We’re bombarded with cleaning tips all over the internet, from TikTok tips that are far from being efficient to influencers who are promoting expensive products. However, there are fewer tips on how to maintain the kitchen for it to last longer, maybe because we’re so used to changing our living areas according to trends.
For instance, stick-on splashbacks, peel-and-stick countertops and painted kitchen sinks were popular on social media platforms, and they’ve been received with positive attitudes because they provided new and cheap ideas to remodel a kitchen.
However, these solutions solve a problem only for the moment because they’ll have to be replaced or repainted at some point, which is not cost-effective in the long term. That’s why, in some cases, it’s much better to ensure high kitchen maintenance to preserve its appliances and countertops for a long time, so here are some valuable tips to consider.
Kitchen cabinet doors
Kitchen cabinet doors are the first thing you see when entering the kitchen, so they’re your top priority. Any stain, scratch or unevenness will be noticed immediately, but if you treat them like flawed belongings, it might be challenging to lengthen their life cycle.
Although you can quickly get kitchen replacement doors, it would still be best to follow the basic guidelines on maintaining them. Standard rules imply you don’t expose the material to prolonged heat and moisture, meaning you should try lowering the moisture level in the room. Moreover, sources of extreme heat, such as kettles and toasters, must be placed on appropriate materials.
When it comes to cleaning, try to avoid bleach, dilutes or aggressive cleaner on the doors. Instead, use soap, warm water, and a damp cloth to properly clean the doors without damaging their initial finishes.
Pay special attention to timber, veneered and painted doors because they’ll automatically change colours over time if they’re overexposed to light. Hence, you should expect to repaint the doors frequently but also ensure the environment isn’t damaging their condition.
Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances are the most used in the room and are also exposed to high temperatures and humidity. Even if the materials used in the manufacturing process are made to sustain such conditions, there are some things you can do to maximise their utility.
For instance, you must always keep the fridge coils clean because they lose the capability of releasing heat due to dust. Hence, it should be vacuumed at least once a year. This also applies to dehumidifiers and your AC.
The dishwasher must also get a thorough cleaning from the filter, where food particles get stuck. The racks can get rusty sometimes, so see if the damaged areas require some repairing with sealant. Don’t forget to treat your microwave similarly.
Faucet and sink
The sink and the faucet are some of the most important things in your kitchen because they ensure rapid and efficient cleaning. However, they might be prone to rust, mould or even cracks without proper care. Besides daily cleaning maintenance with a soft cloth and warm water with soap, you should also consider some of the following tips.
For instance, if you’re aware of the hard water of the provider chosen, you should often use vinegar and abrasive scrub to get rid of the lime deposits. Be wary of your chosen cleaning method because some finishes require special cleansers and techniques.
This also applies to the sink, which can be affected by limescale. The plugholes of the sink might need some weekly maintenance to avoid grease buildup. Usually, some baking soda and boiling water do the trick. Particular types of sinks require specific care:
- Ceramic sinks get easily stained, so clean them with cream cleaners or bicarbonate of soda;
- Composite and granite sinks are sensitive to harsh chemicals and even neat vinegar;
Kitchen tiles
Maintaining kitchen tiles for longer seems simple because they only require daily vacuuming and wiping. However, not all tiles behave similarly; some are more sensitive than others, especially expensive ones. Moreover, you must also take care of grout, which needs a silicone sealer treatment because it’s a porous material.
Regardless, instead of using chemical solutions and abrasive options, switching to vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda as main cleaning products would be best. These friendly alternatives and warm water will properly clean the dust and dirt without heavily affecting the primary material.
Of course, before cleaning with water, make sure to vacuum the tiles properly so you won’t have a hard time cleaning. At the same time, this ensures you’re adequately getting rid of the dirtiness. Even grout can be removed with baking soda, but you need to use a toothbrush to get in deep with the maintenance process.
Mould prevention
Due to high humidity exposure, the kitchen is one of the first places where mould can form. As you know, mould leads to serious health issues in the lungs and can trigger people with asthma. Hence, it would be best to clean the kitchen regularly to avoid this issue.
At the same time, make sure you always throw away spoiled food because it breeds ground for mould in any place. This also means you must empty your trash can every day and take care of the garbage disposal.
Remember to frequently check for leaks around the kitchen, especially in the pipes and drain, because every small leak can turn into something dangerous. Finally, avoid carpets and rugs in the kitchen since they absorb bacteria and moisture. Instead, opt for a vinyl floor mat that’s easy to clean and not prone to damage from water.
Conclusion
Taking care of the kitchen for long-term maintenance is essential if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on refurbishing and remodelling. At the same time, you’re ensuring the appliances and products you use are of high quality even years after their purchase, which saves money and resources. However, this means you should invest more time cleaning, avoiding moisture and maintaining finishes as much as possible.
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