Give Your Kitchen A Deep Cleaning With These Helpful Hints
With springtime approaching, deep cleaning your kitchen might be just what you need to give your home a fresh look and feeling — and the tips below can help get you started.
Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal
Cleaning a garbage disposal is an excellent way to help your kitchen have a pleasant smell while making sure the disposal is well maintained. To clean the disposal, place lemon slices into an ice cube tray, then pour vinegar over each slice. Freeze the tray and toss a couple of the cubes into the disposal. Run it until they dissolve, then enjoy the lemony fragrance filling your kitchen!
Kool-Aid Is More Than A Drink
Since many people rely on their dishwashers to maintain a clean kitchen, keeping it tidy is a great addition to your kitchen’s upkeep. An easy way to accomplish this is to pour a lemon Kool-Aid packet into the detergent section of your empty dishwasher, then run it for one cycle. Because of the citric acid in the Kool-Aid mix, stains get cleaned in no time.
Baking Soda To The Refrigerator Rescue
When cleaning your refrigerator, the strong scents in kitchen cleaners can affect the taste of your food. The next time you clean your refrigerator, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of hot water, then give it a good scrubbing.
Car Wax For Your Stove Top
Who knew that car wax could be so versatile? To keep your stove top clean, spread a layer of car wax on it, then wipe off the wax with paper towels or a soft rag. Just like the wax adds a layer of protection to your vehicle, it will do the same for your stove. You will be amazed by how quickly spills can be cleaned after you apply the wax coat.
Don’t Forget The Toaster
After ensuring your toaster is unplugged, begin the cleaning process. When cleaning the toaster, one well-known technique is to flip it and gently shake out the crumbs. However, getting into the hard to reach corners can be challenging, so use a toothbrush to clean inside the appliance.
Keep Your Coffee Maker Brewing
A coffee maker is a common appliance in many kitchens. Keep this regularly used item clean and in the best shape possible. Besides cleaning the exterior and washing the carafe, occasionally flushing out the interior can ensure your coffee pot continues to brew that perfect cup. To make a cleaning solution for the interior, use equal parts of water and white vinegar. With the carafe in place and a coffee filter in its basket, run the solution through the machine. Then rinse the interior by running several cycles of fresh water through it.
Cleaning Cabinets With Dish Soap
Dish soap has several excellent uses, and cleaning kitchen cabinets is one of them. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water, then you are ready to give your cabinets a deep cleaning. Using the solution, scrub the cabinet with a clean cloth, making sure to follow the wood’s grain. Next, wipe any extra soap with a clean sponge and warm water, then dry the cabinet. Now, your cabinets are sparkling clean, bringing a shine to your kitchen.
Mineral Oil For Kitchen Surface Grease
When your kitchen surfaces are beginning to have a greasy sheen, mineral oil can help eliminate the problem. With just a few drops of mineral oil on a paper towel, you can wipe away the grease. After using the oil, wipe the surfaces again to clean any remaining oil, grease, or dirt.
Scrubbing The Stains From Baking Pans
No matter how hard you try, you might notice that baking pan has everlasting stains. To get rid of those stains, just put on your kitchen gloves, then mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with just enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rub the mixture into the stains and let it set in the pan for about 45 minutes. When you come back to scrub the stains with warm water, you will be amazed at how easily the grime is lifted.
Freshen Wood Cutting Boards
Wood cutting boards can lose their freshness and become stained over time. To remove stains and odors, sprinkle coarse salt onto the board. Then slice a lemon in half, using it to rub the salt all around the board. Finally, wipe off the mixture using a damp paper towel.
Bar Keepers Friend
To keep stainless steel and copper cookware looking new, polish with Bar Keepers Friend. Simply sprinkle it on a wet surface, then scrub with a wet sponge. When you are done, wipe it clean with a damp paper towel and rinse it thoroughly.
Germs That Lurk In Sponges
Sponges are one of the most common used kitchen tools, so it makes sense that they would harbor germs. The good news is that there is a quick and easy solution to combat those germs. To kill bacteria, dampen the sponge and microwave it on high for 60 seconds. When you remove it, you will have a clean sponge ready to use.
Sit Back And Enjoy The Results
After you complete your deep cleaning, you can feel accomplished, knowing that you tackled a big task that not only makes your home clean and fresh, but also helps keep your family safe from germs that naturally hide in the kitchen. Now, you can relax with a cup of coffee from your freshly cleaned coffee maker and enjoy the results of your hard work!
