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Dirty, greasy kitchen cabinets require thorough cleaning to look their best. Standard cleaning products may not cut through the grease, but denatured alcohol cuts through grease and grime buildup. Denatured alcohol, sometimes used as a paint stripper, works best on natural-finished wood and oil-based finishes. It can remove shellac-based finishes and softens latex paint, so only use it to clean cabinets with these finishes if you want to remove the entire finish. After a thorough cleaning, a natural-finished cabinet just requires a thin coat of wax to bring back its shine and beauty.
You can clean rubber mats quickly and easily right in your kitchen sink, so long as you've got the right equipment. Clean rubber mats in a kitchen sink with help from an experienced professional in this free video clip.
Making your kitchen floor smell clean is all about the careful application of the right types of products. Make your kitchen floor smell clean with help from an experienced professional in this free video clip.
Running a restaurant requires you to have a few key cleaning supplies on hand at all times. Find out what cleaning supplies you'll need to have in your restaurant with help from a longtime restaurant manager in this free video clip.
Keeping your restaurant kitchen clean requires that you not only create a schedule, but stick with it. Learn how to make a clean schedule for kitchen floors in a restaurant with help from a longtime restaurant manager in this free video clip.
Edging granite sinks is something that needs to be done in a very specific way for the best results. Edge granite sinks with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip.
Limestone provides a beautiful and durable material both indoors and out for walkways and wall veneers. Although resistant to damage, cracks and chips can occur. Small chips usually require no repair if they aren't severe enough to be readily noticeable, but larger cracks and chips can look unattractive and weaken the limestone. While a do-it-yourself repair is sufficient in most cases, severe damage or damage to historic limestone pieces should only be repaired by a professional.
Porcelain teapots are undeniably beautiful, and they are an indispensable part of a traditional tea service. They’re also delicate, however; cleaning a porcelain teapot the same way you clean other dishes and serving ware may damage it. If you want your porcelain teapot to retain its beauty for years to come, there's a correct way to clean it.
Cleaning a cedar cabinet with Murphy's oil soap requires you to keep a few very important things in mind. Clean a cedar cabinet and Murphy's oil soap with help from a certified construction manager and LEED accredited professional in this free video clip.
Even the pipes in your kitchen could use a good cleaning every once and awhile. Get kitchen pipe cleaning tips with help from a cleaning expert and national lecturer in this free video clip.
Stainless steel utensils will still have to be cleaned, just like the rest of the items in your kitchen. Find out about cleaning solutions for stainless steel with help from a cleaning expert and national lecturer in this free video clip.
Marmoleum is a brand of linoleum flooring constructed from earth-friendly materials that don’t emit the same noxious odors as traditional vinyl flooring, which can pose a problem to asthma and allergy sufferers. As with traditional linoleum, when marmoleum comes into contact with water, such as from a leaking pipe or dishwasher, it will buckle, bubble and eventually lift off the subfloor. You can repair buckled marmoleum flooring yourself without the need for expensive tools or professional experience.
Chimney facades sometimes get used to cover unsightly metal chimneys to give them the appearance of brick. Facades require careful installation to fully cover the actual chimney while not damaging it or impeding its function. Gaps in the chimney or the facade require sealing to ensure that the fireplace or stove vents properly. The base of the chimney is a common source of leaking because the flashing comes loose around the vent. Fixing a gap in this area requires some basic materials.
Stainless steel looks beautiful but grease and fingerprints can cause a headache for even the most dedicated cleaner. Discover how to clean stainless steel with the help of a cleaning coach in this free video.
Stainless steel is a great material for kitchen utensils, but grilled-on grates can present a sticky mess. Find out how to clean a stainless steel grill grate with the help of a cleaning coach in this free video.
Formica is a well-known brand of synthetic material frequently used for countertops. While there is no insulation made from this material, Formica as a company has manufactured fiberglass insulation. There are a few broad types of fiberglass insulation, each with a best practices method for safe removal.
