A 13-point Preventative Maintenance Plan For Your Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most used places in the house and the place where many things can go wrong. More essential appliances live in the kitchen than anywhere else, and each appliance has the potential for meltdown. For this reason, a kitchen preventative maintenance plan is a must for residential and commercial kitchens alike. This will keep your kitchen running smoothly and also give you a heads-up as to when parts need replacing and when major repairs might be necessary.
The first step is to clean everything thoroughly. Cleaning is not only for health and aesthetic reasons, but also it helps to prevent fires and maintains the efficiency of your appliances. Check with your appliance manufacturer for their recommended schedule for deep cleaning. What follows are more specific areas to look at.
The Refrigerator
- Clean the condenser coils with a vacuum cleaner nozzle. You can find these either underneath behind a panel at the bottom of the refrigerator, or, in older models, at the back of the refrigerator.
- Check the door gaskets for wear and clean thoroughly with baking soda and water. Door gaskets are essential for energy efficiency, so its important they have a good seal. To test, place a thin piece of paper between the gaskets and pull gently. If there’s a tug, no problem, but if it slips out easily, you’ll need to replace the gaskets. Test in different places as the wear on gaskets isn’t always uniform.
The Stove
- Clean the stove thoroughly, using the self-cleaning feature if necessary.
- While cleaning, check the door gaskets, the drip pans and for any frayed wiring which might need replacement.
Range Hood
- Clean away grease from the hood and check the filter. This will help to prevent fire as well as make it work more efficiently.
Dishwasher
- Check door gasket and replace if signs of wear.
- Clean sprayer arm by removing as indicated by manufacturer and running through with water and vinegar. Use pipe cleaner or tooth pick to clear out clogs.
- Check filter for cleaning and signs that it needs replacing.
Microwave
- Clean thoroughly including the vents.
- Check for signs of bubbling and wear around the seal.
- Use emission tester to make sure emissions are at a safe level.
Fan
- Clean thoroughly and if it is making unusual noise, consider replacing.
Garbage Disposal
- Clean the garbage disposal and sharpen the blades by putting ice cubes in the sink and turning on the disposal while running cold water. You can also keep it smelling fresh by grinding up a lemon.
This simple preventative maintenance plan should help keep your appliances running smoothly for a long while without needing major repairs.
If you do find you need parts, feel free to contact us for the parts you need and to get advice for your kitchen repairs.
