Essential Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Kitchen

We have a confession. We hate cleaning. Just because we hate it doesn’t mean we don’t do it. If there’s any tip to reduce scrubbing, wiping, scouring, mopping, or sweeping, we’re interested.

Keeping your kitchen spotless can seem like a never-ending task, but with the right strategies and tools, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just someone who loves a clean space, these essential cleaning tips will help you maintain a kitchen that not only looks great but also functions at its best. We’re diving deep into lesser-known techniques and product recommendations that are easy to execute and highly effective. Let's get started on making your kitchen sparkle!

1. Steam Cleaning Your Microwave with Lemon Water

What You Need: A microwave-safe bowl, water, a lemon, and a clean cloth.

Why It Works: Microwaves can quickly become grimy with splatters and spills. Instead of scrubbing endlessly, use steam to loosen up the grime. Simply fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and drop the lemon halves into the bowl. Microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the steam to coat the interior. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe down with a clean cloth. The acidity of the lemon cuts through grease, while the steam loosens any stuck-on food, making it easier to wipe away.

Bonus Tip: The lemon not only helps with cleaning but also leaves your microwave smelling fresh!

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: The Dynamic Duo for Sink Maintenance and Dishwasher Cleaning

What You Need: Baking soda, white vinegar, a scrub brush, and hot water.

Why It Works: Kitchen sinks can harbor bacteria and unpleasant odors, but a simple routine with baking soda and vinegar can keep them fresh and clean. Sprinkle baking soda all over the sink and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, pour white vinegar over the baking soda, and watch as it fizzes. This chemical reaction helps to break down grime and disinfect the surface. Scrub with a brush, focusing on areas around the drain and faucet. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.

Dishwashers need regular cleaning to remove food particles, soap scum, and hard water deposits that can lead to unpleasant smells and poor performance. Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. This will help to break down grease and sanitize the interior. After the cycle, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle. The baking soda will help to deodorize and remove any remaining residue.

Bonus Tip: Once a month, pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down your drain. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. This will keep your drains clear and odor-free.

3. Stovetop Grime? Try the Oil Cleaning Trick

What You Need: Cooking oil, a soft cloth, and a microfiber towel.

Why It Works: It might seem counterintuitive, but using a little cooking oil can actually help remove stubborn grease from your stovetop and range hood. Dab a soft cloth with a small amount of cooking oil and rub it over greasy areas. The oil helps to dissolve the grease, making it easier to wipe away. Follow up with a microfiber towel to remove any excess oil and buff the surface to a shine.

Bonus Tip: This method works wonders on stainless steel appliances, leaving them streak-free and gleaming.

4. Descaling Your Coffee Maker with Citric Acid

What You Need: Citric acid powder, water, and a clean cloth.

Why It Works: Over time, mineral deposits can build up in your coffee maker, affecting the taste of your coffee and the efficiency of the machine. Citric acid is a natural, non-toxic descaling agent that’s highly effective. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of citric acid powder in 4 cups of water. Pour the solution into the water reservoir of your coffee maker and run a brewing cycle. After the cycle is complete, run two more cycles with plain water to rinse out any residue.

Bonus Tip: Citric acid can also be used to clean your kettle, dishwasher, and even your washing machine. It’s a versatile and safe cleaner for your home.

5. Cleaning Wooden Cutting Boards with Coarse Salt and Lemon

What You Need: Coarse salt, a lemon, and a clean cloth.

Why It Works: Wooden cutting boards are prone to stains and odors, but harsh chemicals can damage the wood. Instead, sprinkle coarse salt over the surface of the board. Cut a lemon in half and use the cut side to scrub the salt into the board. The acidity of the lemon helps to disinfect, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive to remove stains and odors. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Bonus Tip: To keep your wooden cutting boards in top condition, rub them with a food-grade mineral oil every few weeks. This will prevent cracking and maintain the wood’s luster.

6. Glass Stovetop Cleaning with Razor Blade and a Homemade Scrub

What You Need: A razor blade, baking soda, dish soap, and water.

