When was the last time you assessed your church kitchen for wear and tear? Read about the issues that you can’t overlook, and how to fix them.
Whether it’s a hinge that won’t stop squeaking, a broken drawer, or a faded paint job, your church kitchen may be looking a little tired. However, there are some things that can’t be left until tomorrow. Wear and tear in your kitchen can make it more difficult to ensure everything’s as clean as it should be, and could even be a safety hazard. Read this, and then go and take a look around your church kitchen; what can you see that needs some urgent repairs? Here’s some examples you may find.
WATER DAMAGE
Certain materials are more susceptible to water damage, like MDF and wood, and the most likely place to find water damage is around your sink. Not only can water get into the surface, but it can seep into sides and crevices, causing irreparable damage. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring the counter is dry after use, and not leaving pools of water standing for any amount of time. However, this can be easier said than done in a busy kitchen, especially if you’re renting out your kitchen to external groups. So, what’s the solution? A switch from laminate or wrapped-MDF counters is a long-lasting solution: stainless steel counters are impervious to water damage, and welded in (not sealed) sink bowls won’t have any issues with water seeping under the counter.
CHIPPED OR CRACKED DOORS
They’re unsightly and a nuisance – but cracked and chipped doors and drawers aren’t just an eyesore, they can be a hazard too. Food and drink can get into these cracks, making them harder to clean and incredibly unhygienic, which isn’t ideal if you’re serving customers or members of your community. They can also lead to pest problems, which no one wants in a kitchen, let alone one that’s serving the community. That’s why at Steelplan, we’ve banished painted timber or MDF doors – choosing instead power-coated stainless steel to ensure you have something that’s longer lasting.
STAINS ON COUNTERTOPS
Did you know that with every stain on your countertop, you’re creating an unhygienic place to prepare food? That’s because your laminate, timber, or MDF countertop becomes less resistant as time goes by, which means it absorbs more liquid. Consequently, it creates a nice home for bacteria to thrive – no matter how much you wipe or clean the stain – and they’ll stick around for the foreseeable. Whether it’s a cup ring from an overfilled cup of coffee, or the remains of a sauce, if you’re starting to notice your countertops are staining more frequently, it’s reached the end of its lifespan, and it’s time to replace it with a more reliable choice to fit your needs. At Steelplan, we have a variety of steel counters that easily repel water and prevent stains.
LOOSE TILES
There are many other things to be aware of when it comes to damage – and your floor is one of them. Installing new flooring might not be at the top of your priority list if it’s just looking a little tired, however if there are many loose tiles, floorboards, or protruding nails, every time someone enters the room, they’re running the risk of injury. If there are lots of cracks and crevices, such as old floorboards or worn grouting between tiles, they could also raise health concerns (again, pests love them, and they’re harder to clean). If you can, clean up the chips, or seal any cracks back together, and as always – clearly signpost any hazards and have a first aid kit to hand for any emergencies. For a more permanent solution, look at installing a new floor as part of a kitchen redesign – there are some durable options that make a good long-term investment.
If you find a few of these issues in your church kitchen, and it’s holding you back from using the space to its full potential, it’s time to think about a change. Steelpan Kitchens specialises in semi-commercial models for places of worship, creating a place that fills your requirements, while still being a welcoming place that’s easy to use. Speak to one of our Kitchen Experts today to get started.
