KITCHENS
Inspect the finishings in your kitchen and look for:
• Silicone sealant pulling away from walls or sinks
• Scratches or chips that need repair
• Countertop joints beginning to open
• Grout that needs attention.
While undertaking this deep clean, take care not to expose the cabinetry to too much moisture or leave water standing on surfaces. Most cabinetry is made from chipboard or medium density fibreboard( MDF) both of which can react badly to large amounts of water.
Care for your surfaces
Give your countertops a thorough clean, remembering that different surfaces need different care. Natural stone may need periodic resealing and polishing, so ask your local stone fabricator whether this is due. Natural stone should be resealed at least once a year to keep it looking its best. Quartz and porcelain can generally be cleaned with a mild detergent and soft cloth. For stubborn stains, most fabricators will recommend the restrained use of Chemico Liqui Cleen, but check with your supplier first.
Splashbacks also deserve a good clean, as they tend to accumulate grease and steam marks. If you have a tiled splashback, give the grout a good clean.
Clean stainless-steel products and surfaces with a specialist cleaner. If you are near the coast, a light coating with a silicone spray will help keep spot rust at bay.
Appliance check
Your appliances will probably also need a good clean. Don’ t just think about the interiors. Pull out the fridge and clean the seals and behind. This helps with energy efficiency. Check your freezer and remove items that have been in there past their longevity mark. For food kept continuously frozen at-18 ° C, the following storage periods provide a useful guide:
• Minced meat and poultry: Three to four months
• Larger cuts like beef or pork roasts: Six to 12 months
• Lean fish: Up to six months
• Fatty fish like salmon or mackerel: Two to three months
• Fruit and vegetables: Eight to 12 months. Blanching vegetables before freezing to preserve nutrients and colour.
If your laundry appliances are in or near the kitchen, clean the tumble dryer’ s lint filter, vent, and any additional filters. Don’ t forget your washing machine filter or trap and think about doing a drum deep-cleaning cycle. There are home DIY drum cleaner recipes with vinegar and baking soda, or you can buy one from your local supermarket.
Dishwashers also benefit from a good deep-clean. Clean the filters and wipe down the door seals.
Food vapours and fat can discolour the space between the layers of glass in an oven door. Think about getting a technician to remove the glass and clean it. While there, check the oven
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