By: Lauren Bove
Cleaning a kitchen may come naturally to some people, but those of us without a lot of experience shouldn't worry. This beginner's guide to kitchen cleaning offers a variety of tips. Read all the way through before starting, though, so you can make use of the tricks that make it easier for a beginner, or a pro, to clean a kitchen.
Kitchen-cleaning basics
- Prepare yourself. Start cleaning when you're at your most energetic. For some people, that's first thing in the morning. Other folks feel their best in the afternoon. Make yourself a refreshing beverage, and keep it handy while you work. Play your favorite, lively music in the background. It will make the experience more pleasurable and even a little fun.
- Have your tools handy. You will need a broom or vacuum, mop, sponge or microfiber cloth, and a bucket.
- Clean from top to bottom. If you save the top of the fridge for last, you'll be brushing dust down onto a newly cleaned floor. Tackle tops of cabinets and refrigerators first. (Don't forget to dust recessed lighting and any hanging fixtures, such as lights or pot racks.) If you have any windows, now is the time to make them sparkle. Move on to the inside of the cabinets and outside of the upper cabinets. Next come the counter tops and appliances, inside and out. Put your oven on its self-cleaning cycle (if only the whole kitchen had a self-cleaning button!) Now clean the outside of cabinets before ending with the floor.
Sneaky short cuts
These tricks from a beginner's guide to kitchen cleaning will make the job easier.
- Freshen the microwave and loosen cooked-on crud by heating half of a lemon in a small bowl of water on high for 30 seconds. You can use the warm lemon to scrub out the inside of the microwave. (Rubber gloves will keep your hand from burning.)
- Vacuum the cabinets, then wipe with a damp cloth. Believe it or not, even though drawers and doors cover your cabinets, crumbs (and teeny bugs) are sneaky. A couple of times a year, vacuuming the inside of cabinets will help immensely. That means taking everything out and putting it out of the way. On a regular basis, though, a quick wipe-down with warm, soapy water (or water and vinegar) is usually all it takes. Moving items around while you clean is sufficient.
- Clean windows with water and vinegar or a consumer glass product. If you choose multipurpose cleansers, you won't even have to switch gears as you move on to counter tops, back splashes, appliance surfaces and tabletops.
- Shine up that sink with the appropriate cleaner. Stainless steel will clean up well with Windex, Bon Ami or Bar Keeper's Friend. Soft-Scrub and Bon Ami are perfect for enamel sinks. (Be sure to read the manufacturer's cleaning suggestions for all appliances, sinks and surfaces for the best result.) The rough side of a sponge will get gunk off the drain crevices. Don't forget to clean the underside of the garbage disposal flaps to help eradicate odors. (Be sure no one's hands are near the on switch!)
- Sweep, then mop the floor. Mop water should be hot for the best results. For daily dirt, a water-and-vinegar combination usually is enough to get the job done. Depending on your floor surface and the degree of dirt, soapy detergents like Murphy's Oil Soap (for wood floors) or other specialty floor cleaners may be necessary. If your floor is in really bad shape, you'll want to change the water frequently so you're not mopping with dirty water. Or, you can rinse the mop in the sink before dipping it back in the bucket. (If you choose that method, clean your sink last.)
NOTE: When cleaning, use the least noxious substance first. If you can clean it with water, use water. If you need something stronger, move up a notch to warm, soapy water, then vinegar and water, and so on. Save the ammonia, bleach and other harsher chemicals for last resorts. Not only will it save you money, it's better for the environment.
With a little practice and patience, your kitchen will be impeccable-and you'll be sharing instead of reading a beginner's guide to kitchen cleaning.
