If your kitchen is one of the family hubs on most days, you may begin to see a fair amount of wear and tear in that area. Food prep, cooking, cleanup, and family interactions can take a loving toll on the room and fixtures. Here are a few tips to help you take precautions and avoid serious damage to your cooking area.
Countertops
Avoid setting hot dishes or cookware on the counter without a potholder or pad beneath it. Don't scrape pots and pans across the countertop or let food spills remain uncleaned, or you could end up with permanent scarring or staining on the counter surface. Use a cutting board to chop meat or vegetables to protect your counter space. If a nick or chip should occur, contact a countertop repair expert to take care of the problem pronto.
Appliances
Wipe out the refrigerator shelves to prevent odors and mold from forming. Keep the fridge door, including the freezer compartment, completely closed, as kids sometimes leave the door partly open. Set the refrigerator's interior temperature to a suitable range for the products that need to be chilled. Don't store pots that are too heavy for the shelving to avoid cracks developing. Clean spills and drips promptly to avoid spoilage. Try to keep your fridge moderately stocked to ensure the foods remain adequately chilled. Call a service technician if the temperature begins to fluctuate.
Stove
Check your stove occasionally to ensure the heat is dispersed evenly and safely. Clean the burners after each use to avoid buildup after a spill, which can cause the burner to smoke the next time it is used. Clean up oven drips after baking to prevent the residue from hardening and smoking with the oven's next use.
Sink
Keep your sink free of debris like chopped food residue and leftover food scraped after meals. Don't pour grease or other substances into the drain that can cause clogs or backup. Tighten the faucet handles if they become loose or if a drip develops from the water spout. Clean the sink each day after using it to prevent spotting, aging, and attracting insects.
Flooring
Sweep and mop your kitchen floor every couple of days to remove crumbs and clear away food spills. If cracks or breakage occurs in the floor materials, have them fixed right away to prevent anyone from tripping. A trip or fall in the kitchen while holding hot foods in a dish or can could cause a serious burn.
Your kitchen can remain a family haven of fun and food when you take good care of it. Maintain a clean and safe environment to avoid damage or personal injury.
