Spring Kitchen Clean Up Time

10 Spring Kitchen Clean-up Tips

 

Spring is the time for baseball, blooms, and of course cleaning.  These ten tips will guide you through this year's kitchen clean-up. 

1. Harsh, expensive chemicals aren't needed to bust dirt and grime.  For a natural, healthy alternative use lemon juice, baking soda, cake soap and vinegar as substitutes.

    

2. Clear out your refrigerator and give it a proper cleaning.  Use water and baking soda to remove stains and deodorize.  Discard any expired food and add a fresh, open box of baking soda.  Scrub the outside with soap and water.  Finally, unplug the unit and vacuum the condenser coils to remove dirt and dust.

    

3. Ovens, stoves and vent hoods can get filthy fast.  Use soap and water to clean the cook-top, burners and knobs.  Remove the knobs first to get all the dirt behind them.  Next, deep clean the over, as described in your owner's manual.  Finally, wipe the outside of your vent hood with hot soapy water, then remove itÃ�¢ï¿½ï¿½s filter and soak in hot soapy water to remove grease.  Rinse and dry before replacing.

    

4. Wipe cabinets to remove grease.  Use a sponge and warm soapy water to clean hinges, handles and pulls.   For stubborn muck, use a toothbrush to loosen and then wipe clean with sponge.

    

5. Remove dishes and utensils from drawers and cabinets.  Wipe clean and then replace lining if needed.  Run any items rarely used through the dishwasher.

    

6. Clean crevices around your faucet and sink with a toothbrush and white vinegar mixed with water.  Buff dry with a soft cloth.  Re-caulk if needed.

    

7. Deodorize your drains and garbage disposal.  Pour Ã�½ cup baking soda, Ã�½ cup ice and Ã�½ sliced lemon into the disposal.  Run until dissolved.   For drains, pour in Ã�½ cup baking soda and Ã�½ cup white vinegar, cover drain and let stand for 5 minutes, then flush with warm water.

    

8. Dishwashers get dirty fast.  Wipe surfaces clean with warm soapy water.  Run one cycle with 2 tablespoons of citric acid and Ã�½ cup vinegar.

    

9. Small appliances get grungy, too.  To clean your spice or coffee grinder run Ã�½ cup of uncooked rice through to collect oils and particles.  For particularly dirty grinders, run a second cycle with one tablespoon of baking soda.  Wipe completely.

    

10. Soak your garbage pail with Ã�½ cup lemon juice and 1 quart of hot water.  Rinse and dry thoroughly.

     

Even the cleanest of homes needs a proper spring clean-up.  Regardless of the size of your home, there are cleaning details that shouldn't be overlooked.  Remember, spring time is the best time to get your home in tip-top shape.