Give yourself a pat on the back if you have already gotten an outdoor kitchen. Give yourself 2 extra pats on the back if you were able to get the perfect outdoor kitchen from all the outdoor kitchens in the market. I, myself, am a testimony of how outdoor kitchens make positive changes to one’s home. I now have more fun inviting friends and family over. I no longer have to limit my guests to a small number as I can take in as much as my yard can accommodate. I also don’t have to douse my indoor kitchen with air fresheners to get rid of food smells. Outdoor kitchens take care of a lot my former limitations.

So, now that you have an outdoor kitchen in your yard, what do you do next? How do you keep it in optimum shape? For sure, you have spent precious money getting what you liked best from all the outdoor kitchens you’ve checked. It is only right that you protect that hard-earned money by protecting your outdoor kitchen. If you still haven’t purchased an outdoor kitchen, but is looking on getting one, keep reading and pick up a few tips in keeping outdoor kitchens in their perfect condition.

1. Keep the animals away. Squirrels, birds and cats find their way to backyards and it’s not unlikely that they end up in outdoor kitchens as well. They may be adorable, but it is not advisable to be sharing outdoor kitchens with stray animals. One, they may scratch and dent your countertops and equipment. Two, they tend to make a mess. Three and most important, they bring germs to your outdoor kitchen. Keep them away from your outdoor kitchen by not leaving food out. Seal your condiments and other canisters. Don’t allow the trash to sit in your outdoor kitchen overnight.

2. Always keep your outdoor kitchen clean. I don’t wish to sound like your mother, but this is important. Wipe spills once they occur, or you end up staining your kitchen surfaces. Stainless steel may resist stains, but tiles, granite and wood are susceptible to staining.

3. Have a roof constructed to protect your outdoor kitchen from heat, rain and snow. These elements weaken and destroy the appearance of your outdoor equipment. Rusting is not an uncommon problem in outdoor kitchens without roofs. Corrosion spreads easily once it develops in one spot.

4. Cover your barbecue grill when not being used. The grills are highly prone to rusting when exposed to air or water. You wouldn’t want to get rust into your steaks as it is hazardous and odd-tasting.

5. No matter how great your outdoor kitchen is, it’ll never be perfect if you do not appreciate it. Decorate it with things that make you smile, such as refrigerator magnets of places you’ve seen or your children’s artworks. Install good lighting for evening affairs. And, most importantly, use it as often as you can. Invite your friends over for a day of outdoor fun, great company and excellent food.

Author Bio: Carla Johns is an expert on outdoor kitchens and wood stoves. She’s been having more fun entertaining friends since she got her outdoor kitchen.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: outdoor kitchen, outdoor kitchens