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Looking at those food bloggers' spotless kitchens makes me incredibly envious. But when I look at my own kitchen, the difference is like night and day. The grease on the range hood is so thick you could scrape it off to make hot pot base, the stove edges are almost growing mushrooms from the burnt residue, and don't even get me started on the microwave decorated with all sorts of colorful food stains.
To be honest, these stubborn stains have been tormenting me. The other day, I finally gathered the courage to do a deep clean and got the microwave sparkling clean, only to have porridge boil over and make a mess again. Looking at those pristine food blogger kitchens, I really wonder: how do they do it? Do they have professional cleaners?
However, after years of trial and error in the kitchen, going from a complete cleaning novice to now being able to maintain basic kitchen cleanliness, I've accumulated quite a few practical cleaning tips. Today I'll share these valuable experiences with you to help your kitchen shine too.
Appliance Care
When it comes to cleaning kitchen appliances, it can be quite challenging. Unlike regular dishes that can be washed directly with water, one wrong move could lead to water damage and short circuits, turning small problems into big ones. But once you master the right methods, cleaning these appliances isn't so difficult.
Let's start with the microwave, which has been my main cleaning battleground. When I first started using the microwave, I would always forget to cover dishes, resulting in food splattering everywhere. The grease and food residue on the walls would dry into the ultimate form of stubborn stains that no amount of cleaning products could handle. Later, I discovered an incredibly simple cleaning method that's both time-saving and eco-friendly.
Here's how to do it: Take a large bowl, add two cups of water and half a cup of white vinegar, then heat it in the microwave on high for 10 minutes. The steam will soften stubborn grease, while the vinegar's acidity neutralizes odors. Once it cools down, simply wipe with a cloth and the stains will melt away like snow. For particularly stubborn stains, you can wipe again while it's still warm, guaranteeing a like-new cleanliness.
However, a word of caution when using this method: don't fill the bowl too full to prevent overflow during heating. Also, wait for the microwave to cool down before opening the door to avoid steam burns.
If you don't have white vinegar on hand, don't worry. Lemon slices make a great alternative. I usually heat some lemon slices in warm water in the microwave - it not only cleans but leaves a fresh citrus scent. This method is perfect for microwaves that aren't too dirty but have odors.
As for dishwashers, while they save us lots of dish-washing effort, they also need regular maintenance. I once neglected cleaning mine and ended up with limescale buildup, leaving a white film on dishes that looked quite unsanitary. After multiple attempts, I developed a very effective cleaning method: sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit overnight. The next morning, add a cup of white vinegar and run an empty cycle for a like-new result.
The principle behind this method is simple: baking soda softens limescale and food residue, while vinegar further breaks down these deposits. Using them together works better than using either alone. Plus, these are natural cleaning products that won't harm your dishwasher, making them completely safe to use.
Besides these large appliances, many small kitchen appliances also need regular cleaning. Take juicers, for example - if not cleaned immediately after use, dried pulp becomes extremely difficult to remove. I've now developed the habit of disassembling and washing right after use, using warm water to easily remove residue. If it's already dried, soaking in warm water for a while first makes cleaning much easier.
Rice cooker cleaning is also important. Many people might think rice cookers don't get very dirty since they just cook rice. But the bottom and edges often develop limescale, which can affect heating performance over time. My cleaning method is: pour in a mixture of white vinegar and water, run a cooking cycle for a while, then turn it off to cool. Once the water temperature drops, gently wipe with a sponge and the limescale comes right off.
Kitchenware Maintenance
When it comes to kitchenware cleaning, there's endless experience to share. Especially for heavily used items like baking sheets and cutting boards - without proper care, they quickly become black and dirty, which can really kill your appetite.
Let's start with baking sheets. I bought a non-stick baking sheet that became unsightly and increasingly sticky after just a short time. Then I discovered an amazing cleaning method: the combination of lemon and baking soda is truly a match made in cleaning heaven. Here's how to do it: First, sprinkle baking soda on the greasy baking sheet, then add a few drops of lemon juice and let them react. After 15 minutes, wipe gently with a cloth and even the most stubborn black spots come off easily.
The principle behind this method is that the alkaline baking soda reacts with the acidic lemon juice, creating bubbles that effectively break down grease and burnt residue. Both ingredients are natural and won't damage the non-stick coating. Baking sheets cleaned this way not only look like new but won't stick during baking either.
However, note that after cleaning, you must rinse thoroughly and dry with kitchen paper. Any remaining moisture can easily rust during the next use. It's best to store the baking sheet only after it's completely dry to avoid dampness.
Cutting board cleaning is also an important topic. After all, these tools directly contact food ingredients, and improper cleaning can easily breed bacteria. I used to have a strange smell when cutting vegetables due to inadequate cutting board cleaning. Later, I discovered the magical effect of lemons, which solved this problem completely.
