Wood countertop
Wipe up water right away, and do not leave wet cloths or hot cookware on it without a trivet. Renew the protective oil or finish the way the manufacturer specifies.
Care
Care and upkeep
A kitchen ages not from time but from small things: water left at the edge of the countertop, grease building up in the filter, crumbs in hinges and seams. A little regular care takes less time than you think and spares you an early renovation. Below is a guide to the main surfaces and components, plus care by season and by situation. Check any product or method against the instructions from the manufacturer of your furniture, appliances and materials.
A spill wiped up right away never turns into a stain you spend a week scrubbing.
How this section works: here you will find general care tips, without brands, models or names of cleaning products. What to clean and protect a surface with should always be checked against the instructions for your material and appliance.
Care by surface and component
What to watch for in the everyday life of a kitchen.
Stone and laminate countertops
Clean stone with products approved for its type and protect the edge from knocks. With laminate, watch the seams and edges near the sink: water should not linger there.
Sink
After doing the dishes, rinse and wipe the basin so residue does not build up. Check the seam around the sink from time to time and replace it when it darkens or pulls away.
Range hood and filters
Wash the metal filter regularly and replace the charcoal one on the schedule in the manual. Disconnect the hood from power before cleaning it.
Oven and cooktop
Wipe up splatters once the surface has cooled but before they bake on. Self-cleaning modes and approved cleaners are described in the appliance manual.
Marshmallow pie (in Russian)
Tile grout and backsplash
Wipe splashes with a damp cloth and clean the grout lines now and then with a narrow brush. Do not mix different cleaners in hopes of a stronger effect.
Cabinet fronts and hardware
Wipe the fronts with a soft cloth, especially around the handles where grease collects. If a door sags or a drawer starts to stick, tighten the hardware before it turns into a real breakdown.
Dining table
Use trivets under hot dishes and coasters or mats under vases and pitchers. Wipe the tabletop with what the manufacturer allows, and do not leave puddles on it after dinner.
Care by season
- In spring, sort through cabinets and pantry supplies, wash the cabinet fronts inside and out and check the seams around the sink and countertop.
- In summer, air out the kitchen more often and wash the range hood filter: in hot weather, grease and odors linger longer.
- In fall, before the season of canning and long dinners, check the oven, the stove and the drawer hardware.
- In winter, watch for condensation on the window by the sink and wipe the sill so dampness does not build up underneath.
Care by situation
- Spilled water on a wood countertop: wipe it up right away, not after dinner.
- Smell gas: do not switch lights or appliances on or off, open the windows, leave and call 112 or your local emergency number, or the gas emergency service.
- Noticed moisture under the sink: shut off the water and call a plumber.
- Before a small repair or cleaning an appliance: unplug it.
- Working with sealant, paint or a strong cleaner: air out the kitchen.
Read next
- Materials
Countertops, cabinet fronts, backsplash, sink, hardware and kitchen lighting: what to look for when choosing. Our article list is here too.
- How-to
How to renew the sealant around the sink, adjust cabinet doors and clean the grease filter of the range hood.
- Tools
What to keep on hand for measuring, small repairs and kitchen care: from a tape measure and level to soft cloths.
What we rely on
- Instructions from furniture, appliance and material manufacturers
- Domzhizn editorial materials
Domzhizn advice is written in general terms and based on the instructions of furniture, appliance and material manufacturers and on widely accepted kitchen safety rules. Check the manual for how to clean a specific surface or service an appliance, ask your building management about remodeling, and leave gas, electrical work and water connections to professionals.