The kitchen is the heart of the home, where meals are prepared and shared with loved ones. Therefore, it's important to know how to clean your kitchen effectively. A clean kitchen not only promotes good health, but it also makes cooking and food preparation more efficient and enjoyable. However, it can be easy to overlook certain areas of the kitchen when cleaning, which may lead to the buildup of bacteria, pests, and unpleasant odours. In this article, we will provide a brief overview of the common areas in the kitchen that people often forget to clean.

The Top of Cabinets and Refrigerator

The top of kitchen cabinets and refrigerator are two areas in the kitchen that are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. These areas can accumulate dust, grease, and other debris over time, which can lead to unpleasant odours and may even attract pests. One reason why they are overlooked is because they are out of sight and hard to reach. However, neglecting these areas can compromise the cleanliness of the entire kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean them effectively; 

1. Remove any loose debris with a dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. 
2. Use warm soapy water and a sponge to clean the surface thoroughly. For stubborn grime, use a scrub brush or a baking soda and water mixture. Rinse with clean water and dry the surface with a clean towel.
3. Consider using a protective barrier, such as wax paper or contact paper, to prevent future buildup.

The Dishwasher

The dishwasher is an essential kitchen appliance that saves time and effort by cleaning dishes automatically. However, like all appliances, it requires regular cleaning to function effectively. Neglecting to clean the dishwasher can lead to unpleasant odours, buildup of grime, and even damage to the appliance. Therefore, it's important to include the dishwasher in your regular cleaning routine. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean it effectively;

1. First, remove any loose debris, such as food scraps and utensils, from the dishwasher. 
2. Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of the dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle. This will help remove any buildup of grime and remove any unpleasant odours. After the cycle is complete, sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher and run it again on a short, hot cycle. This will help remove any remaining stains and leave the dishwasher smelling fresh.
3. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the dishwasher with a clean, damp cloth.

Garbage Can or Recycling Bin

The garbage can or recycling bin are two areas in the kitchen that are often neglected when it comes to cleaning. This is because they are used for disposing of waste, which can make them dirty and unpleasant to clean. However, these areas are mostly likely where buildup of bacteria and bad odours come from, which can compromise the cleanliness of the entire kitchen. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean them effectively; 

1. Empty the contents of the garbage can and recycling bin into the appropriate waste disposal bins. 
2. Fill a large sink or bathtub with hot, soapy water and add a cup of white vinegar. Place the garbage can and recycling bin in the water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. 
3. Scrub the inside and outside of the containers with a sponge or brush to remove any buildup of grime or food scraps. Rinse the containers with clean water and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.
4. Sprinkle baking soda inside the containers to help absorb any remaining odours.

Small Appliances

Small appliances, such as toasters, blenders, and coffee makers, are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. This is because they are used frequently and can be challenging to clean thoroughly, especially in hard-to-reach areas. However, neglecting to clean these appliances will build up grime and bacteria over time, which can impact the taste and quality of the food and beverages they prepare. Therefore, it's important to include small appliances in your regular cleaning routine. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean them effectively; 

1. Unplug the appliance and remove any loose debris, such as crumbs or liquid spills. 
2. Use warm, soapy water and a sponge or cloth to clean the exterior and interior of the appliance, including any removable parts, such as blender blades or toaster trays. For stubborn stains or grime, use a mixture of baking soda and water or a specialised appliance cleaner.
3. Wipe down the exterior of the appliance with a clean cloth and return any removable parts to their original positions. By regularly cleaning your small appliances, you can ensure that they function effectively and prepare food and beverages that are clean and hygienic.

Sink and Faucet

The sink and faucet are two areas in the kitchen that are used frequently and can easily accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria. Neglecting to clean these areas regularly can even impact the quality of the water flowing from the faucet. Therefore, it's important to include the sink and faucet in your regular cleaning routine. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean this part of the kitchen effectively;

1. Remove any dishes or utensils from the sink and use a paper towel to remove any loose debris, such as food scraps. 
2. Use a scrub brush or sponge and a mild detergent to clean the sink basin and faucet thoroughly. Pay extra attention to the areas around the drain and faucet, as they can harbour bacteria and grime. For stubborn stains or mineral buildup, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a specialised cleaning product. 
3. Rinse the sink and faucet with clean water and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry. 
4. Polish the faucet with a dry cloth or use a stainless steel cleaner to remove any water spots or fingerprints.

For those who are new to maintaining a kitchen, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why we've included some helpful kitchen cleaning tips for beginners. These tips include creating a cleaning schedule, breaking up the cleaning into smaller tasks, and using the right tools and cleaning products. By following these tips, even those who are new to kitchen cleaning can keep their kitchen organised and hygienic. By incorporating these tips and regularly cleaning your kitchen, you can create a healthy and enjoyable environment for cooking and spending time with loved ones.