Include the kitchen when spring cleaning to make sure this important room is kept clean, hygienic and clutter-free.
More than just washing curtains and airing linens, spring cleaning can be done any time of year to review a house’s contents and create an opportunity for decluttering.
Kitchens are high-traffic areas and require regular cleaning to maintain hygienic food preparation surfaces. Begin a kitchen spring clean by completing daily and weekly jobs such as washing-up and wiping down counters. Remove everything from the countertops to maximize clear space for sorting.
Cleaning the pantry
- Remove all items and place on countertops.
- Wipe over canisters and containers.
- Check use-by dates on all food products.
- Write a list of staples and useful pantry basics that need to be restocked.
- Use plastic shelf liners to protect against staining – (sheets of lino work well)
Clean out the Fridge
Refrigerators should be cleaned weekly or fortnightly to prevent contamination. Develop the habit of clearing out the fridge before replenishing groceries each week.
- Place perishables in a cooler or a Styrofoam box full of ice.
- Clear out all food items and wash shelves with warm soapy water.
- Remove crisper drawers and other removable storage sections and wash well.
- After drying with paper towel, wipe over shelves, walls and seals with vanilla essence to eliminate fridge odours.
- Check use-by dates on all products before replacing.
Oven and Cooktop
Commercial oven cleaners are extremely caustic. They are particularly effective if an oven has been used often but rarely cleaned. Follow the directions on the can very carefully, always use gloves and ensure that the area is well-ventilated.
For a more gentle clean, apply a thick coating of baking powder to all surfaces of a warm oven. Allow to stand for 15 minutes to absorb grease, then wipe away with a paper towel. Stubborn stains may require scouring. Wipe over with a cloth soaked in white vinegar.
Ceramic electric cooktops may require specialised cleaning products. Check the manufacturer’s guide for details. Stainless steel cooktops can be wiped over with a commercial cream cleanser. Baking soda is a good natural alternative.
Ceilings, Walls and Fans
Kitchen walls and ceilings are prone to discolouring due to steam and grease spatters. Sugar soap is excellent for cleaning walls without damaging paintwork. Exhaust fans and rangehoods can be wiped over with removable parts washed with hot soapy water.
Kitchen Appliances
Cleaning kitchen appliances will help increase their lifespan and keep them safe for use.
- Remove appliances from cupboards and wipe over to remove dust and grease build up.
- Check that all parts are attached and functioning. Sort removable attachments in plastic containers and store them alongside the appliance to which they belong.
- Empty the crumb tray from the toaster.
- Clean kettle limescale by cutting a lemon into wedges and boiling them twice before removing.
Windows, Curtains and Blinds
- Remove curtains and hand or machine wash.
- Wipe over blinds with a damp cloth. Clean and check mechanism.
- Wash windows with a commercial window cleaning product or vinegar, and dry with newspaper.
Cabinets and Drawers
- Remove the contents of kitchen cabinets and utensil drawers and wipe shelves and drawers with hot soapy water.
- Line drawers with wrapping paper or drawer liners. Alternately plastic or lino is long lasting and easy to clean.
- Declutter by sorting through dishes, cutlery and utensils. Only replace those which are used often. Excess items can be sold or donated.
Kitchen spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to review regular cleaning schedules. Create a checklist of routine jobs to always keep the food preparation and storage areas hygienically clean.
