Best Practices for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Outdoor Kitchen
August 2, 2021 4:13 pm Leave your thoughtsAn outdoor kitchen is an investment that pays dividends, both in terms of how you entertain and by increasing your home’s overall value. Keep in mind that outdoor kitchens aren’t exactly maintenance free and that you should be prepared to put in a bit of elbow grease to maintain the appearance and function of all the features in your backyard cooking and eating space.
Read on to learn all you need to know about how to clean your outdoor kitchen.
Give your fireplace some attention
The first step to remember when maintaining your outdoor kitchen is to keep your outdoor fireplace tidy. While it can be tough to keep a fireplace spotlessly clean, it should at least be free from debris. If you have a traditional woodburning outdoor fireplace, regularly remove ashes, and leave them in a metal container until you’re sure they’re completely cold. You should also take steps to maintain and sweep out the chimney at least once per year. It’s best to contact a chimney care company to ensure that your fireplace chimney is clean and ready for safe operation.
Keep countertops clean
Outdoor kitchen countertops are typically made from natural materials that hold up well in the elements. Whether you have granite or stone countertops in your food preparation or eating area, be sure to keep them clean, since these surfaces are porous. It’s also smart to invest in a sealant for the countertops to prevent staining that could occur from food or even landscaping debris that’s left on the counters for too long.
Protect all outdoor furniture
You really can’t have an outdoor cooking and eating space without some comfortable and durable furniture. If you’ve purchased a patio dining set, lounge chairs or any other outdoor furniture, prolong its lifespan by either bringing it indoors when not in use or by investing in vinyl covers. A cover will protect your furniture from the harmful rays of the sun as well as rain and snow, and they can be cleaned easily with a mild, all-purpose cleaner.
Conservatively clean appliances
One of the most important considerations when it comes to how to clean your outdoor kitchen is not to overdo it when you clean appliances. Most outdoor kitchens have stainless steel appliances. They not only look great in any setting, but they’re also resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for backyard kitchens.
While stainless steel is incredibly durable, it’s not completely impervious to damage. When cleaning these appliances, use a simple solution of soap and water, and follow the grain as you clean. Stay away from chemical cleaners, and never use steel wool or abrasive sponges—no matter how stuck-on the dirt and grime may seem.
Maintaining your outdoor kitchen helps you and your family make the most of this special feature. Whether you plan to host elaborate outdoor dinner parties or backyard barbecues, an attractive and functional outdoor kitchen takes your entertaining options to the next level. Contact Custom Fire Art today to make the most of your investment and to learn more about keeping your outdoor kitchen in excellent shape.
Categorised in: Outdoor Kitchen Builder
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