From baking cookies to roasting a turkey, your kitchen sees a lot of use during the holidays. Now that the pots, pans, utensils and dishes have been cleaned, it’s time to turn your attention to counters, appliances and floors. We aren’t talking about cleaning your kitchen, we’re talking about giving your kitchen a deep clean. Here are the steps to take to get that kitchen sparkling. Of course, you could always start with a brand-new kitchen by purchasing a new home in Veranda.
Gather Your Supplies
If you are deep cleaning, normal cleaning supplies won’t cut it. You need a step ladder, oven cleaner, vacuum with attachment, shelf or cabinet liners and drawer dividers, broom and mop, antibacterial cleansers, microfiber cloths, new sponges, stainless steel wipes and baking soda.
Start With a Clean Slate
The first step toward a clean kitchen is to clean the kitchen. That means doing what you would normally do. Wash the dishes and put them away, wipe down the countertops and put away your small appliances.
Declutter Your Fridge and Freezer
Why clean the refrigerator before the countertops? Because you can be sure there is probably something in there that will ooze out of a container all over your freshly cleaned kitchen island. Throw out expired food. Wash your shelves with a food-safe cleanser or just a little soapy water. Do the same with the freezer. Return the food to the shelves, wipe down the doors and you are good to go. This is also a good time to vacuum the coils of your unplugged refrigerator as dust can interfere with how well it works.
Now It’s Time for the Oven
Ovens have come a long way. Most are self-cleaning. Simply follow the directions and that’s it. If your oven isn’t self-cleaning, use oven cleaner. Follow the directions, wipe off the cleanser and admire how pretty it is. Don’t forget to clean the oven racks and the stovetop.
Microwaves and Dishwashers, Too
Microwaves should be cleaned out daily but if you really want to clean, bring a cup filled with water and lemon juice to boiling in the microwave allowing the steam to loosen up any dried-on food splatters. The lemon juice will help eliminate odors. Dishwashers could also use a deep clean. Run it empty with vinegar or baking soda. Clean the food trap. Then clean the outside of your appliance.
Tackle the Cabinets
Your beautiful kitchen cabinets are probably greasy. There are cleansers that can be used but a solution of one-part vinegar and two-parts water usually does the trick. Once your cabinets are dry, use a wood cleaning solution like Murphy’s soap. Remove your dishes, wipe down the insides of the cabinets and replace shelf liners.
Wipe Down the Counters
Now it’s time to work on those counters. Use an antibacterial cleanser on countertops. If you don’t have one, soap and hot water will work. If you have granite countertops, you can use glass cleaner. Remember that granite occasionally needs to be resealed so do that once your countertops are dry. If you have tile countertops, use a toothbrush to clean the grout.
Don’t Forget the Sink
Stainless-steel sinks can be wiped down, but enamel sinks may need to be bleached to get rid of stains. You can use a gentle bleach cleaner, or you can fill the sink with warm water and a quarter cup bleach. Leave the sink for 30 minutes then drain it. Wipe down the sink. Check your garbage disposal for blockages. If it smells, rinse the sink with baking soda.
Floors Are Important
Sweep your floors first. Check to see if you have any dried-on food or stains. Tackle these with a floor cleaning solution and a soft cloth. Get out your mop. Wood floors need specially made cleansers. Tile floors should be washed with something gentle.
Final Touches
Walls, ceiling fans, blinds and rugs should also be cleaned. Dust ceiling corners and spot treat any stains on the walls. Don’t be afraid to break out a degreaser. Get on the step stool and wipe down the blades of your ceiling fan. Blinds should be dusted, as well. Don’t forget vents, light fixtures and switch plates. Rugs can be thrown in the washer.
