Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Steve Bennett Builders
Culinary TV titans like Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsey have not only transformed
the way we think about food – they’ve transformed the places we cook and
prepare meals. When chefs let TV cameras into their home kitchens, they show a
tantalising glimpse of a culinary world where surfaces are spotless, where the
equipment is professional-grade, and where everything – from a top quality blender
to a good old-fashioned heavy saucepan – has its place, precisely located for
effortless access whenever the recipe calls for it. These days, a kitchen is
more than just a place to cook – it can be the heart of a home and a chance to
make a statement, a physical expression of style and décor that will wow
visitors and make every meal a masterpiece.
But a good kitchen doesn’t look after
itself – even the most stylish and sleek kitchens will soon fall into disrepair
if not properly looked after.
First of all, if you’re planning on
installing a new kitchen soon, make sure you pick the highest quality materials
and finishes that your budget will stretch to. A supplier like Better Kitchens can
install quality vinyl, timber or gloss doors that will better withstand stains
and scratches on the surface finish. Even the small things – like choosing
sturdy soft close drawers or hinges over lower quality alternatives – can give
an extra layer of durability that will keep your kitchen looking great for
years to come.
Next, make sure to look
after the worktops. Even the best quality timber won’t retain its shine
forever – it’s essential to seal the surfaces and ends with oil to not only
retain the colour and grain, but also to keep it in good condition for food
preparation. A good tip is to add a few drops of water to the surface – if it
spreads out instead of forming neat droplets, it’s time to re-oil the surface.
Look in the cupboards for old or spoiled
food. Damaged packaging can lead to crumbs – which leads to kitchen pests. Be
sure to wipe down cupboard shelves at least once a month to prevent any
unexpected visitors.
Most surfaces, from worktops to doors, can
be best cleaned with a little soap and water, wiping with a soft cloth. Don’t
give spills or stains time to sink in – clean them immediately to avoid permanent
staining of your surfaces, and clean as you go to reduce arduous clean-up work
straight after your meal. While chemical kitchen cleaning products can help
enormously on stubborn stains, be extremely careful not to use powerful
cleaners on sensitive surfaces as this can irreparably damage the finish.