For many families, the kitchen is the main hub of the home. Not only do we prepare meals there, but a lot of time is spent there as a family, or while entertaining guests. In other words, it’s a busy place that’s constantly being used. Which of course makes it hard to keep clean.
Following are five tips on how to keep your kitchen sparkling clean without spending hours slaving away on it every day.
The Cabinets
Wash around handles and other grease zones with hand dishwashing detergent. As needed, simply use an all-purpose cleaner to spot-clean when you notice they’re looking dirty.
Yearly (or as needed), wash each cabinet with an oil soap solution (I really like Murphy Oil Soap). If the cabinets look dull or aged, you can spray furniture polish lightly across the exterior.
The Counter Tops
It’s a rare occasion that my counter tops stay cleaner for longer than five minutes any time the kids are awake. Not only do they eat there, they hang out there while I’m cleaning or cooking, and they color and play at the center island. And with white tiles, every little smudge and bit of dirt shows.
But it’s pretty easy to keep them clean throughout the day…I use good old vinegar and water on them. Then at the end of the day, I give them a “real” cleaning with an all-purpose spray. I do use disinfecting wipes on the counter tops if I’m preparing raw meats to make sure to get rid of any germs. But other than that, vinegar and water does the trick!
The Fridge
I make sure that all foods and containers that go in the fridge are securely covered and clean to help avoid spills and to reduce odors. I also keep a container of baking soda in the back of my fridge and change it on the first of every month.
Everytime I grocery shop, I go through the fridge and get rid of leftovers that have not been eaten or are expired.
Wipe down the fridge’s exterior surface daily to get rid of grimy handprints and germs.
The Microwave
I could tell you to wipe out the microwave after every use, but if you use yours as often as I use mine, that’s pretty much impossible! To get rid of little bits of stuck-on foods in the microwave, fill a two-cup glass measuring cup with a cup of water and microwave for until the water boils. The steam in the microwave will loosen the stuck-on foods so you can wipe the microwave clean
The Sink
I always rinse out my sink after each use, and try to wipe it with a clean dry cloth. By doing so, you can help prevent mineral deposits from building up on the sink’s surface.
Weekly, I give it a good scouring with a non-abrasive cleaner and clean cloth.
TIP: To add a shine to a stainless steel sink, use a bit of olive oil!
If your sink’s disposal is smelly, disposal, fill it with ice cubes and slices of citrus or peels (I always throw the peels in after I peel oranges for the kids). Run cold water while the disposal is on for 30 seconds. The ice will sharpen and clean the blades, and the citrus will release a fresh scent.
What other cleaning tips/tricks do you use to keep your kitchen clean?
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