6 Kitchen Maintenance Tips that Go a Long Way

Your kitchen is one of the hardest rooms in your house to keep on top of, but it’s also the most important. Unfortunately, houses don’t come with kitchen maintenance manuals, and learning to keep your kitchen clean and running smoothly can be a lengthy process that is hard learned. That’s why we have put together some top tips to help you speed up the process and stay ahead of the game.

Below is some easy and useful guidance on how and when to clean and maintain different parts of your kitchen. 

The Right Tools for the Job

Performing any task is always easier when you have the right tools handy. Thankfully, there is no need to go out and spend a fortune on fancy cleaning products; most of what you need will already be sitting in your cupboards. Firstly, you’ll need cleaning implements. A small brush or toothbrush (preferably not your spouses), a sponge and a microfibre cloth are all essential items. Once you have the implements, you’ll need a couple of cleaning products. Any household disinfectant will be fine, along with some ceramic glass cleaner and mild dish soap. In addition to these, you’ll need a few secret ingredients for your cleaning duties. If you haven’t already got them, then pick up some salt, lemons, baking soda, and if they’re made of wood, some oil for your cutting boards.

Tiled Surfaces

Keeping on top of splashes, spills and the build-up of grime will cut down the time required to perform a deep clean dramatically and stop any of the marks becoming more permanent stains. Tiled surfaces can include a backsplash, your walls, and floor. The backsplash is likely to get splattered the most. Use a mixture of one part baking soda to eight parts water to wipe it over once a week (or as needed).

Other tiled surfaces shouldn’t be subjected to the same degree of splatters and grease build-up. Use soapy water and a microfibre cloth on wall tiles. Dab a bit of baking soda or use the distilled white vinegar and water for more stubborn stains. The same goes for the floor. Cleaning these once a week will keep on top of any build-up. 

Countertops, Sink and Chopping Boards

Warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth are enough to keep your countertops clean. Wipe them over once a day to keep germs at bay. You can wash your sink with the same mix and a sponge. If any stains persist then use a bit of the white vinegar to remove them. The small brush or toothbrush can come in handy on the harder to reach places, especially around your faucets. Wooden chopping boards are useful when cooking but can dry out and start absorbing all sorts of food juices. Treating them with a special oil can keep them waterproof and hygienic. It’s quick and easy to do as long as you use the right kind of oil for your cutting boards. 

Garbage Disposal and Bin

A garbage disposal that isn’t cleaned occasionally can lead to some nasty odors in your kitchen. Thankfully, keeping the garbage smell at bay is quick and easy. Under normal circumstances, you will only need to perform this once a month, but you can do it more often if needed. Simply drop lemon peels into the garbage disposal and run them through. Your bin can be another germ fest. Simply clean it outside or in the bath using a disinfectant cleaner twice a month. 

However heavily used your kitchen is, keeping on top of a few of these simple jobs will help to keep the heart of your home fresh and clean.