decorative tips
Maintaining Kitchen Tools
Whether you relish cooking and baking or only spend time in the kitchen out of necessity, having functioning tools and appliances will bring ease and enhance your experience. You don’t have to have a million gadgets—just the staples that work best for you and the type of food you prepare. It may be tempting to skip a few steps of cleanup after all the prep that goes into making a meal, but proper care leads to longevity. If you invest in quality products and regular maintenance, your kitchen tools should last for years or even generations.
A knife block or knife bar can be a home chef’s best friend. It keeps all your cutting options contained and easy to access. But regular use brings regular wear, and keeping knives sharp and honed is essential for kitchen safety. Refer to your utensil brand’s website or user manual for recommended sharpening and cleaning guidelines along with preferred products. Some brands, such as Cutco, offer complimentary sharpening. Or, consider taking a one-time knife-care class. Look to local cutlery shops and kitchen-supply stores for the opportunity to get in-person instruction for at-home care.
From knives to spoons to spatulas, wash utensils with warm soapy water and towel dry so they don’t absorb too much water. Prop them up to finish drying, and ensure they are dry before returning them to a drawer. Keep wood utensils and cutting boards hydrated with food-safe mineral oil or specific wood oil, and add that to your kitchen-care routine about once a month. Oil repels water, so it will provide a protective barrier for future use. Employ the backside of a sponge to remove fuzz, then use a rag, brush, or your hands to work in the oil. For a deep treatment, leave oil on overnight. For a quick refresh, let it soak in for twenty to thirty minutes and wipe the wood items down with a clean rag.
Your childhood chores probably didn’t include this task, but your dishwasher requires washing—and lots of it. Ovens, toasters, and microwaves all quickly show signs of buildup, so you know to tend to them. But dishwashers are dark, enclosed, and easy to ignore if you don’t make cleaning the tub and filters part of your weekly and monthly routines. Be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines so you don’t void any warranties.
/ Written by Maresa Giovannini.
Photography by: Magone/iStock/Getty images Plus.
