Cleaning the kitchen may seem boring and tiring, but the secret to doing it is to divide the work into stages to proceed without losing motivation. Just add the right soundtrack and you'll finish sooner than expected. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 8: Cleaning the Cooktop
Step 1. Clean the cooking plates
Whether you use an electric or gas stove, every now and then the plates should be cleaned up. They can be removed and washed by hand with warm water and detergent. If you are lucky enough to have plates that can be put in the dishwasher, you can also start a washing cycle after removing excess food with a sponge. As for the electric plates, use a damp sponge to remove all traces of dirt.
Cleaning the hob grill is also important. If it is not enameled, use a slightly abrasive sponge to clean it, otherwise a soft sponge
Step 2. Clean the hob surface
Use a sponge and a suitable product, or you can buy disinfectant wipes or bleach to dissolve the stains. In general, if you stain the surface with grease, clean up immediately - it will be more difficult to do this once it hardens.
Step 3. Remove the knobs and wash them in the sink
Use lukewarm water and a mild dish soap. Avoid products containing abrasives or ammonia, as these components will eliminate the marks on the knobs.
Step 4. Clean the outside of the hood
Use a cloth after moistening it with soapy water. Remove the foam with a damp rag and then wipe with a dry cloth. Once a month, remove the hood filters and soak them in warm soapy water. Gently scrub them to clean them, then let them dry thoroughly before putting them back in place.
If you have a stainless steel hood, use a product designed specifically for this material
Part 2 of 8: Cleaning the Oven
Step 1. Clean the oven grill
Remove it before doing it. Fill a basin or bucket with warm water and detergent. Leave it immersed for several hours, so any residue that has stuck to the grate will be easily eliminated. Use an abrasive sponge to clean it thoroughly.
Step 2. Clean up the oven
You should clean it thoroughly every 2-3 months, or as soon as it starts to generate a lot of smoke while cooking. To make an effective solution, mix 30g of salt, 100g of baking soda, and 60ml of water. Cover the uncoated metal parts and openings with aluminum so that they are not damaged by the mix.
If you have an electric oven, remove the racks and set it to self-cleaning mode. When the cycle ends, use a damp cloth to remove any residue left behind during cleaning
Step 3. Thoroughly spread the solution in the oven and leave it on overnight
Use a plastic spatula to do this; afterwards, clean up with a cloth. Put the grids back in place once it has dried.
Part 3 of 8: Deep Cleaning the Refrigerator
Step 1. Empty the refrigerator completely
Go through each item to make sure it hasn't expired. Throw away all spoiled foods. If possible, take care of it before you go shopping, so that old things can be thrown away and make room for new purchases.
- Make a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of water. Dip a sponge into the mix and wipe it all over the refrigerator surfaces, making sure to scrub the sticky stains well.
- Remember to clean every drawer and shelf, not just the main parts of the appliance.
Step 2. Wipe off the solution with a damp cloth
Dip a clean rag into the water and use it to remove any residue left by the baking soda mix. Use a cloth to dry all surfaces.
Step 3. Leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge
If you've noticed that it often smells bad, open a packet of baking soda and place it on one of the center shelves. This product absorbs bad odors and will give a fresh and clean scent to the refrigerator.
Part 4 of 8: Cleaning the Freezer
Step 1. Clean it thoroughly
First, you need to unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet. After doing this, remove the frozen items and examine them to make sure they are not expired. Throw away the ones that are and put the rest in a cooler while you clean.
Step 2. Prepare a cleaning solution
Mix 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. Shake the mix well. If possible, pour it into a spray bottle, so you can spray it on the surface right away.
Step 3. Spray the solution into the freezer
Do not leave out any surface. Don't have a spray bottle? Dip a cloth or sponge into the mix and then wipe it all over the space. After cleaning the freezer completely, pat dry with a few paper towels. Put the plug back in the socket and organize the frozen food properly.
Part 5 of 8: Cleaning Furniture and Countertops
Step 1. Clean the furniture
Whether they contain food, cooking utensils, or a secret stash of candy, you should clean them thoroughly every now and then. Throw out the expired items and wipe each side with a rag dampened with soapy water. This will remove dust, crumbs and other traces of dirt.
Step 2. Clean the furniture front
While it seems like an odd thing to do, dirt and grease can build up in this area just as you cook. Remove them with a damp cloth and then carefully dry the surfaces, in order to avoid color alterations.
