Large Appliances
CooktopWipe down the stove after each use; spills, particularly greasy ones, are difficult to remove once they harden. Wash glass cooktops with a cleaning pad designed for nonstick pans; gently scrape away caked-on food with a razor blade.
Wash gas burner grates by hand with dishwashing liquid once a week (unless deemed dishwasher safe by the manufacturer). Use a scouring pad on noncoated grates and a soft sponge on coated ones. For electric burners, wipe off debris with a damp sponge. If residue remains, run the exhaust fan, turn the burners on high, and let the food burn off.
Remove control knobs periodically and wash them in the sink with mild dishwashing liquid and warm water; avoid cleansers with ammonia or abrasives, which can remove markings on the knobs. Dry knobs thoroughly before reattaching them.
OvenSoak racks in warm, soapy water for several hours (try a tub or utility sink if they won't fit in your kitchen sink). Scrub with a scouring pad, then rinse, and dry.
Deep-clean the oven every few months (or if it smokes when in use). For self-cleaning units, remove racks, and switch to clean mode. Once the cycle is complete, wipe away residue with a damp cloth. For other ovens, make a thick paste using three-quarters cup baking soda, one-quarter cup salt, and one-quarter cup water, then spread it throughout the interior (avoid bare metal, and clog openings with foil); leave overnight. Remove with a plastic spatula, and wipe clean.
Vent HoodWipe the outside of the hood with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth once a week; rinse with another hot, damp cloth, and wipe dry. For stainless steel hoods, use a spray formulated for such surfaces.
Remove filters once a month, and soak them in a solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid. Brush gently with a plastic scrub brush to remove greasy particles; rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing.
RefrigeratorEmpty the refrigerator every few months, and wipe the interior with a solution of two tablespoons baking soda and one quart water; rinse with a damp cloth, and dry with a clean towel. Remove glass shelves and drawers, and wash them in the sink; let shelves come to room temperature first to avoid cracks and breaks.
Make space for new groceries by discarding expired food items regularly, such as before your weekly shopping trip.
Keep an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator and the freezer to help neutralize odors. Replace the boxes after a few months, or whenever foul odors return.
Wipe the exterior of the unit every week with a soft cloth and a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water (or stainless steel cleaner if applicable).
Wipe up spills right away to prevent stains and lingering odors. This is especially important in refrigerators, where dry air removes the moisture from spills quickly, making them sticky and stubborn.
Clean condenser coils, commonly found at the back or front bottom of the unit, twice a year for maximum efficiency (more often if you have pets). Always unplug the refrigerator first, then use a long-handled brush or the crevice attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt.
DINER SCENES MELAMINE PLATESBring the diner to your kitchen with this set of four melamine plates. Each plate has a photograph by Martin Yeeles that is sure to remind you of your favorite greasy spoon. The photos feature everything from the counter with a dome-covered pie to a cup of Joe with the paper. Dish up some grub and enjoy. Imported.
Green kitchen designers and builders work with materials that are durable, low-maintenance and energyefficient by nature, such as concrete, bamboo and stone. Another major element of building green is choosing recyclable, renewable and reused components. Top designers also know how to use interior space wisely to conserve the amount of materials needed and reduce dependence on resources like electricity. In the kitchen, where you need heat to cook food and cold to keep it fresh, this can result in significant cost savings over the life of your home. Another benefit: Green materials' natural origins can help reduce indoor air pollution because they contain fewer volative organic compounds that can give off gas in your home. As you can see with our three green kitchens, you can have it all: resource-conserving materials, energy efficiency and good looks in a space that welcomes the cook as well as guests.
