Cleaning the kitchen is the second most dreaded housekeeping task in America, with 23 per cent of survey respondents saying it’s the chore they hate the most, according to the latest data from the American Cleaning Institute. It’s quite easy to see why, with all of its nooks and crannies and the dreadful thought of suddenly discovering a pest infestation. While it somewhat earns that reputation, cleaning difficult areas like the kitchen becomes a lot less daunting when you know what you’re doing.
Since the kitchen is one of the places in your home that gets a lot of use, it’s essential to keep it in top condition so you can enjoy eating and preparing meals. Cooking, with your family, friends, or even just by yourself can be therapeutic and stress-relieving, making it an essential part of self-care. So take in these important tips to keep your kitchen as spotless as can be, so your kitchen can function as it was always meant to.
General Kitchen Cleaning Tips
Before everything else, it’s important that you get basic kitchen cleaning down. Firstly, make sure to clean up spills and messes as soon as they occur. This will help prevent stains and make cleaning easier. Secondly, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, stovetops, and appliances. Don’t forget to clean the inside of your microwave, oven, and refrigerator. Thirdly, sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to prevent dirt and dust buildup. Lastly, sanitize your kitchen surfaces regularly with a disinfectant spray or wipe.
Kitchen Spots That are Often Overlooked When Cleaning
There are several often-overlooked spots in your kitchen that require regular cleaning. Firstly, your kitchen sink is a breeding ground for bacteria and can harbour harmful germs. Clean your sink with hot water and soap every day and sanitize it regularly with a disinfectant spray. Secondly, your cutting boards can also be a source of contamination, so make sure to wash them with hot soapy water after each use. Lastly, your trash can, especially if left uncleaned, can attract pests like cockroaches and rodents. Make sure to clean it regularly with a disinfectant spray or solution to keep pests away.
Pests can be a major issue in the kitchen, as they can carry diseases and contaminate your food. To prevent pests, make sure to store all food in sealed containers, including pet food. Did you know that certain types of food can attract pests of a particular kind? For example, bread, grains, and seeds are the main things that support a rodent population, while oily foods like peanut butter, rich in protein and fat, is incredibly effective at attracting cockroaches. And we all know that ants love sugary food like honey, and stagnant water is another thing that pests crowd around.
Keep your kitchen clean and free of such food debris, and regularly wipe down all surfaces to prevent crumbs and spills from attracting pests. Additionally, seal any gaps or cracks in your kitchen walls or floors to prevent pests from entering your home. If you do have a pest infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control service to eliminate the problem quickly and effectively.
The Nooks and Crannies
These are small, yet important details that tend to be even more overlooked than the above. One tip is to regularly clean the exterior of appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, as they can accumulate dust and grime over time. Additionally, toasters often have removable crumb trays that should be emptied and cleaned regularly. Neglecting to do so can lead to a fire hazard and attract pests like cockroaches and ants.
Another overlooked area in the kitchen is the sink drain. Food debris, grease, and other particles can accumulate and create unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and attract pests. To clean the drain, first, remove any visible debris, then pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. This will help dissolve any buildup and deodorize the drain. It is also important to clean the sink itself regularly with a disinfectant to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. By paying attention to these small but important details, you can keep your kitchen clean and free from pests.
A clean and pest-free kitchen is not just essential for hygiene but also for maintaining a healthy and stress-free lifestyle. With these key tips in mind, cleaning the kitchen need not be a dreaded task anymore. It can be a therapeutic and satisfying experience, making cooking and entertaining in the kitchen more enjoyable.
The Urban Woman Magazine Editorial Team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for all things urban. We strive to create fresh, original content that appeals to the modern woman. Our mission is to provide a platform for women to share their stories, experiences and opinions on various issues affecting their lives.
