How Clean is your Kitchen?
For those working full-time and without the assistance of a domestic helper, staying on top of cleaning isn't all that easy.
05/07/202
When you work full-time and don't have a domestic helper, staying on top of cleaning can be difficult. We all like to think our kitchens are as clean as can be, but when was the last time you cleaned out the cupboards and cabinets in your kitchen?
Not only is a regular cleanout of cupboards a great way of refreshing a kitchen, but it is also excellent for freeing up cupboard space by getting rid of items you no longer us, appliances that don't work and crockery that is chipped or cracked. A good clean and you can clean away grime that has built up and give your kitchen an instant facelift.
You might think that cleaning your kitchen cabinet isn't exactly a fun task, but with these tips, you can cut down on the amount of time by following our cleaning checklist.
YOU WILL NEED:
A trip to the cleaning product aisle in your local supermarket will kit you out with all the products you need to clean your kitchen from top to bottom, but there are also plenty of natural cleaning products that do the job just as well, if not better. White spirit vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice are just a few of the favourites that can be used to replace toxic products.
Make sure to have plenty of microfibre cleaning cloths, scouring sponges and dust cloths on hand so that you don't have to stop before you're finished. You will also need an old toothbrush or scrubbing brush and some rubber gloves if you have sensitive skin.
1. Clean Out and Get Rid of Clutter
Cleaning out the kitchen cupboards and cabinets is the perfect opportunity to get rid of items that are taking up valuable storage space; items you no longer use, appliances that don't work, items that are broken or missing pieces, items that have expired - all these can be tossed out.
Carefully remove items from the cupboards and place them on your dining table. Put down a tablecloth or old sheet to protect the tabletop from scratches. Emptying all the cupboards at the same time will make it easier to sort through and organize when putting items back. Or perhaps you need better organization by moving certain items to different cupboards for easier access. Whatever the reason... now is the perfect time to do it.
GOOD TO KNOW: Make a note of items tossed out in case these need to be replaced when you next go shopping.
2. Use dishwashing liquid and warm water to wipe down the empty cupboards. Have a stepladder or stool handy so that you can start at the top so that you can clean out any loose debris and then work your way down. Have a cloth to wipe down and a clean, damp cloth to rinse. Once you have cleaned you will be able to see any remaining stains or grime that has been left behind.
GOOD TO KNOW: Your cleaning cloths should not be too wet, as this could damage the surface of your cupboards.
3. When you encounter any sticky areas or grease build-up you should swap to a stronger cleaner such as a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water to break down these difficult situations. You could even add a dash of vinegar to increase the cleaning power.
GOOD TO KNOW: Use a sponge to apply and rub over stubborn grime but don't rub too hard. You don't want to damage the finish on your cabinets. After cleaning, wipe down with a clean cloth to rinse and dry the shelves.
4. While you are cleaning, don't forget to clean the sides of the cupboards as well. These get just as dirty, as do the inside and edges of the door and frame.
5. Use lemon juice and bicarb to clean grease and grime from the front of the kitchen cabinet doors. A spray bottle will make it easier to apply the cleaner, so be sure to have a couple of spray bottles on hand for homemade spray cleaners.
5. Handles and knobs soon become dull or faded and a good clean will have them shiny and clean again. An old toothbrush will come in handy for hard to reach areas where the dirt accumulates around the handles. Find more cleaning tips here.
GOOD TO KNOW: Remember to rinse and dry all the cleaned areas.
Once you have put everything back in the cupboards and cabinets, give cupboard doors and frames a last wipe down for a final once over.
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