Kitchen

Your cast iron pans need special attention when it comes to maintenance. There are many novice mistakes you can make like using a lot of dish soap when cleaning them. Here are some of the best tips to get the most out of your cast iron, no matter your experience level. Clean With a Nylon Pan Scraper You’ll need some scouring power when taking off burnt bits from your pan. Be careful not to use any harsh products like steel wool, which can damage your skillet. Opt for nylon pan scrapers which can take the bulk of stuck-on residue. Use a stiff brush and hot water afterwards. Boiling Water Simply pour a cup of fresh water onto a skillet and turn on the burner. Boil the water for a minute or two to clean it. After you pour out the water, carefully wipe the hot skillet with a paper towel, then pour a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Rub it around with another paper towel so it’s ready for the next time you need it. Water, Salt and Olive Oil First, rinse your pan with warm water and sprinkle a few shakes of table salt onto the surface. Then, add a couple spoonfuls of olive oil and rub the pan with a clean paper towel. Rinse out the salt and wipe dry. If your oven is still warm, place your cast iron inside to keep it seasoned properly. Bring Oil to its Smoke Point To get the most out of your oil, spread it on your pan after you clean it and heat the skillet until it smokes. Once the oil reaches its smoke point, it will begin making long-chain molecules to leave you with a well-seasoned pan. Source: The Kitchn

If you find yourself replacing your kitchen cabinets any time soon, consider good storage that goes beyond volume. Not all cabinets are providing the intelligent, strategic storage that makes a kitchen work at maximum effectiveness. Here are some of the essentials to bring out your kitchen’s potential. Drawers and Sliding Shelves These drawers are the ultimate storage space for a kitchen for several reasons. They offer an ergonomic design since they pull out towards you, removing the need to squat or reach up high. Anything can be stored in these cabinets and they can be stacked one on top of the other. A drawer will always bring clean lines which fits any kitchen design such as traditional, farmhouse or contemporary. Trash Pull-Out Remove the trash bin from the side of the island and hide it behind a door in your cabinetry. Ideally you should have two bins–one for trash and another for recycling. A double trash unit only takes up 18 inches of space and is available with soft-close mechanisms. Many trash units are short enough to fit into a base cabinet with a top drawer. Vertical Dividers These dividers are great for storing many large, flat objects like cutting boards, cookie sheets or baking pans. They are often placed in the upper portion of tall cabinetry or can fit in narrow base cabinets, 9 to 12 inches wide. Use these dividers to compensate where a drawer stack isn’t practical. Spice Pull-Out Spices will accumulate in your kitchen over time. When spices are stacked behind each other, it can be difficult to organize and find what you need. A great solution is a 12-inch-wide pull out cabinet fitted adjacent to your cooking surface. Tiered shelves are the best to store larger jars where you can view everything at once. Source: The Spruce

A kitchen doesn’t always come as we’d like it to. Remodeling a kitchen can solve many problems with functionality or design. When planning a kitchen remodel, here are some of the potential issues you should consider. Functionality and Service Zones The kitchen could be considered one of the most functional spaces of a home. Focus on the functional areas such as prep areas, cooking, refrigeration and dishwashing. While aesthetics are important, the functionality should always come first. An ideal kitchen remodel is one where major features aren’t moved. You can save yourself a good deal of money and headache if you leave major appliances where they are such as vented range hoods, the sink or dishwasher. Moving these appliances brings on new technical issues with electrical outlets, wiring or plumbing. Instead, move features that are more simple such as a refrigerator or cabinetry. Skip the Island Kitchen islands are on trend, but it actually isn’t as valuable as you may think. Before opt-ing for an island, ask yourself if your kitchen has the space needed. It takes a rather large kitchen for an island to work as intended. Trying to force it in could leave the rest of your areas cramped and harder to navigate. Invest in Quality Countertops Your kitchen counters are an essential part you will be using day in and day out. It’s worth the extra cost to invest in materials like granite, quartz, laminate or solid-surface. A countertop is one of the largest visual elements in a kitchen, it’s best to get this part right. It’ll also play a valuable role if you ever need to sell your home. Looking for more from Cosmo? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Source: The Spruce

Garbage disposals are essential to any kitchen to quickly grind down solid food waste. When you turn on the disposal a spinning disc turns rapidly, forcing waste against the outer wall of the grinding chamber. This turns food into tiny bits which can then be washed down. A common misconception is that disposals have sharp blades. Avoid Putting This in a Garbage Disposal Not everything’s meant to go into a garbage disposal. Putting tough or fibrous food scraps, potato peels, grease or oil can cause clogs and jams. Hard objects should be tossed in a garbage can instead. Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting Most of the time, a garbage disposal malfunctions when it’s jammed. This doesn’t require an entirely new unit, but ignoring it could cause the unit’s motor to burn out. A clog can occur when the wrong kinds of food go down the garbage disposal. Clogs can be in the disposal itself but usually they appear in the drainpipe downstream of the disposal. There are plenty of garbage disposals on the market that can be as simple or as detailed as you’d like. Models can include stainless steel grinding chambers or extra insulation for sound reduction. Decide on what kind of garbage disposal fits your kitchen best. When it’s time to install, be sure you understand the basics of plumbing and electrical wiring. Most homeowners can have a disposal installed within a few hours. Source: The Spruce

