Keeping your kitchen clean is super important. It not only makes the space look nice but also helps create a safe place to prepare meals for your family. Since we use our kitchens every day, they can quickly get messy and dirty. But don’t worry! I have some easy and quick cleaning tips that will help you keep your kitchen sparkling without it feeling like a big chore. From stubborn grease to messy appliances, these hacks will make your kitchen cleaning stress-free.
Clean as You Cook
One of the easiest ways to keep your kitchen tidy is to clean while you cook. Instead of letting dishes, cutting boards, and utensils pile up, wash them as you go. This way, you won’t end up with a huge pile of dishes at the end, and your workspace will stay organized.
Use Natural Cleaning Solutions
If you’re looking for eco-friendly and budget-friendly cleaning options, natural solutions are your best friends! Here are a few you can use:
- Vinegar is great for cutting through grease and sanitizing surfaces.
- Baking soda works wonders for scrubbing tough stains on countertops, stovetops, and even inside the oven.
- Lemon is a natural deodorizer, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh.
Keep Your Sink Sparkling
Your kitchen sink can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. To keep it clean, try this:
- Scrub it daily with a mix of baking soda and warm water.
- Once a week, disinfect it with a vinegar rinse or a mild bleach solution to kill germs.
- To avoid bad smells from your garbage disposal, run lemon peels and ice cubes through it. The lemon helps neutralize odors, and the ice sharpens the blades.
Master the Microwave
Microwaves can get messy with food splatters. Here’s a simple trick to clean it easily:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon.
- Microwave it for 3-5 minutes, letting the steam loosen the grime inside.
- Wipe it down with a clean cloth, and your microwave will smell fresh and look spotless!
Clean the Stovetop After Every Use
The stovetop often collects spills and grease, which can be harder to clean if left alone. After cooking, let the stove cool, then quickly wipe it down with a damp sponge or cloth and a little dish soap. For tougher stains, a baking soda paste works well. Cleaning it after each use prevents build-up and saves you time later.
Don’t Forget the Cabinets and Drawers
Kitchens can collect dust and grease on cabinets, especially the ones near the stove. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down your cabinets once a week. For deeper cleaning, mix a bit of dish soap with warm water and scrub the cabinet doors. Remember to clean out your drawers occasionally, especially the cutlery drawer, which can gather crumbs. Check scratch-free Scrub Daddy Sponges through the banner below!
Organize Your Fridge and Pantry
A clean kitchen isn’t just about the surfaces. The inside of your fridge and pantry needs attention too. Toss out expired food and wipe down shelves regularly. You can use a mix of warm water and vinegar to clean the insides. Keeping an open box of baking soda in your fridge helps neutralize odors, keeping it fresh. For fresh scent, try to add a few drops of your favorite essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, or lemon oil, etc.
Tackle the Oven with Minimal Effort
Ovens can get grimy and collect burnt food, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to clean them. Here’s an easy way to do it with baking soda:
- Remove the racks and spread a thick paste of baking soda (baking soda + a bit of water) inside the oven.
- Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
- Wipe away the paste and grease with a damp cloth or sponge.
- If your oven has a self-cleaning function, use it occasionally, but don’t forget to wipe it down afterward.
If you want to use a cleaning product for your kitchen, my favorite is Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser. (I always recommend testing this cleaner (and any cleaner) on a small inconspicuous area first.) This cleaner manufacture also indicate not to use on gold or silver, polished natural stone, colored grout, or on lacquered, painted, or mirrored surfaces.)
Sweep and Mop Floors Regularly
Your kitchen floors can get pretty messy, especially with kids or pets around. To keep them clean:
- Sweep daily to avoid dirt build-up.
- Mop at least once a week with a mix of warm water and a gentle floor cleaner. For tile floors, pay special attention to the grout lines, which can trap dirt. You can clean these with an old toothbrush and a baking soda-water mix.
Also Read: How do I deep clean my bathroom?
Quick Appliance Cleaning Hacks
Don’t forget to clean your appliances like the toaster, blender, and coffee maker from time to time:
- Toaster: Clean the crumb tray regularly to avoid fires and odors.
- Blender: After each use, fill it halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Blend for a few seconds, then rinse. It saves you time on scrubbing!
- Coffee maker: Run a mix of equal parts vinegar and water through a brew cycle, then follow it up with plain water to rinse out any vinegar.
