Homeownership can bring joy to your life, especially when you’re living in your dream home designed straight from your grand vision. While your home may be a real-life dream, there are a few things you have to take responsibility for as a homeowner to keep it just like new.

For example, there are a handful of routine and regular maintenance tasks every homeowner should consider to properly maintain their kitchen. Here are three ideas to get you started.

1. Clean the Coils

When searching for kitchen appliances, you likely have energy efficiency in mind. But did you know regular upkeep can keep your appliances running efficiently? Take your refrigerator for example. In order to run at its best without sucking up tons of electricity, you need to know how to clean and maintain certain parts of this essential appliance, like the coils.

That’s right. There’s more to cleaning the fridge than tossing week-old leftovers. In fact, your coils are essential when it comes to keeping the refrigerator running properly. And when the coils are dirty from pet hair, dust and other gunk, they can prevent your fridge from running cooly and properly.

To that end, make it a point to clean your refrigerator coils every six to 12 months. It’s a simple task. First, find your coils, which are commonly mounted to the back or located at the bottom of your fridge near the toe space. Then use your vacuum to get rid of all the big debris. Next, use a coil brush or duster to really work those hard-to-reach areas. Finally, give it one last vacuum, pop the panel back on, and you’re set.

2. Schedule Routine Pest Inspections

Want to avoid rodent infestation? Then regularly taking out your trash, fixing leaky faucets and caulking any cracks and crevices can keep pests from making a home out of your kitchen. However, sometimes preventative measures aren’t enough. There are a number of different pests that can invade your kitchen, some of which can even pose a health risk to you and your family.

Of course, taking action to keep pests out of your home is vital, but it’s not always easy to do on your own. Keeping track of pesticides and using chemicals correctly can be challenging and hazardous. However, pest professionals have experience in doing just that.

Knowing this, consider hiring a professional pest management service to inspect your home at the turn of each season. By doing so, you’re taking action to prevent pests in the first place. Plus, trusted professionals know exactly what they’re looking for and can spot signs of a pest invasion before you’re able.

3. Tidy up Any Tile Grout

Want to keep the kitchen of your dreams looking like new? Then you’ll need to apply an ample amount of elbow grease. Of course, kitchen tile and backsplashes can be used to make a statement. But when these surfaces become overly dirty and warped, they can severely diminish your home’s value.

With that in mind, make sure your kitchen floors sparkle by routinely cleaning the grout. Grout is generally light-colored and porous, meaning it’s prone to staining. Fear no stain, as you can nix grout with a few household cleaning products.

Start with a stiff bristled brush and warm water, then spray the water on the grout lines and work your brush to remove any grime. For tougher jobs, turn to vinegar. Use a spray bottle filled with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Spray the mixture on your grout, let it sit for about five minutes, and then work out the grout with your bristle brush. Bye, bye, stains!

From regularly cleaning the refrigerator coils and scrubbing grout to scheduling routine pest inspections, these maintenance tasks can keep your dream kitchen looking — and functioning — at its best.