Tip of the week: Annual kitchen maintenance

Sink: Check caulking around the sink’s outside edge. If it’s cracked, clean out the damaged area and put in new caulk, using masking tape for a clean outside line.

Counters: Granite counters need to be resealed as often as once a year to prevent water from penetrating the surface. Ask the installer to recommend a sealer you can apply. Soapstone or butcher-block counters should be sealed with food-friendly oils.

Oven and cooktop: Food drippings in a gas oven aren’t just unsightly: When heated, they cause the oven to release carbon monoxide. If your cooktop has a ventless vent hood, change its filter twice a year.

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Refrigerator: Self-defrosting refrigerators sometimes pool water simply because of a clogged or broken drain line. If the line’s not cracked, you can try emptying the fridge and feeding in warm water to break up the block.

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune