Is Your Dirty Kitchen Protected From Rainy Weather?

As the rainy season begins, you need to ensure your home is prepared for the wet weather. This means inspecting spaces that are exposed to the elements and moisture, like your dirty kitchen. In the Philippines, many medium and large-sized homes have two kitchens. Having two separate kitchens makes it possible to maintain a pristine area for entertaining guests and a “dirty kitchen” where the actual cooking is done.

Typically, the dirty kitchen is separated from the main house to keep the smell of cooking or grease from reaching the living areas of the home. The space can also be designed to look like an outdoor cooking space or have large windows so smoke can quickly be released into the air. While the open space is great for improving ventilation, it also often leaves the kitchen vulnerable to rainwater and strong winds.

If your house has a dirty kitchen, you’ll want to make sure that it won’t be affected by all the rain that visits the country during the wet season. Otherwise, you may end up with rain-soaked cabinets, a damaged cooking range, and moldy floors. These can cost you a lot of money to replace or repair, so if you want to make sure your dirty kitchen stays dry throughout the rainy season, here are some precautions you need to take.

Install a Sturdy Covering

Properly fitting your dirty kitchen with a tough roof keeps the space protected from the rainy weather. Having sufficient cover allows you to cook without any worry of getting drenched. During summer, a sturdy roof over your dirty kitchen also protects you from the intense heat of the blazing sun.

If you’re searching for a reliable roofing material, metal is a popular choice. It lasts a long time and can have a lifespan of 50 to 60 years. Metal roofs are very affordable and require little maintenance. They also go well with many residential structures as they come in various colors. However, the tapping sound of rain on the metal roof may be bothersome for some people. The material also dents easily, especially when something significantly heavy falls on it, like a tree branch. So, make sure to take these into consideration in case you want to install a metal roof over your dirty kitchen.

Keep Cooking Appliances Dry

Although a durable roof on your dirty kitchen can shield you and your appliances from the rain, investing in stainless steel appliances is a great choice as the material is water-resistant. This means that the outer covering won’t easily rust or corrode if the appliance gets wet. However, if water seeps inside the appliance, it can damage the electrical parts and other sensitive areas that cause the appliance to stop functioning.

For example, moisture inside your gas stovetop can prevent the burners from igniting. This may be the result of rainwater entering the appliance and wetting the ignition system, which needs to be dry to start a fire. If this happens, stop trying to turn the stove on and place the knobs in the off position. Turn off the gas valve, unplug the cooking range, and let the moisture dry for 24 hours.

Also, remove any water around or in the burners using a towel or sponge. Keep the oven door open to let air circulate and mop up any water that may have dripped into the oven. If you want to speed up the evaporation process, place a small fan near the stovetop. Once 24 hours have passed and the water has completely dried, test the burners. This should work and let you use the appliance again.

Opt for Non-Slip Flooring

One other way that rainy weather can affect your dirty kitchen is by getting your flooring wet. If you accidentally leave a window open or your roof leaks, rainwater can enter your kitchen and settle on your floor. If the surface is tiled, moisture can make it slippery and dangerous to walk on. As such, it’s a good idea to stay away from smooth flooring materials that don’t grip shoes well. Instead of tiles, opt for wood. It isn’t as slippery and can be weatherproofed to protect the surface from water or occasional food spills and splatters. Also, wood flooring is more visually appealing and provides a more refined look for your dirty kitchen.

In addition to the flooring material, remember to shut your dirty kitchen door and windows when it rains. It will help keep the entire place dry during the rainy season.

Follow a Maintenance Schedule for Cabinets

Having ample storage space is important in all kitchens because you need somewhere safe to place your cookware, ingredients, and other essentials. When it comes to maintaining the cabinets in your dirty kitchen, regularly wipe down surfaces to keep them clean. To ensure the contents remain dry, make sure to seal cabinets, especially those near the sink area and windows. It will also protect the material from water damage.

If your cabinets are made from wood, apply varnish or lacquer to waterproof the material. Don’t forget about the edges and corners of your cabinets. If water seeps into the corners of your cabinetry, you might develop a mold problem. If you want to reduce the chances of encountering such an issue, use a high-quality polyurethane sealer on the edges of your cabinets. It will help prevent water from getting into the cabinets’ contents.

Having a dirty kitchen is a great asset in any home. However, you need to be proactive if you want to keep this space safe and comfortable to work in, even during rainy weather. Make sure to inspect the elements and apply the necessary changes to make your kitchen more weather-proof. Doing so won’t just protect your space from the rainy weather, but will also ensure it remains a functional dirty kitchen all year long.

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