No matter if your kitchen cabinets are wood, vinyl, plastic, or metal, the first rule of thumb is to combat that grease and dirt buildup on the outside with regular cleanings. A mix of warm water and liquid dish soap is good for keeping the cabinets looking clean; just rinse with a second cloth and then dry thoroughly with a third.

If, however, you’ve gone a little too long between cleanings and the grease and grime are too much for the dish soap, an actual cabinet cleaner will be necessary. Fahy Kitchens has numerous cleaners geared towards the composition of cabinetry and we can recommend one specific to your needs.

For interior cleaning, first remove all items from the shelving and then vacuum up any crumbs and whatnot from inside. While you’re at it, toss out anything that is old and expired. Then clean the walls and shelving with the same water-and-soap combo you used on the outside, once again turning more industrial if the task is too daunting for this common cleaner. Rinse with a second clean cloth, and dry with a third. Leave the cabinets open for a couple of days before replacing the foodstuffs to give them time to air out and completely dry.

Cleaning the cabinets isn’t the only way to keep them looking brand-new, of course. Try replacing your cabinet hardware with some shiny new pieces for an overall fresh and fashionable look. You might even want to try something new in cabinet hardware just to brighten things up a little. That hardware also prompts your family to remember to open the doors using those knobs, avoiding unsightly grubby — and potential damaging — fingerprints on the cabinetry.

While you clean your cabinets, keep in mind that it is possible to overdo the process and hurt the finish. Avoid cleaning too frequently, and using too harsh chemicals that can actually damage the finish. Keep the cabinets dusted so you don’t give the dirt a chance to collect.

Regular attention is the key to making the task of maintaining the beauty of your cabinetry an easy one. For more expert cleaning tips, call Fahy Kitchens & Baths at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens & Baths is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

Close En-Counter: Your bathroom counters get a lot of wear and tear. Hairspray, nail polish, shaving cream, and toothpaste – these are but a few of the things that will probably end up on your countertops at some point within the week. In most homes, bathroom counters are made from materials that can take the abuse. Fortunately, you can clean most surfaces using the hints we’ve shared right here.

Mirror, Mirror: Your bathroom mirror can get grungy fast. But what’s worse than a dirty bathroom mirror? One that has been left streaky by window cleaner. You can avoid that problem by mixing up 1/3 cup of vinegar in one gallon of warm water. Apply with a sponge, and buff it off with cloth, chamois or paper towel.

Shower Power: Think about it – you use your shower to wash off the grime of your day, so it only makes sense that dirt and mildew is going to accumulate. Scrubbing down the shower is not fun, but it’s important in order to maintain sanitary conditions. Just like your mirrors, white vinegar is great at cleaning off any hard water deposits. Need to get rid of soap scum? Liquid fabric softener diluted in warm water works great. Soak your showerhead in vinegar in order to remove any hard water deposits. Your shower will be easier to clean in the long run if you wipe down walls after each shower and leave the shower door or curtain open to allow air to circulate.

Mitigate Mildew: Because your shower curtain and bath mat are frequently exposed to moisture, they’re prime sites for mildew. Keep the nastiness at bay by washing your shower curtain with ½ cup of laundry detergent and ½ cup of baking soda, and adding 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. Hang the curtains up while they’re still damp and let them air dry. You can keep your plastic shower curtain in tip-top shape by adding a few drops of mineral oil to the rinse cycle. Spraying your newly washed shower curtain with disinfectant will help to discourage mildew growth. Clean your rubber or vinyl bath mats by tossing them in with a load of towels.

Tidy Bowl: Cleaning the toilet is probably your least favorite household chore. We don’t blame you! And with many toilet bowl cleaners on the market, it might be hard to decide which will just make your bathroom smell nice, and which is actually an effective cleaner. Good old-fashioned bleach works best to disinfect your toilet. Simply pour it into the bowl, let it stand for 10 minutes, and then scrub with a toilet brush. Want the tough stains out? Toss in a couple of denture cleanser tablets, let them sit overnight, and scrub in the morning! Swish out your toilet daily so that your weekly scrubbing is easier.

Of course, it’s much easier to clean your bathroom when it’s in great shape and just your style. We at Fahy Kitchens & Bath want to help you make your bath beautiful. For any of your bathroom remodeling needs, give us a call at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens & Baths is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

Why apply new caulking, anyway?

