A More Functional Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important places in the house. Here food is prepared and often eaten. It is a place of meeting and warmth and talk. It may also be the place in your house that would most benefit from remodeling. Because of its daily use, we may overlook what can be done to improve the kitchen. And we don't want to see it torn up during renovation because we need to keep it functioning.
It is a good idea to take a critical look at all the kitchen appliances. Yes, they still work. But are they efficient? Are they safe? Would the kitchen function more smoothly with new ones? Go to a store and take a look at the Energy Star appliances. They are a big step up in efficiency from the old ones. Work out the math and you will probably find it makes sense to replace your old appliances with these superior ones. The refrigerator is the first candidate.
The microwave draws a lot of power. Is it worth it? Can you do any real cooking in it? With all the stress on healthy and organic foods, what is the point of getting fresh vegetables and cooking them in a microwave? You get an inferior result compared to steaming them on a stove top.
An older gas oven or range will have pilot lights that use up a lot of gas, and emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide. Consider buying a new gas appliance that does not have pilot lights. Or switch to an electric stove.
The counters are probably worn and scarred by now if they have never been replaced. They may be difficult to truly clean. New gleaming counters of a sturdy composite, or even granite, can transform the look of a kitchen and give clean surfaces for many years to come.
The newer dishwashers are more efficient in use of water and electricity, and do a better job of cleaning.
Drains may still flow, but may have a buildup of soap scum and sediment. Giving them a thorough reaming out with a plumber's snake is a good idea. Or call a roto-rooter company to do the job. The drains will flow better and smell better. Sinks that are chipped and worn can be replaced with sparkling new ones as a DIY project. If the faucets drip even a little, you want to replace the washers right away. A small drip wastes an unbelievable amount of water. Consider upgrading to new, high-tech faucets that turn on and off automatically.
A refrigerator with a door dispenser for cold water will save money because the door will be opened a lot less often.
Put a boot tray under the pet bowls to avoid spillage onto the floor, and resulting uncleanness.
We seldom think about the cutting board. But it is a major source of bacteria and contamination. Wooden butcher blocks look nice, but they are unhealthy. Likewise with any cutting board that cannot be scrubbed clean and sterilized. Cutting boards made of glass can be truly cleaned and can be sterilized in the dishwasher.
Dish towels should be replaced often. Sponges should be replaced at least weekly. They can be sterilized in the dishwasher, or by sitting in a bleach solutions. We think they are clean because we use them for cleaning, but in reality sponges accumulate a lot of bad bacteria.
Follow these tips to transform your kitchen into one that is clean, sparkling and more functional. It can improve your family's health.
