Here are some kitchen cleaning tips to help keep your space spotless and sanitized:
The best way to prevent a mess from building up is to clean while you cook. Wipe down counters, wash dishes, and sweep the floor as you prepare meals. It makes post-cooking cleanup much easier!
Vinegar is fantastic for removing mineral deposits (like limescale) or soap scum from sinks, faucets, and dishwashers. Simply spray undiluted vinegar on the area, let it sit, then scrub with a sponge or cloth.
Go through your fridge weekly to toss expired food and wipe down shelves. Clean spills promptly to prevent stains and bad odors. You can use a mixture of warm water and a bit of dish soap or vinegar to wipe the inside.
For small crevices or tight spots like faucet handles, knobs, or the edges of your stove, an old toothbrush works great. Dip it in a cleaning solution to scrub areas that are tough to reach.
To clean your microwave easily, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a slice of lemon or a tablespoon of vinegar. Heat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until it steams up. Then, wipe the inside with a clean cloth to remove grime and odors.
The trash bin can get dirty quickly. Wipe it down regularly with disinfecting wipes or a solution of water and bleach. You can also sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom to neutralize odors.
To clean your oven, apply a baking soda paste (mix 1/2 cup baking soda with water) to the interior. Let it sit overnight, then wipe it out the next day. If you’re in a rush, use a commercial oven cleaner or the self-cleaning function if your oven has it.
When cleaning up spills, paper towels are often handy, but microfiber cloths are better for streak-free results, especially on glass and stainless steel. They also trap dirt, which means you don’t have to wipe over the same area repeatedly.
To keep your cutting boards sanitary, clean them with hot water and mild dish soap. For wooden boards, scrub with a mixture of coarse salt and lemon juice, which helps to disinfect and remove stains. For plastic boards, you can sanitize them with vinegar or a diluted bleach solution.
Kitchen floors can get dirty quickly. Sweep or vacuum daily, especially if you have kids or pets, to prevent dirt and crumbs from piling up. Use a microfiber mop for a quick and efficient cleanup afterward.
Dishcloths and sponges can breed bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Wash dishcloths in the laundry once or twice a week, and sanitize sponges by microwaving them for 30 seconds or soaking them in a vinegar-water solution.