Common Kitchen Problems

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home. It should be well designed to meet the needs of the family that uses it.

Kitchen problems and inconveniences can be frustrating, but many can be easily resolved. This article will discuss five common kitchen problems and the solutions.

1. Cracks and Chips in Tile

It doesn’t take a design expert to figure out that if tiles aren’t properly supported they can crack. This can happen if something heavy is dropped on the tile or if the tiles were installed incorrectly, which can also weaken their support system.

Chipped tile is easy to repair by painting over the cracked surface. It is important to use a paint that matches your tile color exactly so it looks like the crack never existed.

A foul odor coming from the kitchen sink is another common problem and it can usually be remedied by pouring a cup of baking soda with lemon juice into the drain. Leave it there for about 15 minutes, then flush it through with boiling water. This will clear away the odor and prevent blockage from food residue.

2. Stains

Stains from food residue or a foul smell from kitchen drains are common problems that homeowners often face. You can get rid of them by pouring a cup of baking soda with lemon juice into the sink, waiting 15 minutes, and then flushing it through with boiling water.

Cracks and chips in wall, floor or countertop tile are another problem that homeowners often encounter in their kitchen. These can hurt anyone who walks barefoot, and they can lead to germ and mold growth.

The best way to fix these kitchen problems is by having a well-planned and simple to-manage kitchen. This will ensure that your family can prepare meals comfortably and safely. Kitchens should also have proper ventilation systems to avoid stale air, foul odors and unhealthy smoke.

3. Lack of Storage

A well-functioning kitchen requires adequate storage space. Unfortunately, cabinets are often not designed to accommodate the needs of a modern kitchen. For example, overcrowded fridges lead to wasted food and slow-cooling, and pantry clutter can cause items to expire sooner than needed.

Coffee-makers, toaster ovens, and other frequently used appliances can eat up countertop space that should be reserved for meal preparation. Installing a walk-in pantry or custom cabinetry with deeper drawers can help, but even in tight spaces there are inventive ways to add more storage space.

Lighting is another essential element that should be considered during a kitchen

remodel. Poor lighting makes rooms feel dingy and reduces productivity. Adding more recessed lights and adding task lighting under wall cabinets can make a big difference.

4. Foul Smell from Drains

When you walk into your kitchen and catch a foul smell coming from the drains, it may not be your imagination. Odor-causing residues like hair, soap scum, grease and food can stick to the lining of your drain pipes, creating a petrified mass that can clog and stink.

One common cause of smelly drains is the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe beneath sinks). The trap is designed to always contain water, which blocks odors and sewer gas from traveling back up the drain.

An easy way to reduce odors from your drain is to pour boiling water down the drain. The hot water dissolves odor-causing residue and flushes away small clogs. Baking soda also neutralizes odors but doesn’t break up clogs. A professional plumber in Geelong can handle more serious clogs and breaks in your plumbing system.

5. Clutter

Clutter can be caused by a number of factors. It can be the result of a lack of storage space or just being unable to keep things organized. Getting into a habit of putting things away as soon as you are done with them can help.

Other causes of clutter can be keeping sentimental items that you aren’t particularly fond of, or storing duplicate items. Efficient decluttering involves making quick decisions, so try setting rules that take the decision-making out of it for you – such as “is this broken?” or “do I have a duplicate?”

Many of these issues can be fixed with a little planning when the kitchen is first being designed. Good designers ask homeowners about their habits, lifestyle, and preferences to make sure the space is going to work for them.