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0 The primary uses of a kitchen are cooking and cleaning and both of these processes can introduce moisture into the environment. Without adequate ventilation, this moisture can damage cupboard structures and lead to the presence of mould and mildew.
Why is moisture a problem?
Boiling a kettle, running a dishwasher and cooking on the hob are all common things that we do in a kitchen that release moisture into the environment. As most kitchen cupboards are made from MDF or chipboard, they can swell and crack when exposed to too much moisture.
When insufficiently ventilated, this moisture remains in the environment, creating a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew which are unsightly, unhygienic and bad for your health. So if you are planning a kitchen refurbishment, make sure to consider ventilation.
How can you ventilate a kitchen?
- Open a window.
The simplest solution is to open a window when you are cooking or for a portion of time every day. This allows cooking smells to dissipate as well as ventilating the space. This works well in summer, but on a cold, wet, winter’s day it can actually introduce additional moisture and should be avoided.
- Install a cooker hood.
Kitchen refurbishment experts such as The Kitchen Refurbishment Company can install a cooker hood above the hob which will capture odours, steam and grease before they are dispersed into the environment, keeping your kitchen hygienic and aiding ventilation. They are usually only switched on when cooking and turned off the rest of the time.
- Install an extractor fan.
Extractor fans can be retrofitted onto the wall or into the ceiling. They work by capturing the warm air that is created in your kitchen by cooking or washing up and then expelling it outdoors.
It is possible to use cooker hoods and extractor fans together to improve the indoor air quality and prevent the buildup of mold and mildew in your new kitchen. If you are planning a kitchen refurbishment, talk to your supplier today and make sure that ventilation is factored into your plans.
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