| Featured Image: @jennifer.johns.129 from Instagram – KS1278ALBS | Setting up an outdoor kitchen can reduce how much heat is trapped inside the house in the height of summer. Instead of standing in front of a sweltering stove or running the oven for hours at the hottest part of the day, head to the backyard for cooking up brunch or some party appetizers instead. Yet once the outdoor kitchen is in place, it will need regular cleaning and maintenance to stay attractive and functional. Here are some easy tips for outdoor kitchen maintenance. |
Kitchen sinks can take a lot of weathering in outdoor kitchens due to their water-holding shape, especially in uncovered designs that don’t block rainfall. Make sure to choose a well-draining design to prevent standing water from risking damage to the material when it freezes or encourages rust. Undermount designs are a good choice because they’re easier to keep clean by putting in a sink cover that keeps water and dust out when the outdoor kitchen is not in use.
Outdoor faucets should have a stainless or corrosion-resistant finish to last as long as possible outdoors, especially in humid climates. Wipe the faucet down at least once a month or after use to ensure there is as little mold growth or corrosion as possible. Don’t forget to drain and winterize the kitchen faucet and its associated plumbing before freezing temperatures arrive each fall to prevent damage to the fixtures.
Countertops must be clean thoroughly after each use with a sanitizing cleaner. The same process should be repeated before each new use. Since it’s always possible for dust, debris, and even pests like mice to end up contaminating the counters after the last cleaning, it’s important to start each use of the kitchen with a little sanitizing of all surfaces.
Pot fillers, water dispensers, and similar specialty faucets need the same basic treatment as other outdoor faucets, which include routine cleaning and winterization before the winter months. Since they can be more fragile and tend to extend farther than standard faucets, make sure they’re covered or secured when the kitchen is out of use for months at a time to prevent damage.
Design a brand new outdoor kitchen with the help of high-end fixtures from Kingston Brass. Explore pot fillers, side sprays, and more to find the right faucets and other accessories for any outdoor kitchen. Not all fixtures can handle outdoor installation, so look for durable finishes and all-metal construction.
