How to Clean the Kitchen:
In the kitchen, wiping down countertops, keeping an eye on the refrigerator, and doing dishes daily will prevent large, time-consuming messes from piling up.
Keep the Sink Clean:
If you are someone who tends to let dishes sit in the sink to avoid washing them, try this simple trick: Set a timer before you start for a few days when you think about doing dishes, and note how long it actually took to clean up. Once you know that the task takes only a few minutes to complete, it becomes far easier to convince yourself to take care of those dishes right away.
How to Clean a Burnt Pot: To clean a badly burnt pot without endless scrubbing, cover the burnt area with a generous amount of baking soda and pour in enough boiling water to fill the pot one-third to halfway up. Once the water is cool enough to touch safely, use a sponge and the baking soda solution to scrub away the scorched residue. Pour out the mixture and rinse the pot with warm, soapy water.
The Dishwasher Debate: While there may not be one universally agreed-upon way to load a dishwasher (and what would couples debate about if there were?), there is one universal rule: It is much easier to load from back to front.
Clean Your Sink Basin & Faucet
The sink, especially the faucet, can be wiped clean of bacteria and food particles with a general multi-surface cleaner. We should probably all clean the faucet more frequently, considering it is something we often touch with food-covered hands.
Sponges should also be cleaned frequently, either by running them through the dishwasher or heating them in the microwave. If using a microwave, make sure the sponge contains no metal, soak it thoroughly with water, and microwave it on high for two minutes; be careful when removing it as it will be very hot.
Has your sponge holder developed mildew or grime? Use an old toothbrush dipped in bleach or white vinegar – but never both, as combining them creates dangerous chemical fumes – to scrub away the mold. Afterwards, wash the holder with warm soapy water or run it through the dishwasher.
Keep Surfaces Clean
Wipe down your countertops and stovetop with a multi-purpose cleaner after every use. Cooktops especially benefit from this quick, routine wipe-down, as spatters, spills, and grease harden if left too long.
How to Clean a Stovetop: Stubborn baked-on spills and greasy film require an effective scrubbing tool. A non-scratch scouring pad combined with a gentle powdered cleanser will make short work of persistent grime. When cleaning stainless steel, scrub along the grain rather than in circles to avoid scratches, and use a gentle touch so that the cleanser does the work.
How to Clean Small Appliances: The exterior of small countertop appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, and blenders should be wiped down frequently with an all-purpose cleaner to prevent grease accumulation from cooking. For deeper cleaning, remove detachable parts and wash by hand or in the dishwasher. Wipe the housing using cotton swabs or a soft toothbrush for tight corners and crevices.
Tackling the Refrigerator
An easy way to keep your fridge organized and fresh is to add a quick check on trash day:
Open the fridge and inspect the contents when you take out the garbage. Are there leftovers that have gone bad? Discard them. Has any produce wilted in the crisper drawer? Clear it out. Are the last few eggs about to expire? Make a note to prepare an omelet for dinner, and give yourself credit for preventing food waste.
How to Clean Sticky Spills: When sticky residue occurs in the fridge or pantry, make quick work of it by applying a warm compress. Soak a cloth or sponge in hot water and wring it out so it is not dripping. Press it firmly against the sticky spot until the warmth softens the residue. Once loosened, wipe it away clean.
Take Out the Trash in Time
Here is a simple truth: Waiting will never make the trash smell better. Empty it right away and keep your kitchen fresh.