A clean kitchen is crucial for hygiene, food safety, and overall well-being. However, not all cleaning methods and practices are a good idea. Ideally, you want to make sure to get the most out of kitchen cleaning. That’s why we will go through some of the most important dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning your cooking area. That being said, let’s dive right in and ensure your kitchen is sparkling clean from top to bottom!
Kitchen Cleaning Dos
With the help of professional kitchen and cooker cleaning experts, we have created a list of things you should do when cleaning your kitchen so it can remain pristine and shining at all times.
Clean From Top to Bottom
This is probably the most important tip to remember for kitchen cleaning. Always remember to go from top to bottom. Start by dusting the top of the cabinets, window sills and the refrigerator. Afterwards, wipe away crumbs from the counter and clean any wall stains if necessary. For the final step – hoover and mop the floor. Keep in mind that the floor must be cleaned last for perfect results.
Wipe Surfaces Regularly
Make sure to regularly wipe kitchen surfaces, especially after preparing meals. Remove all the accumulated stains, spills or crumbs. Do this for all surface areas like the counter and stovetop by using a sponge or a clean cloth and a mild detergent. By regularly cleaning surfaces, you ensure that deep cleaning sessions will be easier and less time consuming. You can also disinfect all door handles and light switches with a spray or wipes. By doing so, you will greatly reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.
Throw Away No Longer Needed Items
Have a good look around your kitchen and determine what will be useful and what you should remove. Getting rid of items that you don’t need will free up storage space and make valuable ones more accessible. For example, you can donate canned foods that haven’t expired yet. Or donate any cookware that’s no longer useful to you. Otherwise, just responsibly throw away anything that cannot be used.
Clean the Sink
The sink is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. That’s why maintaining its cleanliness is very important. Ensure that you wash the dishes and the sink regularly to avoid drain blockage. Use a sponge and hot, soapy water and scrub the basin daily. Ideally, you should also disinfect after each cleaning with a mild bleach solution or a mixture of warm water and white vinegar. Remember to also clean the sink strainers and disinfect the faucets.
Clean While Cooking
Quickly clean up spills and stains when cooking (if possible) to prevent them from setting in. It will be way easier when thoroughly cleaning them afterwards. Keep wet wipes or a dampened cloth handy and wipe surfaces as quickly as you cook. Making use of this habit will prevent cross contamination, and the place will be kept clean at all times. You will also greatly minimise clutter in the kitchen and spend less time cleaning after meal time. Another great habit to develop is to wash cooking tools, dishes and utensils as soon as you are done using them. Doing so will contribute to a more organised and well kept kitchen altogether.
Kitchen Cleaning Don’ts
Here is what experts recommend not to do in order to keep a kitchen spik and span at all times:
Neglecting Hidden Areas
To keep your cooking area constantly clean, remember to pay attention to less visible and hard to reach areas, too. Clean behind the fridge and the oven, as well as drawers and cupboards. Remove dust and debris from tight spaces with a vacuum cleaner and a crevice attachment. Also, make sure to clean buildup by wiping surfaces with a sponge or a damp cloth. Don’t forget to inspect and clean areas that are subject to mould growth. Keep a watchful eye on drip pans and refrigerator door seals and keep them clean to prevent harmful allergens and bacteria.
Avoiding Tasks That Require Extra Time
It’s understandable that jobs requiring extra time and effort are often postponed. Rearranging the spice cabinet, removing old items, cleaning the fridge shelves and cleaning the oven are just some of the examples. However, we highly suggest you to take some time off your schedule to handle those pesky chores. After all, who doesn’t want a cleaner and more organised kitchen?
Don’t Use Chemical Based Cleaning Products
It will be best if you avoid using store bought cleaning products that contain bleach, ammonia or chlorine. There chemicals are strong enough to pollute your indoor space and pose health risks for humans and pets. Some of these health hazards may be skin irritations, allergies, infections and respiratory disorders. Instead, we advise you to use the following eco-friendly cleaners:
- Hydrogen peroxide – helpful for removing stubborn stains;
- Baking soda – for disinfecting contaminated surfaces and cleaning countertops and stovetops;
- Lemon and salt – a great solution for disinfecting cutting boards;
- White vinegar – easily removes stubborn stains and grease from kitchen appliances.
Mixing Cleaning Solutions
Avoid mixing cleaning products. Otherwise, you risk creating a chemical that releases harmful fumes. Ensure that you always read the care instructions on store bought cleaners. Also, make sure not to use multiple cleaning products in close proximity. This can result in an unintentional mixture. Green cleaning products also aren’t safe to mix with one another. Instead of creating a powerful eco-friendly cleaner, a safety hazard can still be created by mixing them. Never mix the following:
- Bleach with rubbing alcohol;
- Bleach with vinegar;
- Hydrogen peroxide with vinegar;
- Store bought cleaners with vinegar.
Using Abrasive Cleaners for Stainless Steel
Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools to clean stainless steel. Those products will permanently damage the metal’s finish. Alternatively, use dedicated stainless steel cleaning products. Or just create your own solution by mixing warm water and mild dish soap. To apply the cleaner, use a soft cloth or a sponge. In short, avoid anything that can cause scratches on the stainless steel surface.
Final Thoughts
Enhance your cooking experience and keep your kitchen constantly clean with our valuable advice. Develop certain cleaning habits and avoid common mistakes while cleaning. Also, don’t forget to often sanitise commonly touched surfaces. This way, you will create a welcoming and healthy kitchen that your whole family will enjoy spending time in.