Stainless steel appliances are all the rage in kitchen design; however, the surfaces of these appliances are more fragile than enamel finishes are and take some extra attention when caring for them. Cooking can be a messy affair, with splattered and spilled food marking your shiny stove top. Various cleaning tricks will help remove burnt food and keep your stainless cook top looking brand new.
Kitchen counters, constructed of materials ranging from granite to laminated pressboard, are cut to fit the shape and layout of your kitchen cabinet framework and appliances. Since kitchen countertops sit atop your cabinets, they must be leveled before final installation. If your counters aren't leveled properly, the flaw may be visible once they're fastened in place. The process of leveling your kitchen counters requires a bit of DIY skill and basic tools.
Amana dishwashers, like most dishwasher models, use spray arms, also called wands, to distribute water during operation. The wands operate like a sprinkler system, rotating and spraying water on the dishes. You can remove the wands from your Amana dishwasher if you need to replace or repair them.
The width of a range, whether freestanding or slide-in, has been fairly standardized between manufacturers. Some ranges are designed to fit into a set space in the kitchen between two countertops. It's not always a perfect fit, and you may be left with unsightly gaps of an inch or two between the countertops and the range.
Technibond counters are one of the many available finishes for kitchen countertops. Deciding to refinish Technibond counters requires a few more steps than refinishing regular wood counters, but it yields an equally satisfying result. After removing the old finish, refinish the counters in any type coating, stain or paint, provided they are well sealed with caulking and many layers of food-safe sealant. Changing the countertops produces an immediate and striking effect.
When your dishes aren't getting as clean as you like in your Inglis dishwasher, it might be time to remove and clean the bottom strainer. The strainer filters out large debris from inside the dishwasher to prevent it from entering the drain and pump. The bottom strainer, unlike a standard filter strainers, covers the lower part of the Inglis dishwasher. Removing the bottom strainer in an Inglis dishwasher requires some disassembly of the dishwasher.
Cast acrylic and fiberglass sinks are a preformed, inexpensive alternative to other materials, including stainless steel, composite granite and porcelain. However, the sinks are prone to scratches, chips and cracks. Superficial scratches and wear are easily removed with sandpaper or polishing compound. Some damage is more severe, requiring a fiberglass compound to fill in the broken, cracked or chipped areas. Use Bondo fiberglass resin to repair your acrylic and fiberglass sinks to avoid the expense of professional repairs or replacement.
One of the nice things about installing a new sink is that you can select from a number of new fixtures for it and create a style that goes with your home and tastes. In terms of getting a drain for any sink, consider what type of drain you need; whether your sink has an overflow outlet; and whether you want a traditional chain and stopper drain or one with an integrated stopper. After that, you can choose from a wide variety of vintage and contemporary styles.
Wall paneling adds instant color and beauty to an interior room or bathroom. Available in a variety of shades and designs, these wood panels provide numerous options for livening up the space and are nailed to the wall studs easily. Most bathroom panels are available in 4-by-8-foot sections. If you have basic carpentry skills, you can hang the panels easily to the walls to create a watertight seal. Take accurate measurements and double-check your findings before installation.
The rotating member that sits in the bottom of your dishwasher, called the spray arm, or the lower spray arm, sprays both soapy and clean water on the dishes during a wash cycle. Removing the lower spray arm allows you to clean out hard water deposits or food debris, which decreases the flow of water through the spray arm and as such the dishwasher’s cleaning ability.
Kitchen counters can be constructed of press board or MDF (medium density fiberboard), then covered with tile, stone or laminate. The counter is then installed over a cabinet framework that creates a level surface and supports the counter. The simplest form of kitchen counter project to attempt is a laminate-covered one. Laminate kitchen counters can be custom cut and fit to any size or shape required, and the laminate covering can be selected to match a growing number of colors and styles. The process of building your own 2-by-4 foot kitchen counter demands a bit of carpentry skill and some…
Granite sinks can refer to both granite tile used for a sink surround and sinks that are made from granite-like materials. In general, gluing a sink down should be avoided. Sinks are made to be attached to countertops with bolts and brackets, not with glue. While some exceptions can occur with unusual projects that feature real granite work, gluing down a sink with adhesive alone typically is not an effective method.