After each use of the cutting board, especially after cutting raw meat, I thoroughly rub it with half a lemon. Lemons not only disinfect but also remove odors. For wooden cutting boards, I also do deep cleaning regularly with salt. The specific method is: first scrub the cutting board surface with coarse salt, then continue scrubbing with half a lemon dipped in salt. This not only disinfects but also removes fine scratches from the cutting board surface.
Pot and pan maintenance is also an art. Especially for iron and stainless steel pots, they can easily rust or lose their shine without proper care. I've now developed the habit of washing pots immediately after use and always drying them before storage. If I find burnt spots on the bottom, I make a paste with baking soda and warm water, apply it to the burnt areas, let it sit for a while before washing, and it works great.
For frying pan grease, I've found it works best to first absorb excess oil with kitchen paper, then wash with warm water and dish soap. For stainless steel pans, after washing I also wipe the body with a bit of olive oil, which not only prevents rust but maintains the pan's shine.
Daily Maintenance
When it comes to daily maintenance, stainless steel equipment might be the most headache-inducing. Whether it's refrigerator doors or sinks, they easily collect fingerprints and look messy. I tried many methods before, using various cleaners, but none were very satisfactory. Until I discovered the magic of olive oil, which finally solved this problem completely.
Here's how to use it: Take a soft cloth, dip it in a small amount of olive oil, and gently wipe the stainless steel surface. This not only removes stains and fingerprints but also forms a protective film on the surface, making the equipment look like new. Plus, this protective layer helps prevent new fingerprints - truly a multi-purpose solution.
However, be careful not to use too much olive oil, or it will look greasy. Also, wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain for better results. If you notice excess oil after wiping, you can go over it with a clean, soft cloth.
Limescale around faucets is another annoying problem. Especially in areas with hard water, faucets quickly develop a white layer of scale that looks terrible. But vinegar is very effective for this issue. I pour vinegar on kitchen paper, place it on the scale for a few minutes, and then it wipes clean easily.
This method is not only environmentally friendly but works better than commercial cleaners. The acidity of vinegar effectively breaks down the calcium and magnesium ions in scale without damaging the faucet surface. I now do this weekly to prevent scale from building up too thick.
Cabinet maintenance is also important. I've noticed many people neglect cabinet cleaning, leading to accumulated grease and dust. Actually, if you develop regular cleaning habits, cabinets can stay clean and tidy. I usually wipe cabinet surfaces with warm water and a little dish soap, paying special attention to handles and other frequently touched areas. For stubborn grease, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the greasy areas for a while before wiping.
Floor cleaning shouldn't be neglected either. Kitchen floors easily accumulate grease, which can become slippery and sticky if not dealt with promptly. My current method is: first sweep the floor clean of dust, then mop with warm water and appropriate amount of dish soap. If there's grease, adding some white vinegar to the mop water will improve cleaning effectiveness.
Odor Removal Tips
When it comes to kitchen cleaning, odor removal is also crucial. Whether it's the smell of frying oil or garbage bin odors, they all affect the overall kitchen experience. After multiple attempts, I've discovered some particularly effective deodorizing methods.
My favorite is brewing "spice water": put some citrus peels and a cinnamon stick in a pot and simmer over low heat. Soon the whole kitchen will be filled with a fresh fragrance. This method not only eliminates odors but creates a cozy atmosphere. Plus, these ingredients are all natural and won't produce any chemical substances, making them completely safe to use.
Besides brewing spice water, I also put some coffee grounds at the bottom of the garbage bin. Coffee grounds not only absorb odors but prevent bacterial growth. Just remember to change them regularly - I usually do it weekly. If you don't have coffee grounds handy, activated charcoal is also a good choice.
Range hood odor treatment is also important. I regularly sprinkle some baking soda on the filter and rinse with warm water. Baking soda not only removes grease but neutralizes odors. Make sure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling to prevent bacterial growth.
Experience Summary
Through years of exploration, I've deeply realized that effective cleaning isn't about using expensive cleaners, but finding the right methods. Many natural materials like lemon, white vinegar, and baking soda often work better than chemical cleaners. Plus, these natural materials are inexpensive and harmless to both environment and health, making them completely safe to use.
Most importantly, develop habits of cleaning as you go. Simple things like wiping the microwave right after use and dealing with grease immediately after cooking. Though seemingly simple, the results are really noticeable when you stick to it. This not only prevents stains from becoming stubborn but greatly reduces the workload of deep cleaning.
To be honest, developing these habits initially requires some willpower. But when you see your kitchen becoming increasingly clean, your mood improves too. Plus, a clean kitchen really inspires cooking enthusiasm, making cooking an enjoyable experience.
By the way, I'd like to ask: do you have any unique cleaning tricks? Feel free to share in the comments section, so we can all work together to create our ideal kitchens.
After all, a clean kitchen not only improves quality of life but makes every meal something to look forward to. Don't you agree?