Well, for starters, caulking is necessary to keep your sink sealed. New caulk will also give your sink a brand-new appearance – an added bonus to the practical value. And, caulking the sink yourself is something you can do – with the right tools and a little know-how.

Okay, so how do I do it?

When you get ready to apply new caulk to your sink, the first thing you’ll need to do is get rid of the grungy, old caulking first. Don’t use chemical caulk remover – the corrosive properties might destroy your sink or countertop, depending on the type. Instead, use a utility knife to gently remove the old caulk, taking care not to scratch your countertops or sinks.

Then, give the entire area a thorough cleaning. You don’t want to leave any grunge behind! And, if mold or mildew was present, you’ll definitely need to disinfect. Get into the hard to reach crevices with toothpicks and cotton swabs soaked in disinfectant. This step is crucial – any mold left behind could infest the new caulking. Rubbing alcohol works best; bleach is another choice – use one part bleach to three parts water.

Next, you’ll want to trim the tip of your caulk tube at an angle for best application. Using an even amount of pressure, follow the edge of the sink as you bead the caulking along the sink. Don’t be in a hurry – fill the seams slowly and evenly, and avoid using excess caulk.

Finish seamlessly by dipping your finger in a mixture of dish soap and water, and running it evenly along the caulk to smooth it out.

Then, take a rest – and give your sink one, too. Don’t use it for 24 hours following the caulking. Why? Obviously, this gives the new caulk time to cure, and prevents the new caulk from any water damage. When the 24 hours is up, your newly caulked sink is ready to use.

If you need help with your caulking project, turn to the experts at Fahy Kitchens & Baths. Give us a call at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens & Baths is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

Bathroom Size: How big is your bathroom? If it’s small, then a lighted vanity mirror will likely provide enough illumination for the entire room, but if your room is larger, then you’ll want to consider a ceiling fixture for general bathroom lighting.

Form and Function: There are a lot of choices when it comes to bathroom lighting, but generally speaking, the main reason for lighting your bathroom in the first place is so you can use the mirror. You’ll want light that casts a minimal amount of both shadow and glare, whether the lighting fixture is placed beside the mirror, above the mirror, recessed into the ceiling or wall, or directly on the mirror itself. The actual type and style of fixture is secondary, and should reflect your own personal tastes.

Decorative Fixtures: There are numerous styles of lighting fixtures available in many different metal finishes, such as nickel, brass and chrome. How to choose the best metal finish and style? Look at your other fixtures, like your faucets and bathroom hardware. The general style and metal color should complement these.

Glass Globes and Shades: If you choose to decorate with glass globes and shades on your fixtures, choose ones that softly diffuse the light. And avoid colored shades, as they’ll color the light in the bathroom, leaving your reflection in the mirror an unnatural tone.

Dimmer Switches: It’s a good idea to install a dimmer switch for your lighting, because that will give you more ability to adjust the level of light in your bathroom depending on the ambiance you want to create. Additionally, the dimmer switch can help you conserve energy and lengthen the life of your light bulbs. It’s best to use frosted or light-diffusing bulbs.

If you need help on how you can use your bathroom lighting both functionally and as a design element, turn to the experts at Fahy Kitchens & Baths. Our talented design team can assist you with choosing the right lighting for your bathroom. Call us at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens & Baths is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

But your bathroom… well, maybe that white plastic shower curtain and fuzzy pink toilet seat cover don’t quite show your uniqueness, and maybe that old metal medicine cabinet that came with the house is looking just a little bit outdated. How can you easily jazz up your home’s throne room to show your individual sense of style? It’s easy, when you choose the right accessories.

Your bathroom can go beyond function and truly become a place of rest and relaxation just by making a few changes and adding some accessories that show your style and personality. Here are a few suggestions that can transform your bath from boring to boldly you in no time flat:

A fresh coat of paint: Are your bathroom walls a shade that you might find in the Forman bathroom on “That 70s Show”? Painting them is a simple fix that can instantly give your bath a boost… whether you choose to bring it into this century or go retro is entirely up to you. Whatever your color choice, the best paint to use is specially formulated bath paint, which has added mold inhibitors and the proper sheen, which keeps your bathroom walls mildew-free and easy to clean.

