You spent years saving the money, spent months designing and selecting the materials, and spent weeks living through the construction of your brand new dream kitchen. When it is all said and done, the last thing you want to do start using your kitchen without knowing how to properly maintain your beautiful new fixtures. Consider the below tips to keep your kitchen looking brand new for years to come.
Cabinetry:
Before anything else, be sure to place liners in the base of all your cabinets to protect the wood from scratching or getting water damage. To do this right, it is important to jot down the measurements of every drawer and shelf before cutting into the liners. Simply cut the liner to the appropriate size, lay them flat and you’re done!
For ongoing maintenance of your cabinets, use a microfiber towel dampened with warm water and a few drops of non-abrasive soap to wipe down the cabinet fronts. Rinse the towel with fresh water and repeat. Every six months, consider clearing out all of your cabinets and vacuum out the dust and crumbs that collect over time. This will help keep those pesky ants out of your kitchen.
No matter how careful you are, your cabinets are bound to get scratches and nicks. Be sure to pick up a bottle of touch up paint and get proper application instructions from your salesperson or contractor.
Granite Countertops:
Because granite is so porous, it is important to seal your countertops to prevent them from staining. Darker granite is typically more dense and only need sealed once a year. If you have light colored granite or marble, consider sealing them every three to six months. Again, check with your contractor or salesperson on the proper products and techniques to use on your specific stone.
For everyday cleaning, all you need is a microfiber towel with warm (non-abrasive) soapy water. Do not use harsh chemicals like 409 or Windex; they can damage the sealant and dull the finish.
Stainless Steel Appliances:
Known for their beauty, resistance to rust and ease of cleanliness, stainless steel appliances are also known to show off fingerprints and ugly smudges from everyday use. To wipe those annoying smudges away, simply spray your favorite stainless steel solution into a microfiber towel and wipe in the direction of the grain.
Solid Surface Cooktops:
As your cooking, it is not uncommon for a pot of water to boil over the sides or for oils to pop all over your stove leaving a huge mess. Before cleaning your stove, make sure it has completely cooled off. Nobody wants to deal with the stinging pains of a bad burn. Once cool, sprinkle a good layer of baking soda on top of the cooktop and place a couple of hot damp kitchen towels on top of the layer of baking soda. Let it lay flat for ten minutes and simply buff it out.
*Be sure to read the care instructions on your specific fixtures. Some fixtures require specific cleaning solutions and techniques.
