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IT'S TIME TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN AND SAY HELLO TO SPRING
- Nathalie Yamini
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Spring is here, and it's time for a deep cleaning in our homes. For some, cleaning, throwing away things, and updating the decor can be a wonderful task; however, for others, it can be a little more complicated. Here are some tips for cleaning your kitchen, one of the spaces that needs the most attention.
PREPARE ALL THAT YOU NEED
Before you start cleaning the kitchen, check that you have all the cleaning products you usually use: from degreasers to floor cleaners, taking into account the materials of your kitchen cabinets, floors, and walls. Vinegar, for example, is a good option for degreasing and disinfecting the kitchen and is generally suitable for almost all types of surfaces. You shouldn't forget to bring gloves to protect yourself.
Clear the countertop and scrub any dirty utensils. Having everything clean will leave the surfaces ready for easy cleaning of items inside the cabinets.
START FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: THE CABINETS
The next step is to clean the inside of the kitchen cabinets. Start at one side of the kitchen and empty the inside. Place dishes, glassware, or pots on the counter, but away from the area you're standing in, this way you'll avoid staining.
To clean the inside of the cabinets, you can use a degreaser or vinegar, a cheap product that's just as effective as any specific cleaner. If the grease stains don't come off, try cleaning them with dish soap and a scouring pad. Then, wipe them with a cloth to remove any soap residue. Dry the inside and wipe the fronts, in the same way as the inside.
Put away your utensils and take this time to check if anything can be thrown away or if there's anything broken or unused. Do the same with the rest of the kitchen cabinets, and when you've finished the top cabinets, do the same with the bottom cabinets.
Do the same with the pantry cabinet, removing expired products and cleaning the inside as explained above.
CLEAN THE APPLIANCES
You will need to clean both the inside and outside. Start with the hood: you can remove the racks and put them in the dishwasher to clean them properly. Another option is to soak them in a little vinegar and dish soap.
While they're soaking, continue cleaning the refrigerator, which requires emptying it. Check for any expired products, throw them away, and clean the inside of the refrigerator with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and disinfect the refrigerator.
The oven and microwave also deserve special attention. Start with the oven, as you'll need to let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. You can use a specific cleaner, salt, lemon, baking soda... there are many products for cleaning and disinfecting the oven. The easiest way is with salt: mix 1/2 liter of water with 250 grams of salt. Make a paste. Apply it to the oven walls and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove any residue with a cloth. If the oven is very dirty, you should use other formulas, such as a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
While the mixture is sitting in the oven, you can clean the microwave. Put a glass with a little lemon juice in it and set the oven to full power for a couple of minutes. This will soften the grease and grime, making it easier to clean. Wipe the outside of the oven with the paste as well. And, if it's not built in, move it to clean the surface where it's resting.
When you're done with these appliances, clean the extractor hood. You can place a pot of water on the stove so the steam helps soften the grease. Use a cloth soaked in vinegar to remove any residue. Then, wipe the racks and replace them. You should also clean the glass ceramic or gas stove. Use a specific cleaner or a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Make a mixture, spread it over the surface, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, remove any residue with a cloth.
CLEAN THE WALLS
If your kitchen walls are tiled, they'll be easy to clean. Just wipe them with a cloth soaked in vinegar to remove grease. If they're very dirty, we recommend using a scouring pad and dish soap. Take the opportunity to clean the light switches and outlets as well.
If the wall is painted, it's usually plastic-coated, so a simple wipe will do. If it's wallpaper, it'll also be moisture-resistant, so the same solution will work.
CLEAN THE COUNTERTOP ACCORDING TO THE MATERIAL
You've almost got everything clean, with the appliances, cabinets, and walls cleaned, as well as the countertop tidy. It's time to clean it. Follow these instructions depending on the material:
Marble: Use a mild soap and a non-scratch sponge. And avoid lemon at all costs: its acids will damage it.
Granite: It's durable and very easy to maintain: clean it with soap and water, but never with harsh scouring pads.
Wood: Remove stains immediately; the longer you wait, the harder they will be to remove. Clean it with mild soap and avoid getting it too wet; excess water will damage it. Regularly, apply a special oil to moisturize it.
Stainless steel: Be careful with scratches: Always clean the countertop with a soft cloth and mild soap. To give it a shine, just apply a few drops of oil.
Synthetic: Don't leave hot containers on it; they can easily damage it. Use mild soap and rinse the countertop with a cloth dampened in hot water.
SWEEPING AND CLEANING THE FLOOR: THE LAST STEP
The last step in cleaning the kitchen is the floors. Start by sweeping, and then take advantage of the time you've thrown away leftovers to clean the trash cans. Finally, use a specific cleaner or vinegar to clean the floors.
In any case, the step-by-step instructions we offer are for a general kitchen cleaning, but you can create a cleaning schedule with the areas you should check daily, weekly, monthly, three-monthly, and six-monthly. This way, you'll have a spotless kitchen in less time than you imagine.
YAMINI KITCHENS AND MORE
+1 (305) 446-4754
LOCATIONS
18187 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, Fl 33160
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