New towels and fixtures: Are your towels faded and frayed? Is your towel bar moldy or rusty? Are your robe hooks unattractively caked with hair styling products? Then it’s probably time to replace those towels and fixtures with something new. Fahy Kitchens & Bath have a number of accessories from leading manufacturers like Berenson, Top Knobs and Hardware Resources, and we’ll be happy to help you find fixtures that suit your sense of style.

That sinking feeling: Has your faucet seen better days? Is your sink chipped, cracked, stained or otherwise unattractive? Then you might want to consider replacing it with something new and inviting. We offer high quality, durable sinks, faucets and fixtures from top brands like Kohler, Delta and Moen.

Plastic, fantastic shower curtain: Often, the shower curtain is a main focal point in the bathroom. If it’s hanging askew, missing a few hooks, sporting a couple of tears and looking dingy, that shower curtain is going to bring your whole bathroom down. Replacing your old shower curtain with a new one that shows your style is simple enough, or you can install new shower doors. Fahy is pleased to offer stylish, high quality shower doors from Century Glassworks and Basco.

Soap opera: Sink accessories are a great way to inexpensively make your bathroom look better and show your individuality. If you have a blob of soap sitting by the faucet and toothbrushes strewn from one end of your vanity to the other, new sink accessories are in order. Matching accessory sets that include soap dishes, toothbrush holders and trash bins are readily available at many popular retail stores, in any number of designs, colors and styles.

If you’re unsure of how to best accessorize your bath, the Fahy Kitchens & Bath design team will be happy to assist you. We’ll show you our full lineup of fixtures and accessories, and give you helpful tips on how to make your bathroom become both functional and beautiful. Call us at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

Plastic Laminate: To keep plastic laminate countertops looking fresh, regularly apply a light furniture or appliance wax to provide a guard against stains and scratches. Never use abrasive cleaners and steel wool, but a double-sided pad with a sponge on one side and a fiber scrubber on the other works wonders when lightly dampened with water.

Granite: Granite countertops are vulnerable to acid- and vinegar-based cleaning products, so use only warm water with a bit of soap on a soft cloth or a wet sponge to clean the surface. Make sure the granite was properly sealed before cleaning, though, because granite is porous and can absorb the water.

Cambria Quartz: Cambria quartz gives you the look, feel, and durability of granite without being porous.  A mild soap and dishrag or sponge can be used to clean the countertop on a daily basis, and spray cleansers that do not include ammonia may also be used. Ammonia base cleaners such as glass cleaners can permanently dull the surface of granite or quartz tops over time.

Formica: Formica doesn’t like abrasive cleaners — including ammonia or bleach — so clean it only with a mild soap on a soft cloth with warm water. Wipe up spills immediately; once a stain sets in it’s practically impossible to get out. A household glass cleaner can also be used to remove streaks and return Formica to its original shine.

Solid Surface: Solid surface countertops, such as Corian, are easy to care for because they’re non-porous. It is recommended that every two to three months you clean the entire countertop with an abrasive cleanser such as Comet with a Scotch Bright pad to keep your top looking shipshape.  Don’t press hard – go over the entire surface in a light circular motion with the cleanser and rinse thoroughly.

For more expert cleaning tips, call Fahy Kitchens at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

Trying to replace your traditional light bulbs with look-alikes in the near future will be a real Easter egg hunt. The energy-efficient bulbs will soon be as commonplace as the ones you’ve had for years, and available in Halogen, CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp), and LED (Light Emitting Diode) styles. Many will come in a modern artsy spiral shape and all will be designed to save energy and money on your electric bills.

You can even go a step farther and look for bulbs certified by ENERGY STAR — a cooperative program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy — for some extra big energy savings. They project that the switch from your traditional lighting to the new ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting with mean an energy savings of 75 percent or more, so if you install ENERGY STAR approved bulbs in your home’s five most often used lighting fixtures, you can save around $70 per year.

ENERGY STAR also says if every American home replaced their five most frequently used light fixtures according to their recommendations, we could save $8 billion every year on our electric bills, while at the same time preventing greenhouse gases equal to the emissions from 10 million cars.

