Hello World! Welcome Friends! Unclean kitchens are the worst. Not only do they have an unappealing and unsanitary appearance, but the hard-to-remove grease accumulation demands extra work and strong cleaning agents, housing germs and perhaps causing a fire if neglected. Construction professionals cannot solve cleaning issues, but they may suggest solutions that will make cleaning easier in the future.
This article will discuss seven tips to achieve a clean, grease-free kitchen.
Ventilation is Key
A powerful exhaust fan is essential for eliminating oil, smoke, and moisture from the kitchen, preventing them from remaining in the air and accumulating on surfaces. Various ventilation devices, such as vented exhaust fans, catch cooking odors, smoke, and grease particles and expel them outside via ductwork.
Recirculating exhaust fans purify the gathered air and return it to the kitchen. Still, they need more frequent cleaning of grease filters and may need to be more effective in removing moisture and strong cooking odors.
The appropriate CFM rating (cubic feet per minute) is critical for a powerful fan with increased air removal capacity.
- Small kitchens (less than 150 sq ft) should have a CFM rating of 300–400 CFM.
- Medium kitchens (150–250 sq ft) should have a CFM rating of 400–600 CFM.
- Large kitchens (over 250 sq ft) or open kitchen concepts should have a CFM rating of 600+ CFM.
Vent hoods help to capture grease and smoke as well. Popular options include:
- Downdraft Vent Hoods
- Under-Cabinet Vent Hoods
- Island Mount Vent Hoods
Well-placed windows can supplement the exhaust fan by providing extra ventilation.
By understanding these types of ventilation systems, CFM ratings, and vent hood options, you can ensure optimal grease control and promote a healthier cooking environment.
Backsplash for Easy Cleaning
Since a backsplash shields the wall from oil spills, every kitchen requires one. It is a barrier that prevents oil from getting on the wall and makes cleaning easier. A simple wipe and a damp cloth are sufficient for most backsplash materials, including tile and stainless steel.
Choose a durable backsplash material like tile or stainless steel to endure kitchen wear and tear. Choose non-porous, smooth tiles to prevent oil and dirt from accumulating and to facilitate easy cleaning. The height of the backsplash also matters since a taller one covers more wall space, reducing the cleaning zone and saving time on cleaning.
Countertops that Fight Back
Your choice of countertop material will affect how easy it is to clean and how resistant it is to grease. The maintenance requirements for common countertop alternatives are as follows:
Granite:
- Pros: Granite offers timeless beauty and exceptional durability. It’s resistant to heat, scratches, and stains (with proper sealing).
- Cons: Granite is a porous stone and requires periodic sealing (every 1-2 years) to maintain its grease and stain resistance.
- Maintenance: Clean spills with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Reseal the countertop according to the manufacturer’s instructions or by a qualified professional.
Quartz:
- Pros: Quartz is a non-porous engineered material, making it resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. It’s also low-maintenance and comes in various styles and colors.
- Cons: Quartz can be more expensive than some other countertop materials. While durable, it can chip with significant impact.
- Maintenance: Clean spills with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t need sealing.
Stainless Steel:
- Pros: Stainless steel is a sleek and modern option, offering superior heat resistance and easy cleanup. It’s non-porous and doesn’t need sealing.
- Cons: Unlike other materials, stainless steel is more prone to scratches and needs frequent cleaning to keep its shine. It may also show fingerprints.
- Maintenance: Clean spills with a damp microfiber cloth and polish with a stainless-steel cleaner to maintain shine. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers.
By understanding the specific maintenance needs of different countertop materials and following these cleaning tips, you can keep beautiful new countertops looking their best and grease-free for years.
Smart Kitchen Layout
A well-designed kitchen layout can assist in avoiding grease accumulation by reducing spatter and spillage. Place the stovetop in a less congested place to minimize inadvertent bumps or spills. Position the stovetop under a strong exhaust fan to suck up grease and smoke at the source, preventing splattering.
Avoid crammed cabinets and drawers next to the stovetop, as they create little nooks for grease to hide. By placing cabinets and drawers, you can avoid these tight spaces, making wiping down surfaces easier and preventing grease buildup. A well-designed layout keeps the kitchen organized and fights against grease.
Lighting Up the Kitchen
Good kitchen lighting is essential for effective cleaning, allowing easy grease splatters and grime spots. You may avoid hidden spots with proper lighting and end up with a cleaner kitchen. Start with bright overhead lighting that casts light across the entire kitchen, ensuring good visibility for cleaning all areas.
Add task lighting under cabinets, especially near the stovetop and sink areas, to provide a focused light beam. They make it easier to spot even the smallest grease splatters and clean them. Doing so provides a clear view of the kitchen, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
Planning for Easy Access
To prevent grease buildup in any kitchen, consider planning for easy access behind appliances like ovens and stovetops. Look for removable cabinet panels or access points to reach behind them and clean up any accumulation.
Avoid cords on countertops, as they can create grease traps around outlets. Instead, opt for built-in or pop-up outlets, eliminating the need for cords and preventing grease buildup. This will keep the kitchen clean and make it look neater.
Futureproofing with Maintenance
A well-designed kitchen is attractive, useful, and simple to maintain. To ensure long-term grease control, you must plan for easy maintenance and incorporate simple cleaning features. One key element for futureproofing is installing grease duct access doors. Access doors, like the BA-AA grease duct access door, allow for easy cleaning of grease buildup within the ductwork, preventing future fire hazards and maintaining optimal ventilation efficiency.
Optional grease filter reminder systems, such as visual or smart systems, can help trap grease particles and ensure optimal ventilation system performance. Regular cleaning of exhaust fan filters and the entire ventilation system through grease duct access doors is crucial for effective grease control.
Conclusion
Construction professionals can build a kitchen that fights grease with strategic construction solutions. These solutions should be considered during the design or renovation phase to create a kitchen that minimizes grease buildup, promotes a healthy cooking environment, and is easy to maintain for years. Consider integrating these insights into your next project and elevating your kitchen designs to the next level.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Maximizing Longevity and Hygiene in Your Home: The Science of Carpet Maintenance
The Ultimate Guide to Securing Rebates for a Comfort Home Program
Top 7 Signs You Need a Roof Replacement
Choosing the Right Interstate Moving Company: Factors to Consider
Quick Possession Vs. Custom Homes: Which Is Right For You?
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Wants to Settle?
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox which will include links to my latest home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
[…] 7 Tips for Achieving a Clean and Grease-Free Kitchen […]