However, their life expectancy can be prolonged if you know how to handle them and maintain them properly. You’ll save money and time if you follow these tips:
1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
There is a reason why manufacturers provide manuals to customers. Don’t be lazy and read them carefully. Every kitchen appliance has a good way in which it needs to be handled. In case you can’t find the manual, find the model number online because most appliances have manuals on manufacturer’s sites, too.
2. Regular cleaning of vent hood and duct
The vent hood and duct should be checked by a professional every six months. A professional will know how to properly clean them from grease that occurs thanks to greasy vapours. Sometimes the check-up needs to be done more frequently, but six months is a minimum for a household kitchen. In the meantime, maintain the visible parts clean. Of course, you should always learn how to clean hidden areas in your kitchen by yourself.
3. Calibration
You can choose whether you or a professional will calibrate your kitchen equipment. This means checking the temperature and thermostats of all pieces of your cooking equipment. This is a small price compared to how much money you’ll save by preventing major problems.
4. Cleaning filters from grease
Every time grease-laden vapours go through grease filters, grease piles up in there. The filters’ role is to reduce the amount of grease that reaches the duct, meaning that you don’t have to clean the duct very often. However, it does mean you should clean filters more frequently, namely once a week. In case you do a lot of cooking with heavy grease, do it at least twice a week.
5. Timely response
The deal with any piece of electrical equipment is to know when it’s time to call a professional. In case something does get broken down, you need to who to turn to. Also, you need to know that finding spare parts online will also turn out to be cheaper and faster ways of replacing broken parts. The most important thing is to realize that any minor issue will only get worse in time, causing greater damage because the device keeps on working while not being at peak efficiency.
6. Floor maintenance
Many homeowners don’t think of their kitchen floor as a part of the kitchen equipment. However, it is used every single day, every minute you spend in the kitchen. Irregular floor care could possibly end up in you slipping and falling and even getting seriously injured.
So, clean your kitchen floor regularly, using a quality cleaner. Use a deck brush to scrub the floors appropriately. By adding rubber mats, you will also improve traction and reduce the risk of slipping.
7. Proper use of a dishwasher
To have the same dishwasher for as long as possible, make sure that the pull-out racks don’t interfere with the spinning spray arms. Each time before you turn on the dishwasher, check if there isn’t silverware interfering with the spray arms, either. Always use the recommended dishwasher detergent and fill both compartments (the pre-rinse and the main one). From time to time, thoroughly clean the filter placed on the bottom of the dishwasher. Next, make sure that the float switch can move up and down, without anything blocking it. In case a drinking glass breaks inside the dishwasher, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove all the bits. If you notice there is water in the dishwasher even if the cycle is completed, check if the drain hose got clogged. Before you start the dishwasher, turn on the hot water at the kitchen sink, wait for the hot water and then turn it off. Finally, never place large pans and pots against the lower rack, as they will block the water spray.
8. Refrigerator maintenance
Before you start cleaning the refrigerator, unplug it, and always use a radiator brush to remove the dirt. The alternative is a vacuum for cleaning the condenser. Just a sponge and warm water should be enough to clean the rubber gasket on the inside of the door. You can even increase the airtightness by coating door seals with petroleum jelly.
All in all
Regular maintenance and check-ups are a guarantee that you will minimize the need for repairs and prolong the life expectancy of kitchen items. Being responsible about the proper way of handling every kitchen appliance will do you good in the long run.
About Author: Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveler, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. She’s deeply into green practices, cherishing the notion that sustainable living and sustainable travel will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on. Stay in touch with Stella via Twitter and Facebook.
