Don’t waste hours cleaning your kitchen with the wrong products! Using a few simple items you probably already have at home, you can get your cleaning done without throwing the whole day out the window, saving you money, time and energy. Here’s how you can clean your kitchen in just four easy steps.
Tackle countertop stains
To avoid corroding your counters or causing unintended bleaching, it’s best to consult your countertop manufacturer for tips on cleaning surfaces. However, if you’ve stained your counter with tomato sauce, oil or coffee for example, the following tips often work. After cleaning off the mess, make a vinegar solution (two parts water, one part white vinegar) and spray on the stain, leave for a few minutes then wipe off. If you’ve got marble or granite counters that may corrode, make a paste of baking soda or hydrogen peroxide instead by mixing the powder with a few drops of water. Apply for a few minutes then clean off. Remember to always do a patch test first in an inconspicuous corner!
Clean a greasy oven or stove
If you don’t want to use commercial degreasers or cleaning products in your kitchen, mix half a cup of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. Apply the mixture to your stove or the inside of the oven, leave on for half a day then spritz the paste with white vinegar. You’ll see lots of bubbling. Wipe off the foam with a damp cloth and repeat the procedure as needed.
Image courtesy of Paolo Bendandi
Get rid of weird fridge smells
Reach for your trusty box of baking soda again, sprinkle a good amount on a plate, stick it in the fridge and the odours should disappear within a few hours. All thanks to baking soda’s natural odour-absorbing properties! Just replace the powder when it starts losing its magic. No need for harsh chemicals that have no business being near your food.
Degrease hood filters
Remove the filters and steep them in a solution of hot water and just enough degreaser or dish soap to make it foamy. After a few minutes, use a damp sponge to clean off the grease. Rinse and dry the filters before putting them back. Not only will they look as good as new, they will also function much more smoothly, improving the ventilation in your kitchen.
Image courtesy of Turbo
This was adapted from an article originally published in the April 2020 issue of SquareRooms. Featured image courtesy of Mr Shopper Studio.
