When it comes to the cleanliness of our homes, the kitchen stands as one of the most important rooms to keep clean. A cluttered and untidy kitchen can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, increasing the risk of illnesses and making it difficult to prepare food in a safe and hygienic environment. Fortunately, deep cleaning your kitchen can be a breeze when you know what to do and have the right tools.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some smart tips to help you deep clean your kitchen and make it a healthier, more organized space. From the right cleaning products to use, to organizing your pantry, these simple tips and tricks will help you make your kitchen sparkle and shine.
So, let’s start with some simple steps:
1. Declutter
Start by clearing off all items from countertops, cabinets, and the refrigerator. This will allow you to clean all surfaces thoroughly and make it easier to access all areas.
2. Cleaning Up the Kitchen Cabinets
To deep clean kitchen cabinets, you can either vacuum or wipe down the interior and exterior of the cabinets to remove any loose debris. Then wipe its interior and exterior with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap using a soft cloth. For tough stains or built-up grime, try a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water. Finally, scrub the affected area and wipe it properly. Done!
Make sure to dry the cabinets completely with a clean cloth before reinserting the shelves and restocking the cabinets.
3. Cleaning Up the Appliances
Appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers also require deep cleaning.
i. Cleaning Refrigerator
Step 1: Empty the refrigerator and remove all shelves, drawers, and items.
Step 2: Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to allow it to air out.
Step 3: Wipe down the interior and exterior with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap using a soft cloth.
Step 4: For tough stains or built-up grime, try a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water. Scrub the affected area and rinse thoroughly.
Step 5: Dry the interior thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Step 6: Clean the shelves, drawers, and other removable parts with soapy water and dry them completely.
Step 7: Reinsert the shelves, drawers, and other parts, and restock the refrigerator with food and drinks.
ii. Cleaning Ovens
Step 1: Remove any loose debris, such as crumbs or baking sheets, from the oven.
Step 2: If the oven has a self-cleaning function, run it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. But, if the oven does not have a self-cleaning function, mix a solution of equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Spread the paste evenly over the oven’s interior, avoiding the heating elements. Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Step 3: Wipe down the oven with a damp cloth to remove the baking soda paste, and then dry the interior with a clean cloth.
Step 4: For tough, baked-on stains, try using a scraper or scraper tool to remove them, being careful not to damage the oven’s surface.
iii. Cleaning Dishwasher
Step 1: Empty the dishwasher of any dishes, cutlery, and dish rack accessories.
Step 2: Remove any large pieces of food or debris from the bottom of the dishwasher.
Step 3: Run a cycle using a dishwasher cleaner, such as Affresh or Cascade, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Wipe down the interior, including the door seal and any removable parts, with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap using a soft cloth.
Step 5: For stubborn buildup or stains, try a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle.
Step 6: After cleaning, leave the door open to allow the dishwasher to air out and prevent odors from building up.
Step 7: Replace any dish rack accessories that were removed, and resume normal use.
iv. Cleaning Cooktops
Step 1: Remove any removable grates or burners and wash them in warm soapy water.
Step 2: For stubborn, baked-on stains, try using a scraper or scraper tool to remove them, being careful not to damage the cooktop’s surface.
Step 3: Wipe down the cooktop with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap using a soft cloth.
Step 4: For tough stains or built-up grime, try a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water. Scrub the affected area and rinse thoroughly.
Step 5: Dry the cooktop thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Step 6: Reinstall any removable grates or burners, and resume normal use.
4. Clear The Drains
Mix baking soda and vinegar in equal parts and pour the mixture down all of the kitchen drains, including the sink and dishwasher. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This will clear any clogs and eliminate any odors in the drains.
5. Scrub The Sink
Use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the sink, including the faucet and garbage disposal. Rinse the sink with vinegar to remove any residue and to leave a sparkling finish.
6. Wipe Down Surfaces
Use a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down countertops, cabinets, and other surfaces. Pay extra attention to areas that tend to collect grease and grime, such as the stovetop and the area around the sink.
7. Mop the Floor
Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, mop the floor with a cleaner suitable for your type of flooring. If you have tile or linoleum, you can use a solution of water and vinegar. If you have hardwood, use a hardwood floor cleaner.
8. Sanitize Surfaces
Use a disinfectant spray to sanitize all surfaces, including countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and sink handles.
9. Organize
Once everything is clean, put items back in their proper place and consider organizing items for easier access and cleaning in the future. For example, you can use drawer organizers, shelf risers, and storage containers to keep things in their proper place and make cleaning easier.
By following these steps, you’ll have a deep-cleaned kitchen that sparkles!
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