You might not think about it, but the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you prepare all your meals and snacks, so it needs to be as clean as possible at all times. The last thing you want is a dirty kitchen that can potentially make you sick or cause a mess.
But how do you keep your kitchen clean? Here’s how to keep your kitchen functional:
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1. Keep your appliances in good working condition
Appliances that aren’t working can be a pain, especially if you only find out that they’re broken when you need them. So, to avoid this from happening, it’s important to keep your appliances in good working condition. This means that you should be checking them regularly for any problems and get the broken appliances fixed as soon as possible.
2. Daily kitchen cleaning
A simple sweep of the floor and wiping down surfaces once a day is usually enough to prevent any large amounts of grime from building up. If you have a kitchen cleaner, add them in once a week to eliminate any germs.
3. Clean up spills and leaks swiftly
When you accidentally knock over your cup of juice or leave a piece of raw meat on the counter for too long, it’s important to clean up these spills and leaks as soon as possible before they can cause any damage to your flooring or appliances.
4. Keep counters clear of dirt and grime
You can always wipe down counters every day with your preferred cleaning solution, but you should also be keeping them free of any dirt and grime. This includes underneath appliances like microwaves or toasters where crumbs can easily build up and the backsplash between the countertops and cupboards.
5. Always keep your dishwasher empty
Even if dishes are clean, they can get dirty quickly when you store them in a dishwasher that’s already full of other dishes. This means that if your dish soap is running low and needs replacing, it’ll be much harder to wash any new future dishes that need cleaning.
6. Empty trash cans often
Trash cans are convenient, but they can quickly become an eyesore if you leave them full for too long. They’re also a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so it’s important to empty them often, preferably after every use. Make sure that the trash bin is big enough that you don’t have to replace it every week or every other week to store the full one.
7. Use microfiber cloths for easier, more thorough cleaning
Microfiber is great for wiping down surfaces and getting rid of dust. It’s also safe to use appliances like refrigerators to get rid of fingerprints without leaving any smudges behind. However, it’s best not to use microfiber cloths on windows, mirrors, or other surfaces that are water sensitive.
8. Keep food stored in sealed containers
When food isn’t kept in sealed containers, it can attract all sorts of pests inside your home. If you’re storing something that has a particularly strong smell to it, make sure to keep it in the fridge or freezer until you need to use it.
9. Replace wooden cutting boards every year
Wooden cutting boards can be great for reducing how often you have to wash your dishes because they’re usually coated with a layer of resin that prevents any germs from getting through. However, bacteria and other microorganisms easily break down this resin, so it’s important to replace wooden cutting boards every year before the protective layer gets worn down too much.
10. Keep your kitchen free of clutter
Clutter in the kitchen is just an eyesore, but it can also lead to accidents if you wind around or climb over things while cooking. This includes large appliances like ovens and stoves and dishes that need washing up. Keeping everything as clean as possible will help you cook without worrying about mishaps.
11. Never thaw meat at room temperature
When you leave the meat out on the counter to thaw, it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. This means that if you’re in a hurry and need to get cooking right away, you should always defrost your food either in the fridge or microwave instead of setting it out to defrost at room temperature.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, these tips are sure to help keep your kitchen as clean and clutter-free as possible all year round. From how to prevent spills from lingering on the floor for too long to what foods should never be left out at room temperature, this list is perfect for any beginner cook looking to reduce their chances of accidents in the kitchen.