Wolf, an industry leader in oven design for more than 70 years, joined the Sub-Zero Freezer Company in 2000. Wolf's built-in convection ovens, the L Series and E Series, meet Canadian Standards Association and Star-K Kosher standards. In early 2012, Wolf will release the first convection steam oven; it is not yet certified.
Many different models of Samsung dishwashers may develop problems with the drain system. The drain system relies on a hose, typically attached to the side of the dishwasher near the floor. This hose is not very big and can easily become clogged with debris or kinked, preventing water from draining out. There is some troubleshooting you can do to make sure the problem warrants a service call.
Extending a counter for your dishwasher is a straightforward process that involves adding an extra piece of countertop. You have nearly limitless options when deciding what to use for the extended counter. You can choose a matching counter or create contrast by using something that complements the current counters and decor. If your existing counters are granite, marble or another stone that was installed by professionals, you will need a professional to install the extension if it's of the same material.
Most fruit must be kept in the refrigerator to be stored long-term. When fruit ripens, it produces a gas called ethylene, which makes the fruit sweeter by producing enzymes. But when a fruit ripens too much, it grows mold and bacteria. Because cooling the atmosphere slows the release of ethylene, it is difficult to keep fruit fresh on a regular kitchen counter. Nevertheless, there are few things you can do to slightly lengthen the shelf-life of your fruit.
White veneer shelves create a bright look when added to a kitchen, but they are also a magnet for grime and will take on a yellowish appearance over time. While it might look unattractive, the yellowish tint found on white veneer shelves in the kitchen is the result of accumulated cooking grease and will not permanently damage the shelves. However, many commercially available cleaning solutions are harsh and can strip or damage the veneer, so it is best to use a gentle homemade degreaser made of ingredients commonly found around the house.
Despite its reputation for being impervious to stains, granite is a porous stone that needs special care. Granite countertops are usually treated with a penetrating sealer that keeps stains from absorbing into the stone and causing discoloration. However, sealer wears away in time, leaving the counters vulnerable. Granite on floors and other surfaces may be untreated, and so they are perpetually prone to staining and discoloration. Protect your granite by cleaning spills promptly. If discoloration remains, wash it with baking soda or mild dish detergent mixed with warm water. If that fails, apply a poultice, which is a paste made…
Granite is a favorite choice of cooks looking for a tough, natural counter that will stand the test of time. Elizabeth Wilhide notes in "Materials: A Directory for Home Design" that granite is the hardest of all natural stone options, but it is also the most expensive. Granite resists scratches and heat damage, but unless sealed, it can stain from acids and oils. You will find granite available in two different thicknesses. Choosing the correct thickness of granite is important for the longevity of the counter and ease of installation.
Even a seemingly spotless kitchen might be teeming with bacteria and germs, often in places you would never even imagine them to be. These microbes spread easily, making their way from cutting boards, drawer knobs and countertops to your eating utensils, food and ultimately your digestive system, where they can make you sick. Microbes cannot be seen with the naked eye, of course, so you might sometimes wonder if you have actually disinfected your kitchen or merely spread the germs around. There's no need to fret: Experts say that with a little awareness and preparation, you can keep your kitchen…
Objects made of chrome are not pure chromium. The object actually is constructed of steel, brass, aluminum or some other substance that has a thin coat of chromium placed over it. Chrome-plated objects with a single coating rust if they are not properly maintained. If the chrome on your bike, motorcycle or car is showing damage or rust, you can repair some of the damage without negatively affecting the first coating of chromium.
Polyurethane is commonly used to seal a variety of wood surfaces from boat hulls and hardwood floors to ceilings and countertops. Although it should be handled with care while in liquid form, it is safe for use on food preparation surfaces. Familiarize yourself with polyurethane before you use it to seal your kitchen counter.
Brass is an alloy created when copper is mixed with a small amount of zinc -- producing a shiny metal used for a wide variety of items. Due to its ability to hold up under extreme temperatures and its resistance to corrosion, brass is often used in nautical instrumentation as well as industrial equipment. And its malleability and vibration qualities make it a natural for creating musical instruments. Proper cleaning and oiling of brass is essential to maintaining its beauty and functionality.