Everyone knows olive oil is great for flavor and health benefits when cooking. But did you know that olive oil can be used in many other ways around your home? Here’s a pro tip, keep some oil in a spray bottle. In the Kitchen Protect Wood. After washing your wood cutting boards, salad bowls and utensils, apply a light coating of olive oil. This will nourish the wood and prevent any cracking or discoloration. Let the oil sit on the wood for about five minutes and then buff with a soft cloth. Stops Sticking. If a recipe calls for measuring cups or spoons, place a bit of olive oil on beforehand to easily release sticky foods like honey, peanut butter and mustard. No more hassle or messy clean-ups. Shine Stainless Steel. Your appliances can easily be brought back to life with a dab of olive oil on a soft cloth. Rub it into the appliance to prevent streaks, water spots, tarnish and corrosion. Make sure to buff with a soft cloth afterwards. Around the House Squeaky Doors. A few drops of olive oil will silence a squeaky hinge. Try a few spritz on doors, cabinets, appliances or car doors. Water Rings. If wood in your home has small scratches or water rings, apply oil on a soft cloth and then buff with a dry cloth. Make a furniture polish with one-fourth cup olive oil, four tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and two teaspoons lemon juice. You can store this in a refrigerator to use weekly, just give it a good shake before applying. Revitalize Plants. Help the ferns and palms at your home stay lush year-round with olive oil. Add two tablespoons to the base of the plant about once a month. Source: The Spruce

Creating a timeless kitchen space can be accomplished when incorporating and mixing different styles. You don’t need a massive budget to learn some key principles and apply them to your own kitchen. Here’s five ways you can leverage materials to create beautifully layered interiors. Contrast. Worry less about whether furniture should match and more on how different pieces can enrich each other when placed together. If you have straight lines and contemporary pieces, place a Baroque shape next to them to heighten both. Placing all similar pieces and styles together in one place could result in a lackluster design. Patina. Time plays a key role in a kitchen design. The history with antique pieces such as aged metal, worn leather or distressed wood captures the distinct richness to an interior. An abundance of glossy finishes will appear cold, you want a bit of wear to soften it. This adds the soul to a kitchen. Texture. Combining textures further enhances the soul of a space. You never want to cover everything with all wood or metal pieces. It’s much more interesting to look at the contrast of different textures. For instance, placing a blue clay against satin or a cool linen against a deeper velvet. If you find yourself overwhelmed, find a connection in tonality or color among textures. Light. Material will absorb or reflect light differently. You can create variations to enhance this further when deciding on pieces. Glass for example, can come in many different shapes and colors. Bringing in the light to a kitchen will enhance moods and bring a warmer environment to an otherwise dull space. Personality. Your kitchen at the end of the day needs to be a reflection of yourself. While it’s great to seek out materials based on their look, a personal kitchen tells a deeper story. Antiques passed down through a family or furniture purchased in memorable locations will play with the element of memory. You’ll feel happier when you look at a piece that has a deeper value to you. Sources: House Beautiful

Kitchen floors go through a lot. A flooring space must endure spills, drips, heat and dropped utensils. When deciding on a kitchen floor material, you’ll need to consider style, function and comfort. Here’s five materials you should look into. Hardwood While hardwood flooring by nature is very durable, it has its limitations in areas susceptible to moisture. Modern sealers and polyurethane finishes can aid in preserving hardwood floors longer however. The material will change over time and naturally degrade, but this can add more personality to a kitchen. You’ll always have the option of sanding and refinishing the floor to make it feel brand new. Bamboo Bamboo is actually harder than hardwood and is more resistant to moisture and water damage. It’s increasing in popularity for kitchens and is considered more durable than wood. It’s important to note bamboo is more expensive than wood and it’s harder to refinish due to the natural grain on the material. Ceramic Tile Ceramic tile is a material made from natural clay and is extremely durable for kitchen flooring. It’s also very hard and impervious to water damage. Under normal conditions, ceramic tile will maintain its appearance and function over time with little to no change. They also come in a variety of styles and colors, offering countless options. You should take into consideration that ceramic tile is a more cold material and some people can find it to be too hard. Concrete Another inexpensive option, concrete is usually already in place beneath existing floor coverings. There are many ways it can be polished, stained or treated to fit in any kitchen. This pairs perfectly with a modern-style kitchen. Similar to ceramic tile, concrete is a cold material that can be too hard for some people. Concrete isn’t everyone’s first choice, which can be a drawback when it’s time to sell your home. Natural Stone Tile Probably one of the most luxurious choices for kitchen flooring, natural stone tile is an actual rock with long-lasting durability. A natural stone flooring can be made of marble, granite, slate, limestone or sandstone. The drawback to natural stone is that the material is porous, making it susceptible to water and liquid stain penetration. Quality penetrating stone sealer can be applied annually to create an invisible coat of protection over the stone. Each stone material will have its own properties for hardness, scratch resistance and durability. Source: The Spruce

