How to Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Do you dream of a pure white kitchen? Do you long for stainless steel appliances? Do you fear the endless scrubbing of fingerprints, stains, and smudges? Here's a little secret you may not realize: all kitchens get dirty. After all, the only way to keep a kitchen spotless is to never use it. Obviously this isn't practical. However, even a white or stainless steel kitchen can look immaculate once you understand the key enemies of cleanliness.

Grease

When you cook, grease is released into the air. The best way to combat this is a powerful range hood. During your remodel, get the best hood you can. Additionally, make sure that you're wiping off grease right away. The longer grease sits, the more damage it can do.

Sunlight

There's no doubt that nothing can ever look as good as natural light. However, direct sunlight is a great way to fade cabinets. A pair of sheer drapes or thin shades can filter out just the right amount of light; you'll still enjoy a bright, cheery kitchen, and your cabinets won't be yellowing right before your eyes.

Harsh Cleaners

Sometimes in our attempt to keep our kitchens looking clean and new, we actually do more harm than good. Harsh cleaners and abrasive scrubbers can remove finishes and scratch surfaces. When this protective coating is damaged, it is much easier for stains to grab on. As a general rule of thumb, a damp cloth and mild soap gets the trick done.

Stains

Counters, cabinets, appliances, back-splashes, and flooring can all stain if you're not careful. Sure, there are some stain-proof options out there, but what if you've already fallen in love with granite counter tops, wood flooring, and a tile back-splash? Generally speaking, proper sealing is your best offense against stains. Make sure that grout lines, counters, and wood floors are adequately sealed. Additionally, make sure that you mop up all spills right away.

Fingerprints

Grimy fingers leave their mark on appliances, cabinets, handles, and more. Thankfully, there's a simple way to mitigate the problem: wash your hands more. After all, it's the grease, dirt, and oil on your hands that leave such obvious prints behind. As an added bonus, frequent hand washing is the best way to keep yourself and your family healthy.

Don't let fear keep you from your dream kitchen. Now that you know the secrets of maintaining a spotless space, you really can have a white or stainless steel kitchen. Your friends and family will wonder how you keep the area looking so great, but you’ll know the truth about how easy it really is.