The kitchen is home to most of the more expensive items in most homes. Between the stove, refrigerator, the other devices, cookware, and utensils, most families have a lot of money invested in the kitchen. One of the most effective ways to get the most out of that investment is to ensure that the individual items are properly maintained whenever possible. This ensures that not only do the items not need to be replaced or repaired that often, but that they do not become a danger to those in the house through improper maintenance.

Refrigerators must be properly maintained so that they continue to keep food cold. Once a week the seals should be inspected; any grime on them should be cleaned and any tears or shredding be noted. If the seals are too shredded they should be replaced. This ensures that the seals actually seal and do not let out cold air which would cause the food inside to spoil faster. The refrigerator coils should be cleaned every six months so that they do not rust, thus freeing the gases that keep it cold. This simple bit of maintenance should prolong the life of the unit.

Your blenders and food prep devices should also be considered as well. Their rubber parts should be inspected for wear whenever they are used so that they will fit properly. Also look for cracks; they may seem little but they can quickly grow and result in an explosive accident, usually when the most staining substances are in them. They can also pick up some of the worst smells, but a little vinegar can help with that.

Splatters in the microwave can be difficult to clean. The best solution is covering food before placing it inside will keep splatters down. Should splatters develop, heating a bowl of water inside the microwave will soften them up and make them easier to clean. Adding lemon juice or vinegar will also help remove any smell. Vinegar will also help clean your sink and dishwasher if used right. Once a month run a cup of vinegar through the dishwasher to break up any grease and bad smells. If you fill your sink with water and a cup of vinegar and then pull the plug, the force of the mixture and the acidity of the vinegar will break up any grease in the pipes.

There is another way to take advantage of vinegar in cleaning the kitchen. If your pots and pans start looking a little used, boil a mix of water and a cup of vinegar. When the mix is actually boiling, throw in a tablespoon of baking soda. The reaction should effectively clean up most stains and possibly even some of the rust. Just remember to wash before using them again.

Ovens and toasters need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Crumbs at the bottom of either have the chance of catching fire, making them potential hazards. Also, the cleaning will ensure that the appliance will last longer as well. The toaster will only take a few minutes, but the oven needs to be cleaned more thoroughly. Bonus tip: Always use a cookie sheet or aluminum when possible, even when the instructions do not call for it. The cookie sheet will cover any spills that may happen and so help keep the oven clean.

Televisions and computers in the kitchen have their own issues, as grease from cooking lands on their monitors. It helps to go over the screens with special monitor to eliminate the grease from all surfaces. This not only allows you to better see what is on the screen, but also helps eliminate a possible problem as well. They should also be frequently dusted so that the electronics inside them are always working at maximum efficiency and are not clogged up.

By properly maintaining your kitchen equipment it will last a long time. You have invested a lot in your kitchen, and it would be a shame for you to not get as much as you possibly can out of that equipment as you can. By properly maintaining that equipment you ensure that it will last a long, long time. Or at least until you find an upgrade you like even better.