Knowing how to clean certain parts of your kitchen properly will add to its life and keep it looking as new as the day it was installed, which is important if you do a lot of entertaining. Aluminium surfaces can usually be cleaned with a damp, soft cloth with no additional product. To prevent water stains, it is recommended that you dry aluminium surfaces well. In the event of coarse dirt, use washing-up liquid, glass cleaner or an aluminium-care product. Don't use alkaline-based or abrasive cleaning agents. Alongside the normal cleaning of the extractor hood housing, the grease filter - if made of metal - also needs to be cleaned regularly in soapy water or in the dishwasher. Grease filters made of fibre fleece must be replaced. Extractor hoods with fan operation need to have their active carbon filters replaced every three to six months. Pay attention to the manufacturer specifications, as well. The inside of the oven is best cleaned using an ordinary washing-up agent when still warm, as long as the dirt isn't burnt on. More heavy-duty contamination requires a specially designed oven cleaner. <strong>Selva Kumar, managing director of Nolte Middle East</strong> weekend@thenational.ae Follow us Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thenationalArtsandLife">Facebook</a> for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.
