic version is the cheapest among all models. Choosing the material of the dish rack is a matter of your individual taste and preferences. The material may also be dependent on the type that you intend to buy. For instance a folding rack might be available only in wood or metal. Wood and stainless steel racks are a bit on the expensive side and also require a certain amount of maintenance. Also keep in mind that stainless steel racks can acquire spots or become dull while wood racks can tend to warp.

• Construction: When buying these racks ensure that they have slots that are deep enough for holding the plates in a vertical position. This will help in air drying the dishes in a better way and will also keep them from falling over. Some cheap plastic racks do not have strong enough slots for stacking delicate china. So you might want to consider investing in a more expensive and durable dish rack.

• Match kitchen decor: If you have done up your kitchen in a theme or a specific style then look for a rack that would complement the decor without disrupting the overall look. For instance if your kitchen is decorated in a rustic style then go for a rack made of wood that will uphold the timeless look. On the other hand, a metal rack will naturally blend in with a more contemporary style kitchen.

How do I care for my dish rack?

Even if you are someone who uses the dishwasher there are chances that you have a dish rack. It comes in handy for those days when there are only a few dishes to wash or if the dishwasher is filled to the brim. But most often these racks become dirty with regular use even though it holds clean dishes. This happens because of the accumulating water in the catch basin that can trigger the growth of mold and mildew. If you have hard water it can also lead to the accumulation of mineral deposits on the rack. Therefore it is essential to keep your rack squeaky clean to prolong its life as well as to maintain the hygienic conditions of your kitchen.

• Empty your rack of all the dishes and wipe any existing signs of water with the help of a paper towel or a soft cloth. Avoid using an old dish sponge since it is most probably contaminated by bacteria and mold and will not serve the purpose of cleaning the rack.
• The next step is to dismantle the rack. If it is possible remove the utensil holder from the main rack. Wash the dish rack, utensil holder and the main rack in hot running water with the aid of a dish detergent and an unused sponge.
• Clean and rub in between each slot of the rack. Scrub the catch basin to effectively remove any signs of dirt and grime. Next clean the bottom of the utensil holder. If it is inaccessible use a bottle brush or a toothbrush to clean it.
• After cleaning conduct a check of the tray to ensure that all the dirt and grime has been washed out. Use a ball of cotton to swipe the corners of the rack and the small nooks that you cannot access with a sponge.
• Now fill your kitchen sink with clean water and add a tablespoon of bleach for every gallon of water. Soak the individual parts of the dish rack in this bleach solution for a total time of two minutes.
• Take out the parts of the rack and allow them to air dry on paper towels laid out on the kitchen counter.