Kitchen

Older kitchens that are in good condition and are well maintained do not need replacing, but kitchens older than 20 years can often show signs of disrepair that make it harder to prepare food safely, keep surfaces clean and increase the risk of leaks or faulty appliances.

Replacing worktops, updating appliances and making sure plumbing and electrics are all up to date can be a more cost-effective way of updating an old kitchen than a full replacement. Focussing on damaged areas that may be harder to keep clean or harbour germs (such as damaged worktops) or updating electrics and appliances can be a more cost-effective way to keep an older kitchen a healthy and safe environment.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Cleaning, Repairs and Gardening to find out more about maintaining your home, including repair works in rented accommodation.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Paying for works and finding Trusted Tradespeople if you are considering replacing or updating your kitchen.

Cupboards that are damaged can make it harder to safely store food, make the kitchen harder to move around or increase the risk of knocks, trips and falls. If the damage is minor, cupboards can often be adjusted or repaired, however, if the damage is more serious, you may need to consider replacing doors, cupboards or even fitting a new kitchen.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Cleaning, Repairs and Gardening to find out more about keeping your home well maintained.

Damaged worktops can harbour germs and make it harder to keep your food preparation areas clean and safe. Worktops can be repaired and replaced without needing to replace the whole kitchen. If your worktop is laminate, damage to the surface can expose the fibreboard core and lead to water damage - making the worktop harder to repair. Look out for small chips that can more easily be filled and repaired before any damage worsens.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Cleaning, Repairs and Gardening to find out more about keeping your home well maintained.

Older appliances may be less energy efficient, not operate as well as they did when they were new, or be more likely to break down unexpectedly. You may want to consider upgrading your appliances.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Paying for works to find out more about the financial options and support available.

Look out!

Burn marks on cupboards near the cooker can be a sign of electrical issues and faulty appliances in your home can lead to house fires or electrocution. If you notice burn marks, turn off the electric to safely unplug the appliance if you can, and contact a registered electrician to help you identify the problem.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Electrical safety to find out more about electrical safety in the home or to find a registered electrician near you.

Broken tiles can lead to water damage, injury and make it harder to keep your kitchen clean.

Often a broken tile can be easily replaced, but if the damage is significant, the tiles may need removing to make sure there is no more serious damage hidden behind the tiles.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Paying for works and finding Trusted Tradespeople to find out more.

If you rent your home, check out the Good Home Lincs information on Cleaning, Repairs and Gardening to find out more about repairs in rented accommodation and social housing.

Look out for Trips and Falls!

Damaged flooring can lead to trips and falls. This can lead to minor bumps and bruises, but more serious injuries if the fall is bigger, or if the person who falls is older. If you are concerned that you or someone who lives at your home is at risk of falling, you should act immediately to reduce the risk.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Floors to find out more about how to reduce the risks of trips and falls around your home.

Carpets in kitchens can be harder to keep clean and maintain than other types of floor covering. Tiles, vinyl and hard surfaces are easier to clean, disinfect and keep your kitchen and food preparation spaces healthy.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Floors to find out more about different types of flooring.

Look out!

Black mould can spread on to furniture, curtains and clothing, and left untreated can produce allergens, irritants and sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash, or lead to longer-term health problems such as:

fatigue
weakened immune systems
loss of cognitive function and headaches
upper respiratory tract infections

Black mould can increase your risk of developing respiratory (breathing) problems and can make asthma worse, particularly for the elderly, young babies or those with weakened immune systems, including those having chemotherapy.

Black mould is a fungus that can be found in homes where there is excess moisture. Mould thrives in areas that are warm and moist such as kitchens and bathrooms. It can appear in areas where there is condensation such as cold walls or around windows. Poor ventilation may also contribute to black mould developing. If you notice the signs of damp and mould growth in your home, act immediately to try and resolve it.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Common hazards to find out more about how to manage damp and mould in your home.

A broken cooker may need repairing or replacing. There is support available if you are struggling to replace broken kitchen appliances.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Charitable and Financial Support to find out more about available support.

If you rent your home, check out the Good Home Lincs information on Cleaning, Repairs and Gardening to find out more about repairs in rented accommodation and social housing.

A broken fridge may need repairing or replacing. There is support available if you are struggling to replace broken kitchen appliances.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Charitable and Financial Support to find out more about available support.

If you rent your home, check out the Good Home Lincs information on Cleaning, Repairs and Gardening to find out more about repairs in rented accommodation and social housing.

Look out!

Living without access to water in your kitchen can be harmful to your health and make it harder to keep your home clean. If you have no hot water or sink in your kitchen, you will need to take different action depending on the cause.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Heating and Energy and Paying for works to find out more about what to do if you do not have access to water.

Look out!

If you do not have enough space to prepare food safely, you may be eligible for assistance or help to support you.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Adaptations to find out more about making adaptations to your kitchen.

Look out!

Leaks and water damage in the kitchen can be a sign of faulty plumbing, faulty appliances or blocked pipes and drains. Leaks can lead to slips and falls and also be a fire risk if the water is leaking near any electrics. You will need to identify the source of the leak to be able to deal with the problem.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Plumbing to find out more about what do to do if you find water coming into your home and how to find a heating or plumbing engineer.

Look out!

Clutter can lead to trips and falls, increase the risk of a fire or attract pests into your home. Everyone should be aware of the dangers in the home so that accidents can be avoided.

Clutter can also be a sign of hoarding, especially when someone is reluctant or unable to get rid of items - even if the clutter is making it difficult get around the house and keep it clean, or affecting their work, personal hygiene and relationships.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Common Hazards for more information about the risks a cluttered home can cause.

Hoarding and hoarding disorders

NHS.uk provides information about hoarding, hoarding disorders and what to do if you think someone may be hoarding.

Visit Hoarding disorder - NHS (www.nhs.uk) for more information about hoarding and hoarding disorders.

Look out!

Cracked and damaged sockets and switches can leave you at risk of electrocution or fire.

Do not use sockets or switches that are damaged or cracked. Turn off the electricity to safely unplug any appliances, leave the socket or switch in the 'off' position and contact a registered electrician to repair or replace the socket or switch.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Electrical Safety to find out more about electrical safety at home or to find a registered electrician.

Look Out!

Don’t overload electrical adaptors by plugging too many appliances into one socket, especially those with a high electrical current rating such as kettles, irons and heaters.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Electrical Safety to find out more about electrical safety or visit electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk to learn about overloading sockets and to check that your sockets are safe.

Look out for Damp & Mould!

If you notice the signs of damp and mould growth in your home, act immediately to try and resolve it.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Common hazards to find out more about how to manage damp and mould in your home.

Extractor fans are an important part of keeping your home ventilated, reducing condensation and minimising damp and mould growth. If your extractor fan is broken or not working, always ventilate or open a window when using the kitchen or the bathroom and close the doors to prevent moisture in the air from spreading to other parts of the house until you can get it repaired or replaced.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Heating and Energy to find out more about good home insulation and ventilation.

Look out for Damp & Mould!

Damp and mould growing in your home can be a risk to anyone, but children and young people under 14 years of age and older people can be particularly vulnerable. If you notice the signs of damp and mould growth in your home, act immediately to try and resolve it.

If you do not have an extractor fan, always ventilate or open a window when using the kitchen or the bathroom and close the doors to prevent moisture in the air from spreading to other parts of the house.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Common hazards to find out more about how to manage damp and mould in your home.

Can you see any of these potential problems in your kitchen?

Hoarding and hoarding disorders

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