An outdoor kitchen is an excellent investment, improving the functionality, visual appeal and value of your Plainview, NY, home. An outdoor kitchen also helps to extend your home into the great outdoors, serving as a comfortable space to gather and spend quality time with friends and family. However, the constant exposure to the elements means an outdoor kitchen requires special care and attention. Here are 3 tips to ensure that your outdoor kitchen looks wonderful and functions perfectly all year round:
Caring for the countertops and floors
Most outdoor kitchens go the sensible route of using granite or natural stone for countertops. Not only do these materials look wonderful in this setting, they are also quite hardy and highly resistant to heat. However, they do tend to be porous in nature, making them susceptible to staining from spills from food and drink. It is important to clean any spills immediately with the right type of cleaner to prevent the material from staining permanently.
The other threat to countertops emerges in the form of constant exposure to the elements. Sunlight, in particular, can dull the color over time, especially if your outdoor kitchen unit does not have a roof structure. The best way to prevent this is to have your countertops sealed with a high-grade sealant by a professional, which will not only protect them from UV exposure but also make them more resistant to staining from spills. A similar treatment can be applied to the paved flooring, which can suffer from similar problems. Talk to an Above All Masonry Design & Outdoor Living specialist about a treatment plan to keep your outdoor kitchen color-fast and stain-free.
Cleaning the grill and stainless steel appliances
A grill is a standard piece of equipment for any outdoor kitchen, but many users can be unwittingly neglectful of the proper cleaning and maintenance of their grills, usually considering wiping the grate with a cloth as sufficient. However, to prevent rust build-up and ensure optimal performance, a more thorough cleaning is generally recommended. A wire-brush is great for cleaning the burners and the grates. Any loose debris from cleaning can then be picked up with a vacuum cleaner. The grill should also be taken apart, especially after prolonged periods of disuse, to check any rust spots. Rust can be catered to with some cleaning and rust-removing solutions, followed by a coat of metal paint. Lastly, all the hoses and valves should be checked to ensure that they are not leaking or showing signs of excessive wear and tear. The grill should generally be cleaned while still slightly warm after use, and then covered up immediately once cool enough.
A similar procedure applies to caring for other stainless steel appliances and surfaces. They should be wiped clean after use with a quick-drying solvent. You can also use plain soapy water but the surface should be thoroughly dried afterward. Abrasive materials such as steel wool should be avoided as they can cause the build-up of corrosion.
