The kitchen is often the busiest room in your home, so it can be difficult to keep it in tip-top condition.
These simple kitchen maintenance tasks will help prevent dirt and grime build-up and minimize wear and tear (and hopefully prevent the need for expensive repairs in the future).
Check out our guide. The best and worst kitchen brands You'll find products with the most durable products, the best customer service, and more.
Get inspired for home improvements. Sign up for home newsletter – Free every month
1. Clean your kitchen sink and faucets regularly
We typically use sinks and faucets every day, so they quickly start looking old and dirty, especially if you live in an area with hard water. After use, wipe off excess water to prevent limescale buildup.
If you want to remove existing limescale, apply a citric acid-based agent, such as lemon or vinegar, to a soft cotton cloth and wipe down the sink or faucet. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes (try an old toothbrush to remove stubborn water stains), then rinse.
It is also a good idea to disinfect this area regularly, as it is very easy for dirt and bacteria to accumulate here.
Check out our guide for stubborn grease and dirt. best kitchen cleaning spray
2. Unclog kitchen pipes and drains
Is the water in your kitchen sink draining very slowly? Is there a strange odor coming from the plug hole? Don't ignore these obvious signs of a clogged drain.
It's a good idea to keep a plunger at home in case your sink becomes clogged (you can find it at most hardware stores).
However, as always, prevention is better than cure. Always place food residue (including coffee grounds) in your compost pile, food waste, or trash can. You can also get a drain protector to catch any escaped debris.
Avoid pouring cooking oil into the sink. Not only can it clot and cause blockages, but it can also cause fatbergs and enter waterways, harming animals. After cooking, it's best to let the fat cool and solidify before throwing it in the trash.
thames water He says you should also blot the gravy with kitchen paper before putting it in the trash.
What we found is Best kitchen drain unclogger In case the plunger alone cannot solve the problem
3. Use a silicone gap cover
If you have a small gap between your worktop and your hob or fridge, you'll know how easily dirt can collect in this area.
Not only does this look unsightly, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria.
A silicone gap cover is a small strip that fits into this space and covers the gap. Just trim to the correct size and you'll no longer need to move large appliances around to scrub dirt in the crevices.
Four. Clean kitchen tile grout
Dirty grout can make your kitchen look old and tired.
Before you start cleaning, consider the type of tile you have. Avoid abrasives and acidic cleaners like vinegar, as natural stone tiles are porous and easily stain, requiring a gentler approach.
However, vinegar is better for ceramic tiles, so try a mixture of vinegar and warm water to deal with dirty grout. Take a gentle cleaning brush (or an old, soft toothbrush) and give it a good scrub.
If the stains are heavy, you can use a combination of baking soda and vinegar or a grout cleaner.
Five. Clean kitchen appliances regularly
Kitchen appliances can get dirty, greasy, and clogged with limescale, so it's a good idea to clean them regularly.
cleaning the oven
First, turn off the oven and place newspaper on the floor to catch any debris.
- To clean the inside of your oven, use a dry brush to remove stuck-on food and apply oven cleaner as directed.
- You can clean oven racks using a rack soaking kit
- Be careful when cleaning the oven glass door. Use warm soapy water and a sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid damage.
- read our article oven cleaning guide For detailed instructions
cleaning the microwave
Follow these steps to easily remove dry food splatters.
- Fill a bowl with water, mix a few spoons of white vinegar or lemon juice and a lemon slice, and put it in the microwave.
- Heat on high power for a few minutes, then leave for a few minutes to cool down.
- Remove the bowl and wipe the top, walls, and bottom with a damp sponge.
- Remove the plates and wash them separately by hand or in the dishwasher.
cleaning the toaster
Empty your toaster's crumb tray regularly, as a buildup of crumbs can create a fire hazard.
Wipe the outside with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints.
Is your refrigerator smelly?read How to deep clean your refrigerator
6. Try oven and grill liners
If your oven is very dirty or you want to clean it less often, consider using an oven liner.
These mats are typically made from food-safe silicone. Place it on the bottom of your oven to catch spills and prevent your food from burning. Some are dishwasher safe.
Make sure you buy the right one for your oven. If you have a fan oven, you will need to purchase a durable liner. Also, if you regularly cook at high heat, you should check for a durable liner.
If the heating element is at the bottom of the oven, you may not be able to install the liner at the bottom of the oven.
Grill liners work similarly. Place it on the bottom of your grill pan to catch spills, wash and reuse.
7. prevent condensation
Cooking naturally generates a lot of moisture, which can form on the walls (condensation).
This can lead to mold, which is not only a hassle to remove, but can also be a health hazard, especially if you have respiratory problems.
Ventilate to prevent condensation. Open a window or use a range hood fan while cooking. This is also improve indoor air quality.
It is also necessary to move the kettle from under the cupboard. Otherwise, the steam from boiling water may cause mold to grow.
read more How to stop condensation
8. organize your kitchen
You don't have to spend a ton of money on storage solutions, but channeling your inner Marie Kondo as organizing your cupboards will make your life a lot easier.
You'll save time and stress by not having to rummage through overflowing or disorganized cupboards.
Additionally, keeping your refrigerator, pantry, and pantry well-organized will help you avoid food waste by showing you what you already have and what you need to use up.
check us out kitchen design ideas For effective storage solutions
9. fix leaking faucet
Leaking faucets are not only an annoyance, they also waste a shocking amount of water, which is bad for the environment and your water bill.
Therefore, you should prioritize fixing a leaking faucet, even if it's just a few drops of water.
If your leak or water problem requires professional attention, contact a professional contractor. Which one?trusted trader To find people you can trust nearby.
Get inspired for home improvements. Sign up for home newsletter – Free every month