Kitchen appliances may cause issues down the road. It’s useful to know the common problems you can easily fix before calling on a professional. Here’s 10 of the most common problems you can fix in your kitchen. A Warm Fridge or Freezer. If your appliance can’t stay cool, check the doors are closing completely and the seal is tight. Pay attention to any unusual heat, drips or noises. A refrigerator condenser will generate heat but it shouldn’t be excessive. Odors in a Fridge or Freezer. This is often caused by food that has gone bad. Wash the bins and shelves with dish soap and let the unit air out, and clean the evaporator. Adjust the temperatures inside between 0 and 40 degrees F to prevent any frost build, mold growth or odors. Under or Overcooking Oven. Every oven operates differently. Investing in an oven thermometer to check temperature settings can prevent food from taking too long or burning quickly. If the issue persists, look into recalibration. Microwave Doesn’t Heat Up. A faulty magnetron could be the cause of a malfunctioning microwave. These parts can burn out if the microwave is turned on while empty. Look for a replacement of the part. Microwave Tray Isn’t Turning. If the plate doesn’t turn, look for any obstructions such as large crumbs. The motor could also be worn out, which is easily replaceable with a manufacturer part. Dripping Sink or Faucet. If your sink is leaking, clean the faucet screen. If you notice any mold under the sink check for any leaks near the drain line and pea-trap. Check the garbage disposal and water lines leading to other appliances as well. Garbage Disposal Doesn’t Work. Try the reset button first. Next, you can try grinding an ice cube or two. If you suspect the garbage disposal is blocked with food or silverware, unplug it first before trying to clear it. Range Hood Isn’t Clearing Smoke. One cause of a faulty range hood is the motor or clogged ductwork. Replacing air filters is a quick fix if there’s an excess of grease build up. Ductwork can be tricky and should be performed by a professional for any suspected blocks. Source: The Spruce

A subway tile backsplash is bound to build up grease. Follow this step by step guide on how to get those tiles shining again. What You’ll Need: Sponge Dish soap Dish cloths Lemons Vinegar Baking soda Toothbrush Grout sealer Instructions: Use a soapy sponge: With circular motions, clean the backsplash and group with the sponge. Wipe clean: Take a damp dish cloth and wipe the tiles from any soapy residue. Create a paste: For persistent grease, mix a paste with one part lemon, juice, one part vinegar, and two parts baking soda. Scrub the tiles with the paste: Take a toothbrush and apply the paste on the tiles and grout. Scrub with the toothbrush or sponge. Wipe clean: Take a damp dish cloth and wipe the tiles clean. Apply a sealer: Let everything dry completely for a few hours. Apply one or two coats of a silicone-based grout sealer to protect your grout in the future. Sources: The Kitchn

Wasting food is one of the fastest ways to lose money while also negatively impacting the environment. Before going out on your next grocery store run, read up on these 6 ways to help reduce food waste in your kitchen. Look at Your Fridge This may seem obvious, but take a look at your pantry and fridge before heading to the grocery store. Do a quick inventory count to see what you have and what you’re missing. This will help prevent purchasing unnecessary foods. You can also end up finding some ingredients that are easily turned into a meal, cutting back on the number of trips to the store. Make a List Meal prep can be an easy path to success. Planning out your meals for the week ensures your shopping list only has the ingredients you need. While you’re in the grocery store, don’t be tempted by advertisements or offers and only grab what you have on your list. Cut Back on Bulk Buying Buying in bulk may seem like a great deal, but it’s an easy way to overload your cart with things you don’t need. Even if a bag of avocados is a steal at a low price, you may not use them all up before they go bad. Buying in bulk is best for ingredients you are absolutely sure you’ll use up or will last a long time. Store Food Properly Food can go bad if it’s not properly stored to preserve freshness. Any extra fruits or veggies can be frozen or preserved to lengthen their flavor. You can freeze a loaf of bread and take out the slices a few hours before you need it. Make sure you store bananas, apples and tomatoes by themselves as these fruits emit natural gases that can spoil any produce around them. Wait to wash berries until you’re going to eat them to prevent mold. Organize Your Shelves Whenever you buy new food, bring all the older items in your pantry or fridge to the front. This will ensure older food won’t spoil and you can find ingredients that have gone bad. Cook Smarter If a recipe calls for half an onion, save the other half for a soup or stew. Save carrot tops and make a pesto instead of tossing them out. There’s great ways you can turn food you may think is waste into other delicious meals. Source: Good Housekeeping