This week focuses on deep cleaning the kitchen. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle the grime to create a beautiful home, especially with the holidays approaching.
Tackling the Kitchen Cleaning Challenge
It can be challenging to motivate yourself to deep clean your kitchen. However, it is a necessary task. Think of guests coming for the holidays and the need to have a clean and welcoming space. As homeowners and adults, it’s time to take charge and clean the kitchen thoroughly.
The Cleaning Concoction
The recommended cleaning solution consists of vinegar and hot water, some dish soap, and essential oils. This is preferable to using harsh chemicals inside the fridge, freezer, or even on the stove, as those surfaces come into contact with food. This chemical-free solution is suitable for use in the microwave and throughout the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Kitchen Cleaning Guide
Just like cleaning any space, it’s advisable to start at the top and work your way down.
Cleaning Above the Stove
Begin with the area above the stove, which tends to accumulate oil, cooking steam, and grime. Wipe down the front of all the cabinets.
Microwave Steam Cleaning
Place a bowl of water in the microwave for four or five minutes to steam it. While the microwave is steaming, spend those minutes cleaning the oven.
Oven Cleaning
The oven often has splatters and baked-on messes. While some ovens have a self-cleaning function, vinegar and dish soap are effective for general cleaning. For tougher stains, baking soda can be used. Simply wipe the oven like butter for speed cleaning with no scrubbing.
Cleaning Behind Appliances
Pull out the appliances, especially the oven, to access the area behind them. This is where odors often originate in the kitchen: the garbage can, under the fridge, the sides of the fridge, and the side of the oven, where spills can accumulate. Use appropriate cleaners to remove any grime or spills.
Fridge Maintenance: Cleaning the Bottom and Coils
Before pulling out the fridge, remove the bottom part. This area often accumulates significant debris. Cleaning this part helps the fridge run more efficiently, as there are vents that can become blocked. Just like you want to clean your filter of your furnace, you want to make sure that you’re cleaning the front of your fridge and the back coils of your fridge so that it’s running properly and it doesn’t stink because no one wants a stinky fridge. If the fridge has coils behind it, vacuum them. Wipe the sides and underneath the fridge as well.
Dishwasher Deep Clean
Clean the inside of the dishwasher. While dishwashing cleaning tablets can be used, a quick wipe of the areas that attract grime is often sufficient. Pay attention to the sides of the door, as buildup can cause odors and prevent a proper seal, leading to leaks and reduced efficiency. The base of the door also tends to accumulate sludge. Run a paper towel along the base of the door to remove any buildup. For dishwashers that leak, this sludge is often the culprit. Pull out the filter, soak it, and then run the dishwasher on empty with vinegar.
Coffee Pot Cleaning
Clean the coffee pot. For a regular coffee pot, put vinegar and water through and brew like you would a regular. For a Keurig, take everything apart and put it in the dishwasher. Wipe everything out.
Quick Fridge Wipe Down
Give everything a quick wipe down inside the fridge, focusing on scrubbing any messes.
Many cleaning tasks can be completed in under two hours. This includes washing the walls, cleaning grease on the walls, addressing the cabinets, stove, oven, and fridge, pulling out appliances, and tackling the dishwasher. This guide should inspire you to roll up your sleeves and tackle your kitchen today, transforming it into a clean and welcoming space.