If all of your bulbs throughout the house are ENERGY STAR certified, and the average home in the United States has some 30 light fixtures, they figure, a home owner can save more than $400 per year on the electric tab. Plus ENERGY STAR light bulbs lasts some 10 to 50 times longer than traditional light bulbs.

For more information on ENERGY STAR, log on to www.energystar.gov

For expert advice on lighting your own kitchen and bathroom, call Fahy Kitchens at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

The owners of that oddly designed shower never consulted the professionals at Kevin Fahy Kitchens and Baths.

Although not usually to the extreme seen in that photo, the bathroom is too often overlooked when it comes to decorating the home with a personal flare and eye for maximizing comfort. And what better place to make your own than the bathroom? Lock yourself in there and it becomes your Shangri La away from the real world.

Think about what you would like to see the first thing in the morning, or the last thing in the evening. Would you like an exotic and upbeat theme, a subdued and relaxing décor, something bright and warm, or a bathroom a little more traditional? It’s a given you’ll probably want a sink and a toilet, but beyond that do you need lots of mirror space and lighting, major cabinet storage space, and organizing apparatus for all of your bathroom doodads? Or how about going for the glory and turning your bathroom into a spa?

Whether you prefer function or fluff, or somewhere in between, the Fahy experienced and skilled design team will help you create the bathroom you’ve always wanted. Showers and baths by Sterling, Swanstone, and Danze. Glass doors from Century Bathworks and Basco. Fixtures and accessories by Moen, Kohler and Delta. All of these well-known brands give you the industry’s top lines in shower and bath accoutrements.

For expert information on making your bathroom the highlight of your home, call Fahy Kitchens at (315)735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

At Fahy Kitchens, you’ll find one stop shopping for everything you need in cabinetry, countertops, fixtures and appliances – from industry leading brand names you’ll recognize. You’ll be able to make your purchase in confidence from manufacturers who are the tops in their fields, backed by the experienced advice and guidance of your Fahy Kitchens consultant.

Factory-direct pricing on appliances from Amana, Maytag, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, and Elica Hi-Life not only saves you time but also money. Cabinetry comes from Dura Supreme, offering mid-range and the highest quality selections, and Timberlake, for the basic to mid-range options. You’ll find sinks, faucets, fixtures, decorative hardware, and cabinet accessories from the likes of Blanco, Sterling, Kohler, Century, Delta, Basco, Danze, Broan Nutone, Moen, Swan, Kohler, Gerber, Berenson, Top Knobs, Jeffery Alexand, Rev-A-Shelf, and the Holland Bar Stool Co, and More!

Laminate is available from Formica and Wilsonart, while solid countertops feature Corian, Hi-Macs, and Living Stone brands. Quartz is offered from Cambria, the only quartz product manufactured in the USA, and natural stone is available in granite, soapstone and marble. Spekva makes exotic solid wood tops, and Fahy Kitchens also promotes a green product called Paper Stone.

Do a little research, and you’ll find all of these brand names are well known in their particular fields. You can expect quality, and you’ll get it by visiting Fahy Kitchens. And you won’t have to worry about fighting the holiday shopping traffic and long lines at the mall.

To take a look at all of the selections available to you, call Fahy Kitchens at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.

But while you know those dreams will soon turn into reality, you need to get your ideas into proper perspective so you can convey your personal desires to create concrete renovation plans. Regardless of your experience or inexperience as a designer, it isn’t as daunting a task as it may seem. Inspiration is all around you if you know where to look!

Start with analyzing exactly what brought you to the conclusion that you’d like work done. Did you see something in a magazine you thought was a nicer configuration than your own, or spy something on TV — whether in an actual home improvement show or even on a drama or a sitcom — that you decided would look good in your own home? Was there a picture in a magazine that caught your eye, or did you see something at a friend’s home you’d like for yourself? Get together your source material and bring those ideas in.

Maybe it isn’t as easy as having a picture to work from. Now is the time to do a little research. Drop by the showroom and take a look at the displays. Surf the Internet for some examples of finished products. Take a trip to your local library. Visit a friend, and make sure to use the bathroom. Your own inspiration might be as easy as a little borrowing from someone else.

Once you have a general idea where you want to go, Fahy Kitchens will take you the rest of the way with the expert service to take your ideas and make them into a kitchen or bathroom that will become the inspiration — and maybe even the envy — of your own visitors!

Call Fahy Kitchens at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.