31/05/2020
Tips on Cleaning your Kitchen!
Clean Your Kitchen
1. Clear The Decks!
Put away all of the items that belong in the kitchen but are not in their proper place. Then move on to gathering all the items that do NOT belong in the kitchen. Put all these items into a basket to be put away later (or if you have a helper, enlist their help with this.) Do not stop working on the kitchen to take these misplaced items to their homes.
Clean Your Kitchen
2. Start At The Sink
Put all of the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Run a sink of hot, soapy water then drop in things that need soaking like the microwave turntable, the dish drainer, or large pans and bowls.
Clean Your Kitchen
3. Spray Countertops and Stovetop
Use an all purpose cleaner and spray surfaces liberally. Let the cleaner do it’s work while you move on.
Clean Your Kitchen
4. Empty The Refrigerator
Well, not completely. Toss anything that is expired and throw the dirty food containers in the sink full of soapy water. Working from top to bottom, wipe down the shelves with a rag sprayed with all-purpose cleaner.
Clean Your Kitchen
5. Start At The Top
Knocking dirt and debris onto the floor is OK because you’re going to be sweeping it all up later. Use a long-handled duster and work your way around the entire perimeter of the room. Clean the corners, the light fixtures, and the tops of the cabinets. Don’t forget the top of the refrigerator. When you’ve worked your way back to where you started, you’re ready to move on.
Clean Your Kitchen
6. Wipe Down Upper Cabinets & Clean Microwave
Set a wet sponge in the microwave and “cook” for 2 minutes. While the microwave is doing it’s work, dip a rag in the warm, soap water and use it to wipe down the doors and pulls of the upper cabinets and anything else on the wall as you circle the room. The sponge in the microwave should be cool enough to handle now. Use it to wipe down the inside and outside of the microwave.
Clean Your Kitchen
7. Wipe Down Countertops and Stovetop
Now that the cleaner has had a chance to work, wipe down the horizontal surfaces. Again, just let dust, crumbs, etc. fall to the floor because you’ll get it later. Add a little baking soda for stubborn stains. For granite countertops use my Homemade Granite Cleaner. For stainless steel surfaces, use my Stainless Steel Cleaner.
Clean Your Kitchen
8. Clean Vertical Surfaces of Appliances
Use another rag dipped in the warm soapy water to wipe down the front of the refrigerator, dishwasher and oven. Pay close attention to handles and outside edges. (Use my Stainless Steel Cleaner or vinegar diluted with water for stainless steel appliances.)
Clean Your Kitchen
9. Wipe Down Lower Cabinet Doors & Drawers
Once again, a rag dipped in warm, soapy water will do the job.
Clean Your Kitchen
10. Finish Dishes and Clean Sink
Place the items that have been soaking in the sink into the dishwasher or wash by hand. Drain the sink and rinse with hot water. Clean the basin with a mild abrasive like baking soda, or if you need a little more power, I like Bar Keepers Friend. Rinse with hot water again. Wipe down the faucet and handles with a microfiber cloth.
Clean Your Kitchen
11. Empty The Trash
Give the inside of the can a quick wipe down with a wet rag before replacing the bag.
Clean Your Kitchen
12. Sweep & Mop The Floor
Using a broom or a dry duster, get right up to the baseboards, under the cabinets and into the corners. Pull out appliances if necessary. Follow up with a mop or steam cleaner. Start at the farthest corner from the entrance to the room. If using a mop, be sure to use a bucket. You don’t want to contaminate your clean sink. Dump the dirty water outside or in the toilet.
Clean Your Kitchen
Now it’s time to congratulate yourself on a job well done! Grab a cold beverage of your choice and relax…you’ve earned it!!
A Few Extra Tips:
Make cleaning up the kitchen a family affair. Divide the steps between your family members, and you really can have the kitchen done in a short time.
Train your family members to clear and rinse their own plates after each meal. This simple act takes little time for each person, but saves so much time for the dish person later.
Run a sink of hot soapy water before food preparation begins. As mixing bowls, cutting boards, knives, etc, become dirty, quickly wash them up to prevent food from drying and sticking. It will take the stress out of cooking and you won’t be left with a pile of dirty dishes when you’re done!
