Maintaining a clean kitchen is essential for a healthy and organized home. Some individuals choose to tidy up their kitchen daily, dedicating 10 minutes each evening to keep things in order. Others opt for a more thorough cleaning session lasting an hour on weekends to ensure a sparkling kitchen for the week ahead.
To achieve a gleaming and sanitized kitchen quickly, avoid these common cleaning mistakes:
1. Using Harsh Cleansers on Stone Countertops: Be cautious when cleaning different surfaces to prevent damage. Avoid using abrasive products like bleach on stone countertops.
2. Skipping the Degreaser: Grease buildup is common in kitchens and can be unsightly. Regularly use a degreasing product to keep appliances, counters, and cabinets free from sticky residue.
3. Ignoring the Inside of Your Dishwasher: Clean the inside of your dishwasher monthly to prevent clogs and ensure optimal performance.
4. Forgetting to Clean the Coffee Pot: Maintain your coffee maker by removing hard-water deposits and residue that can affect the taste of your coffee.
5. Cleaning the Kitchen Floor First: Follow a proper cleaning sequence starting with dishes, cabinets, appliances, and counters before addressing the floor.
6. Neglecting the Kitchen Sink: Regularly scrub, disinfect, and sanitize the sink, tap, and spout to eliminate bacteria.
7. Skipping Knobs, Handles, and Switches: Don’t forget to clean frequently touched surfaces such as stove knobs, refrigerator handles, drawer pulls, and light switches.
8. Avoid Putting Everything in the Dishwasher: Some items like kitchen knives, cast-iron skillets, and crystal should not be placed in the dishwasher to maintain their quality.
By being mindful of these mistakes and following proper cleaning techniques, you can achieve a spotless kitchen efficiently.
Don’t Underestimate the Effectiveness of a Vacuum Cleaner
Whether you’re tidying up your kitchen cabinets, removing crumbs from under your stove, or reaching that tough spot behind the refrigerator, a vacuum cleaner can be a powerful cleaning tool, particularly if it comes with a wand attachment for those hard-to-reach areas.
Avoid Relying Solely on Your Oven’s Self-Cleaning Feature
While the self-cleaning function of your oven may appear convenient, it’s best to think twice before using it. Smoke and fumes can be problematic, and the process may not completely eliminate all residue. Even if you occasionally activate the self-cleaning feature, it’s still necessary to periodically clean your oven and its greasy door.
For more information, refer to the original article in Southern Living.
