Although it feels like we are in the middle of winter, spring is really only around the corner. When springtime hits, many of us will turn to the outdoors but our attention will also be focused inside, thanks to our spring cleaning routine.
Spring cleaning affects the entire house and if we clean from the top to the bottom, we could really keep ahead of what would be a difficult task otherwise. The kitchen is one of the most important areas to clean, not only because it is in the public eye but because it is where we prepare and store our foods. Here are some deep cleaning tips for your kitchen you will not want to miss.
1. Garbage Disposal
Most people know the trick about putting a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal but why not take it to the next level? Put some lemon slices in an ice cube tray and fill it with vinegar. After freezing it, simply toss a few ice cubes in the garbage disposal and run it until they dissolve.
2. Kool-Aid Trick
Most of us think about Kool-Aid as being a kids drink but the citrus in Kool-Aid can actually be good for your dishwasher. Simply pour a packet of Kool-Aid in the detergent section of your empty dishwasher and run it through to clean many of the stains from the dishwasher itself.
3. Baking Soda Refrigerator
More than likely, you already have a box of baking soda in the refrigerator to cut down on strong smells. You can also use it to clean the refrigerator by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of hot water. You’re welcome!
4. Stovetop Car Wax
You can look to the garage for a solution to help keep your stovetop clean. Grab some car wax and spread a layer on the top of the stove and then wipe it off with a soft rag. Car wax not only protects the paint on your vehicle, it can give a layer of protection for your stovetop.
5. Clean the Toaster
Before cleaning the inside of your toaster, you must make sure it is unplugged or you could get shocked! Flip it upside down and shake out any loose crumbs and then use a toothbrush to clean the inside.
6. Coffee Maker Cleaning
The coffee maker is a staple in many kitchens but it is important to clean the entire machine, not only the carafe. Doing so will help your coffee pot to continue to make the perfect cup of Java in the morning. Use equal parts of white vinegar and water and run it through the coffee pot. Make sure you run a few cycles of fresh water afterward to get rid of the vinegar taste.
7. Dish Soap for Cabinets
Dish soap is always found in the kitchen but it is not only for dishes. You can also mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water to clean your cabinets. Not only does it help to get them nice and shiny, the grease cutting power of the soap is of benefit as well.
8. Surface Grease Mineral Oil
When the surfaces of your kitchen start to show a greasy sheen, you could use a few drops of mineral oil in a paper towel to wipe the grease away. Make sure you wipe up any remaining oil when you are done.
9. Scrub Your Baking Pans
The baking pan seem to always have stains that never go away. After donning your kitchen gloves, mix 1/4 cup baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to create a paste. Rub the paste on the stains, allow it to sit for 45 minutes and then scrub the stains with warm water. Prepare to be amazed with how easily they come clean.
10. Lemons on Wood Cutting Boards
Wood cutting boards tend to lose their freshness over time but you can bring back the freshness with some coarse salt and a lemon. Slice of lemon in half, apply some salt to the board and use the lemon to scrub the salt on the board. Wipe with a damp paper towel when finished.
11. Bar Keepers Friend
Not only is bar keepers friend a friend of a bar keeper, it is a friend in the kitchen as well. Sprinkle some bar keepers friend on a wet surface, such as a pan, and scrub it. Wipe clean with a paper towel and rinse thoroughly.
12. Sponge Germs
If you’re anything like me, you hate the possibility of germs that grow on sponges very quickly. The solution may be as close as your microwave. Take a damp sponge and microwave it for 60 seconds on high. It will kill the germs and you will have a sponge that is ready for further use.
Via: Faith Tap
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