Tips For Designing An Easy-To-Clean Kitchen

Do you hate cleaning up your kitchen? Even if you don't hate cleaning, you probably don't want to spend more time on it than necessary. It eats into the time you could otherwise be spending on cooking or dining with family. If you're due to remodel your kitchen soon, then try to make choices that result in a kitchen that is easy to clean. Here are a few tips and ideas to get you started.

Use a smooth tile for your backsplash

Backsplashes made from brick and stone may look beautiful, but they are a pain to clean. The purpose of a backsplash is to catch all the splatters, so you really want to use a material that makes it easy to wipe up those splatters. Smooth ceramic tile tends to be a good choice. Make sure you also use unsanded grout between the tiles because it does not grab onto grime as firmly as sanded grout.

Extend your cabinets all the way to the ceiling

Choose a cabinet design that has cabinets reaching all of the way up to the ceiling. Or, have your designer put crown molding around the upper cabinets. You just don't want dust collecting on the tops of the upper cabinets because it is hard to reach up there and clean.

Choose built-in appliances, when possible

Choose an under-counter microwave over one that sits on your counter. Choose an oven that's built into your cabinets instead of a separate range. This gives you fewer places for crumbs and other debris to collect. You won't have to move the appliances to clean under and around them.

Install a good exhaust hood

Don't skimp on an exhaust hood. Pick one that is powerful and dependable. This way, you will have less moisture and grease buildup on your kitchen surfaces, which means you won't have to clean them as often.

Have kickboards put on lower cabinets

Kickboards are boards that join your lower cabinets to the floor. They basically ensure dust and dirt can't blow up and under the cabinets. They are also smoother and easier to wipe down than the bases of cabinets.

If you incorporate some or all of the ideas above, the resulting kitchen should be pretty easy to clean. Talk to your local kitchen remodeling contractors to see what other elements they recommend. Make sure they know your goal is to create a kitchen that's easy to clean.

Contact a local contractor to learn more about kitchen remodels.