Are you constantly dealing with issues that make your kitchen non-functional? Perhaps it’s time to rethink how you use your cooking space. It can be a hassle if you always have to fix broken or faulty appliances, deal with clutter and storage issues, or if you always have to unclog your kitchen sink, among other things. Moreover, it makes meal prep and cooking more stressful and a lot less fun.
Considering that most of us use our kitchens several times a day, with the average homeowner spending an average of 67 minutes per day in it, it’s only right to be mindful whenever we use this area. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home and its where a lot of family activities take place, ensuring that the kitchen is clean and in good working order should be one of your top priorities. Find out the do’s and don’ts to maintain a functional kitchen. Considering adding an outdoor refrigerator to your outdoor kitchen? Explore options available at RTA Outdoor Living for an enhanced outdoor cooking experience.
Do Discard Cooking Oil the Right Way
Reusing cooking oil is great way to save money and avoid waste. In fact, experts say that you can reuse oil three to four times to cook breaded and battered foods, such as fried chicken. After the fourth time though, remember to discard your cooking oil since using it again can result in rancid-tasting food. However, don’t flush cooking oil down the toilet. Oil solidifies as it makes its way through the sewer system, resulting in huge clumps of fat called fatbergs. Not only is it labor intensive to get rid of these, but fatbergs can also cause harm to the environment.
It’s the same reason why you should never pour old cooking oil down your kitchen sink. This can cause clogging, and you also risk damaging your garbage disposal system. To dispose of cooking oil, wait for it to cool down, then pour it into a container, like an old oil bottle, then place it in a cool place to solidify. Once you have a few containers of old oil, take them to a community oil recycling facility near you. If there are no recycling options, you can place the bottles in the garbage can, but make sure that they’re tightly sealed to avoid leaks.
Don’t Scrimp on Your Appliances
Everybody loves a good deal, especially when it comes to appliances. But buying a refrigerator, oven range, or coffee maker from a brand with a less than stellar reputation can cost you money in the long run. These appliances may prove to be unreliable, or they may break down after a few uses. If you’re constantly trying to fix your appliances, it may be time to trade them in for quality models.
According to Sears Home Services experts Adrienne Berrain-Normann and Travis Robertson, common kitchen appliances like a dishwasher has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years, while an oven range has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Meanwhile, a good refrigerator should be able to keep food perfectly cold for about 10 years. If you want your appliances to hit these marks, only get them from trusted brands, and read the user manuals since these contain a lot of tips on how to prolong the life of your kitchen gadgets.
Do Get Organized
If your kitchen drawers are always crammed with random items, or if you can’t seem to find a certain cooking utensil when you need it, then it may be the perfect time to start organizing your kitchen. Having a well organized kitchen, where everything has its proper place, is a great way to make your space more functional. When organizing, plan it in such a way that frequently used items like pots and pans, condiments, utensils, knives, chopping boards, and dish cloths are always within reach.
Meanwhile, small appliances and kitchen gadgets that are rarely used should be neatly hidden away in a designated drawer or cabinet. Keep paper towels, rags, and a spray bottle filled with kitchen cleaner fluid in a handy place to clean up spills and spatters immediately. Also, get rid of any unnecessary furniture or decoration in your kitchen. Having too many of these can make your kitchen feel small and cluttered, and they could get in the way while you’re moving around.
Your kitchen is one of the most frequently used areas in your home. Try these tips to make your kitchen more functional so you can have an easier and more enjoyable time making meals for your loved ones.