Granite is a natural stone that is a material commonly used for countertops and sinks. It is hard and comes in a variety of colors, with natural striations and color differences that add to the character. When you install a new granite sink, holes are required to install the faucet hardware. Typically, granite sink manufacturers provide predrilled knockout holes that you simply remove. This allows home owners to remove the holes they need and disregard the ones they don’t.
When installing your dishwasher for the first time, setting up the dishwasher with your water supply line in your home is important. The water supply line for the dishwasher typically runs to the area below your kitchen sink and connects to the sink water supply valve. If you notice water leaking from the water line connected to the dishwasher, you may have a broken compression nut or ferrule, which is a small, metal fastening ring connecting the water line of the dishwasher to a 90-degree elbow of the sink water supply. Remove and replace a broken ferrule part fixes the…
Kitchen countertops often flank a composite sink, made of materials such as granite, quartz or acrylic. Because of the hard surface of a composite sink, you need to use proper cleaning and maintenance techniques to ensure that the sink stays shiny and beautiful. After gently cleaning it, you can restore the coating for a composite sink, adding luster and shine back to the sink's surface.
Kitchen countertops determine not only how a kitchen looks but also how much useful space there is for food preparation, storage and eating at a kitchen island. The countertop area that extends beyond the edge of its base is the overhang, and the appropriate amount of overhang is based on your kitchen's layout. You can reduce overhang by trimming a countertop, but only if you're willing to lose counter space.
Most prefabricated fireplaces have refractory panels that line the fireplace. These panels require regular cleaning to keep the fireplace and its surroundings from becoming overly dirty and causing soot and ash to spread throughout the home. Use a cleaning product that will clean the refractory panel without damaging the material whether it is metal or fiberglass.
Burned kitchen trays are not only unappealing to look at, but they are unappealing to cook with. The burned food on the tray will cause food on the tray to cook unevenly, increasing the likelihood of burning the kitchen tray further. There is a home remedy available for cleaning your burned kitchen trays and restoring them to a usable condition. This remedy utilizes products you should already have in your home.
Limestone countertops have a smooth, bright appearance with subtle but attractive color contrasts, and a natural stone elegance. Although they can greatly enhance the look of a bathroom or kitchen, they do require some careful maintenance. Real limestone is similar to other stone materials like marble and granite, since it can etch or even dissolve if you use the wrong cleaning supplies. Professional maintenance is best for thorough cleaning, but if you take on the job yourself, familiarize yourself with the do's and don'ts of limestone care.
To cut an opening for a sink, you must first place layout lines on the surface of the counter. If the counter material, such as granite, is dark, you can lay out the cut lines using masking tape. Place the masking tape on the counter before drawing the outline of the sink opening. Once the layout is complete, you'll be able to cut through the tape and the granite counter with ease.
Nothing is more frustrating than discovering your dishes are stained or dirty after running them through the dishwasher. But if your dishwasher isn't doing its job, it's likely due to one of two culprits: a dirty dishwasher or hard water problems. You don't have to revert to hand-washing your dishes to get them clean. You can solve your dishwasher performance problems to get clean, stain- and film-free dishes after each cycle.
The mechanism that allows you to move the rack on your dishwasher in and out of the appliance consists of a number of parts. There are wheels on the rack that slide inside a metal rod. In turn, the rod moves between wheels that sit inside the appliance. The track is the rod attached to the bottom of the dish rack. On the ends of the rod are plastic caps that keep the track in place. The key to removing the track is knowing how to take off the caps.
Natural stones like granite are classic, neutral and can lend a luxurious ambiance to any kitchen. Unfortunately, granite is also prohibitively expensive for many homeowners, and many people who would love to change their kitchen counters simply do not have the budget for a full renovation. If you have an older kitchen, you probably have older countertops made from inexpensive but durable plastic laminate. Fortunately, this material can be painted with a faux finish to give it the look of granite without the expense.
