If you’re renting your living space, then you face a slightly different set of responsibilities when it comes to repairs. When it comes to the kitchen, you’ll find that any damage might be registered and held against you when you come to move out – and that, as such, your deposit might be partially withheld. While you can guard against this possibility with renter’s insurance, it’s a good idea to also do a little bit of maintenance along the way.
Why is it expensive to repair a kitchen?
The kitchen is arguably the most expensive room in any property. This is because they tend to be heavy on appliances and contain several specialised pieces of plumbing and electrical work. Then there are the tiles and the countertop, whose repair might require shopping for very particular replacements.
Through proactive maintenance, you can limit the amount that you spend on repairs in the long term. This tends to be an ongoing thing, rather than a one-off time investment. Note that, while your landlord might be held responsible for major maintenance, general housekeeping will be your responsibility as a tenant. On top of everything else, looking after your kitchen will mean that you can enjoy it for longer.
5 Tips for maintaining your kitchen
Clean your sink
The area around your sink is vulnerable to limescale build-up. Tackle this by wiping it regularly. Acidic cleaners will do the job nicely. Stubborn limescale around the backs of the taps can be dealt with using an old toothbrush.
Unblock the drains
When fat is allowed to drain down your sink, it might settle into the U-bend and cause a blockage. If you’ve noticed that your sink is a little bit slow to drain, then get the plunger out and go to work. You might use a drain-unblocking chemical solution to loosen the blockage if elbow grease alone doesn’t do the job.
Clean the grouting
Your kitchen tiles will naturally absorb the grease and oil that’s spattered up at them. When the grout in your kitchen absorbs this stuff, it’ll discolour – but you can correct this with the help of your trusty toothbrush, some vinegar, and warm water.
Deal with moisture
The airborne moisture in your kitchen makes it a haven for mould and other problems. There are several ways in which you might deal with this. Get the kettle out from underneath your cupboards when you’re using it. Leave the extractor fan on when you’re boiling water on the hob. And invest in a dehumidifier to keep the area nice and dry.
Clean the filters
Certain appliances in your kitchen, like the extractor hood and the dishwasher, will come with filters. These are designed to be taken out every so often and cleaned or replaced entirely. This will improve the performance of the appliance in question and help to prevent further problems down the line.