Keeping your kitchen clean

No one would think of eating food that fell in the toilet bowl but it turns out it may still be cleaner than if you dropped it in the kitchen sink. That’s because few of us disinfect our sinks as often or as well as we do our toilet bowls.

So, how do you ensure your kitchen stays spotless and germ-free? Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

• Fresh fridge: Cleaning your refrigerator can be a big job but it doesn’t have to take long. From coil brush to stainless steel doors, here’s how you can get it flawless in under 20 minutes.
• Bulk disinfection: The surest way to clean stove knobs, brushes, plastic utensils, refrigerator drawers, drain catches and sponges? Fill up your dishwasher.
• Wipe it up: The sponge in your sink may be crawling with critters. Instead, use Clorox or Windex wipes to clean your counter and stove tops, as well as fridge handles, toaster and microwave. If you have a built-in microwave/fan above your stove, remember to wipe underneath it and throw greasy fan filters into the dishwasher once a month.
• Microwave mess: Place a wet paper towel in your microwave for 3 minutes to soften the grime, then wipe it down with a wipe.
• Oven odor: Fishy or greasy smell in your oven? Wipe up drips with a vinegar-soaked towel, then fill a baking dish halfway with water and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, lemon juice or vinegar and leave it in the oven on low heat for half an hour. Prefer self-cleaning your oven? Here’s why you probably shouldn’t.
• Garbage leaks: Keep an open bag at the bottom of your trashcan to avoid leaks, and rinse out the can once a month with soap and water.

And that dirty kitchen sink? The best way to keep it truly clean is to wash it with bleach and water every day.

What are your tried and true tips for keeping your kitchen clean? Share them now in the Shop Talk Blog community forum!

Did you know: Alka-Seltzering your vases

Can’t get your hand down a vase to clean the dried residue? Fill it halfway with water, drop in a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets, wait a few minutes and rinse. (Source)