Kitchen maintenance: caring for surfaces and appliances

Your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your home. Regular maintenance keeps it clean, practical and looking good. With the right cleaning methods and routines, you can extend the life of its surfaces and appliances.

1. Daily cleaning

A daily cleaning routine helps keep your kitchen clean and hygienic.

• Worktops : Wipe worktops with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Use cleaning products suitable for materials such as wood and marble to avoid scratches and damage.
• Hob and oven : Wipe up spills immediately to prevent food residue from burning on. Use an oven or hob cleaner as needed.
• Sink and taps : Clean the sink daily to prevent limescale and bacteria from building up. Use vinegar or a descaling product on taps and sinks if limescale marks appear.

2. Weekly cleaning

Once a week, it is a good idea to focus on more thorough cleaning.

• Cupboards and drawers : Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to remove grease and dust. Pay particular attention to handles and edges where grease and dirt can accumulate.
• Extractor hood : Check and clean the filters regularly to prevent grease from building up and reducing the extractor hood's efficiency.
• Floors : Sweep and mop the floor thoroughly to remove food residue and dirt.

3. Monthly maintenance

Some areas of the kitchen need a more thorough clean at regular intervals.

• Fridge : Empty the fridge, clean the shelves and drawers with soapy water, and remove old food. Remember to clean behind and underneath it to ensure proper ventilation.
• Oven : Use an oven cleaner to remove baked-on grease and food residue. Follow the product instructions for safe and effective cleaning.
• Dishwasher : Clean the dishwasher filter and run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner to remove grease and limescale.

4. Preventive measures

A few simple precautions can help prevent damage and wear to kitchen surfaces and appliances.

• Chopping boards : Always use chopping boards to protect worktops from scratches and dents.
• Heatproof mats : Place hot pots and pans on heatproof mats rather than directly on worktops to prevent heat damage.
• Drain : Avoid clogging the kitchen sink by regularly pouring boiling water or a drain cleaner down the drain.

5. Long-term care

To keep your kitchen in good condition, look after both its fittings and its appliances.

• Wooden surfaces : Apply oil or varnish to wooden worktops and cupboards at regular intervals to protect them from moisture and wear.
• Appliances : Have larger appliances, such as dishwashers, fridges and ovens, serviced regularly to keep them working properly.