It’s no secret that kitchens need to be clean; after all, it’s where you prepare your food and probably spend the most of your time. It seems pretty obvious, but a surprising number of homeowners are regularly neglecting kitchen care and leaving their kitchens open to infestation. Pretty much every step you take in the kitchen leaves a mark—when you take out some water, cut up some vegetables, or even turn on the tap. If you’re not careful, all these little things will add up and your kitchen becomes a dirt trap before you know it.
Fortunately, it’s easy to keep the kitchen clean without taking up too much of your time. Smart kitchen designs are made to facilitate good kitchen hygiene, not only during cooking but also in terms of storage, cleaning and other aspects of kitchen use. Most of it is just a matter of common sense—if it doesn’t belong there, you either clean it up or put it away. Once you get the hang of it, kitchen hygiene becomes a habit and it all comes naturally. Start taking control of your own kitchen with these simple maintenance tips.
Keep everything dry.
Kitchens naturally tend to be moist, and as you probably know, bacteria thrives in moist environments. Combined with the constant heat and humidity, your kitchen can easily become a breeding ground for all sorts of contaminants which will inevitable get into your food. That’s why it’s important to keep things as dry as possible. Start with kitchen sinks and taps, since they tend to be the wettest part of the kitchen. Just give it a quick wipe after every use, and regularly check the edges for stagnant water.
Many people have the habit of washing kitchen surfaces after using them. While it’s certainly a good practice, it also leaves a lot of water residue. After rinsing them off, make sure they dry completely before putting anything on the counter. That way, the water doesn’t get transferred to any other item. Keep an absorbent cloth handy for wiping up spills.
Regularly check your plumbing.
Few people enjoy plumbing work, but it has to be done—and done quite frequently. Since plumbing is where most of the moisture originates, it should always be on top of your list when it comes to kitchen maintenance. Kitchen plumbing is the kind of thing that doesn’t get noticed until it has wreaked extensive damage, by which time the problem is probably much bigger. Check your plumbing regularly and address problems as soon as you see them, no matter how minor.
Start by identifying the kind of plumbing system you have installed. You can get local water guidelines from the appropriate department in your area, or have a friend (or a professional) check it out. This can help you choose the right plumbing products and determine the source of the problem when you start getting leaks. Also, when you need repairs done, knowing the basics will help you better understand your options.
Create ample open space.
Grime and dirt tend to gather in between surfaces, especially on the counter. Ever notice water buildup under the coffee maker, toaster, or other things on your countertop? Those things tend to harbor bacteria even in just a few hours. Avoid this by keeping countertop items to a minimum, or keeping them as far from the sink as possible. Just try rearranging your counter—you can get some kitchen countertop ideas from design websites or magazines.
If possible, you can also change your countertop material into something less absorbent. Most countertops are made with protective coats, but some are naturally more hard-wearing than others. Granite and marble are usually the best choice, since they’re pretty solid and very water-resistant. Laminate is usually quite effective as well, but once it cracks or breaks, it has to be covered up fast as moisture can spread easily from there.
Plan out your storage.
Obviously, kitchen items will gather dust and dirt if you leave them lying around. Plan your storage so that you instinctively put things back in their place right after cleaning or using them. Experts advise against leaving out dishes to dry, as the water can make them an easy target for airborne contaminants. If you’re into this habit, make sure your kitchen is well enclosed so that nothing from outside the room can get blown in.
Invest in good-quality kitchen cabinets that close well and are well positioned. Make sure to clean out the cabinets once in a while, too—the constant opening and closing can let gradual amounts of dust gather on the surface. If it’s dirty or you haven’t cleaned it in a while, it may be wise to clean it out completely, including everything in it. Things you frequently use and wash, such as pots and pans, should be kept in open storage such as racks or shelves.
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