If you have wooden furniture, you may want to use a product designed specifically for this material
Step 3. Clean the countertops with the right products
In general, you should do this every night after you finish cooking. Use a sponge and soapy water to sanitize them thoroughly. Use a clean rag or paper towel to dry them.
- You may also want to invest in countertop cleaning products. On the market you will find many ready to use, including antibacterial sprays, disposable wipes and degreasers.
- Keep in mind that countertops are made from stones or other specific materials, so choose your cleaners carefully. They should be special.
Part 6 of 8: Cleaning the sink
Step 1. Wash all dirty dishes and glasses
You can do this by hand in the sink or put them in the dishwasher. Whichever method you choose, be sure to take care of it before you start cleaning the sink. It would be a shame to thoroughly disinfect it and then realize you have a ton of dirty dishes.
Step 2. Clean the bowl and faucet
To prevent water stains or mold from forming, clean the sink with a sponge dipped in warm water and detergent. Also rinse the edges of the sink. Clean the faucet so you will get rid of the water stains.
Step 3. Clean around the faucet
To disinfect hard-to-reach crevices, use a toothbrush after dipping it in a mix of warm water and dish soap. Polish the water-stained parts with a dry cloth.
Step 4. Get rid of mineral deposits
If the water has a high mineral content, you may notice deposits forming. How to get rid of it? Mix one part of water with one part of white vinegar. Apply the solution with a clean cloth, rubbing gently to remove the patches. Rinse the area and let it dry.
Step 5. If you have a garbage disposal, make sure it works properly
Have you noticed that the sink drain has become slow? Turn on the garbage disposal to get rid of any trapped debris. It is also important to sanitize this tool on a regular basis. Pour some vinegar into an ice cube tray and let it solidify. Throw the cubes into the garbage disposal and then pour in boiling water after starting it. Doing so will also sharpen the blades on the appliance.
Part 7 of 8: Cleaning Small Appliances
Step 1. Clean the microwave
Use warm soapy water and a sponge to remove any stains that have accumulated inside. If they are particularly stubborn, you can also use a solution consisting of two tablespoons of baking soda and 250 ml of water. Rinse with clean water and then dry with a cloth.
Step 2. Read your appliance manuals to make sure you clean smaller ones
While it is generally enough to normally wash every single part of an object (excluding electrical components) with warm soapy water, you should always read the instructions the first time you deal with it. Here's what you should sanitize:
Toaster, coffee maker, blender and coffee grinder
Step 3. Make sure you know how to reassemble a device
When cleaning small appliances, you need to be sure where every single part goes. Don't lose them or confuse them with each other. Clean them one at a time to avoid problems.
Part 8 of 8: Final Touches
Step 1. Sweep the floor
Before cleaning it in depth, it is best to collect dust particles, crumbs, garbage and everything that has accumulated on the ground. Use a broom and dustpan to remove all traces of dirt.
Step 2. If necessary, mop the floor
This is especially important when you've accidentally spilled a food or drink that left a sticky residue. Use a rag and a bucket of soapy water to give it a good clean.
Step 3. Put everything back
After you've finished cleaning, put all the items you used back in the closet or cabinet where you usually store them, so as not to leave them littered in a now shiny kitchen.
Step 4. Take out the trash
Finally, take out the garbage. The reason you should do this in the end is simple: it is common knowledge that there are always things to throw away during cleaning. Wash the waste bin with water and detergent. Go throw the bag in the right bin and replace it with a new one.
Advice
- Listen to music while cleaning to always feel motivated and not get bored.
- Clean the kitchen frequently, so you don't have to make a lot of effort.
- Replace things you use to clean regularly, like rags and sponges, to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Use a disinfectant cooking spray - you'll find several brands in the supermarket.
- Cover the top of the kitchen cabinets with wax paper in case they don't touch the ceiling. This sheet will collect grease and dust. When it gets dirty, just roll it up, throw it away and replace it.
- If you have a sponge that is still new but needs to be washed, the best way to kill bacteria is by placing it in the microwave for a minute or two after you have thoroughly wetted it (watch it carefully: if it dries, it could catch fire). You can also sanitize it in the dishwasher for an entire wash cycle.
Warnings
- Never mix products containing bleach with those based on ammonia. The solution generates a lot of gas poisonous.
- Do not use bleach on dark or wooden floors.
- Never cook and clean at the same time: detergents can contaminate food.
- Keep all cleaning products, especially those that are particularly dangerous, out of the reach of children and animals.