Why It Works: Glass stovetops can be tricky to clean, especially if spills are burned onto the surface. For tough spots, a razor blade is your best friend. Hold it at a 45-degree angle and gently scrape away any burnt-on residue. For a homemade scrub, mix baking soda with a few drops of dish soap and enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stovetop and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub with a soft sponge and wipe away with a damp cloth.

This also works in your oven. Oven cleaners are often harsh and filled with chemicals, but you can achieve the same results with a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Spread the paste over the interior surfaces of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Let it sit for several hours, or overnight if possible. Afterward, spray the dried paste with vinegar, which will cause it to foam up. Scrub with a brush and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Bonus Tip: Finish by polishing the surface with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

7. Spotless Fridge Shelves with Cling Film

What You Need: Cling film and scissors.

Why It Works: Keeping fridge shelves clean can be a hassle, especially when spills happen. An easy and effective solution is to line your fridge shelves with cling film. When a spill occurs, you can simply peel off the film and replace it, saving you from scrubbing sticky messes. This trick not only keeps your fridge clean but also helps to reduce the frequency of deep cleans.

Bonus Tip: Use clear cling film so that you can still see the contents of your fridge shelves easily.

8. Natural Wood Deodorizer and Sanitizer: Tea Tree Oil Spray

What You Need: Tea tree oil, distilled water, a spray bottle, and a clean cloth.

Why It Works: Wooden surfaces like cutting boards, butcher blocks, and wooden utensils can absorb odors and harbor bacteria. A simple and natural solution is to create a tea tree oil spray that not only sanitizes but also deodorizes the wood. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent choice for kitchen use. Mix 10-15 drops of tea tree oil with a cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the solution onto your wooden surfaces and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe clean with a cloth, and allow the wood to air dry.
Bonus Tip: For extra conditioning, after sanitizing with the tea tree oil spray, rub a small amount of food-grade mineral oil into the wood. This will help protect the surface and keep the wood looking vibrant.

9. Deep Clean Your Dishwasher Filter with Denture Tablets

What You Need: Denture cleaning tablets, hot water, a soft brush, and a clean cloth.

Why It Works: The filter in your dishwasher can easily become clogged with food particles and soap residue, leading to unpleasant odors and reduced efficiency. A little-known but highly effective method to deep clean your dishwasher filter is to use denture cleaning tablets. These tablets are designed to remove stubborn stains and build-up, making them perfect for this task. Remove the filter from your dishwasher and place it in a sink or bowl filled with hot water. Drop in a denture tablet and let it fizz and dissolve, working its magic on the filter. After 15-20 minutes, use a soft brush to gently scrub away any remaining debris. Rinse the filter thoroughly and reinstall it in your dishwasher.

Bonus Tip: This method can also be used to clean other small, hard-to-reach components of your dishwasher, like the spray arms or utensil holders, ensuring your dishwasher runs smoothly and stays odor-free.

10. Easy-to-Miss Areas: Cleaning Under Appliances

What You Need: A flexible microfiber duster, a vacuum with an attachment hose, and a long-handled brush.

Why It Works: Dust, crumbs, and spills can accumulate under your kitchen appliances, leading to unpleasant odors and even pests. Regularly cleaning under your appliances is essential for a truly spotless kitchen. Use a flexible microfiber duster to reach under your fridge, stove, and other heavy appliances. Follow up with a vacuum to remove any debris. If you can, pull the appliances out to give the floor a thorough clean with a long-handled brush.

Bonus Tip: Place dryer sheets under your appliances after cleaning to help repel dust and keep the area fresher for longer.

Conclusion

A sparkling kitchen doesn’t have to be hard work when you have the right tips and tools at your disposal. By incorporating these lesser-known cleaning techniques into your routine, you can maintain a kitchen that not only looks spotless but also functions efficiently. Remember, a clean kitchen is a happy kitchen—so why not make the job easier with our expert tips and trusted product recommendations? Happy cleaning!

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