Your kitchen looks clean, but is it really?
Kudos to you if you keep those granite countertops shiny, the sink sparkling, the floor debris-free and the stovetop looking like it’s never been used. But there are a few other areas that need your attention if you really want your kitchen to have that new-home look. Luckily, these don’t have to be done on a daily basis. Here’s our guide to those hard-to-clean places in your kitchen.
Stove Hood and Fan
You probably spray off your stove hood fairly often, but about every six months or so, you should remove the filters and soak them for 10 to 20 minutes in hot water. Drain them and sprinkle the filters with baking soda, scrubbing with a soft brush or even toothbrush. Rinse, wipe and allow to completely dry before returning them to the hood.
Refrigerator Coils
This is another chore for every six months. Simply unplug your refrigerator and move it carefully from the wall. Gently vacuum the coils — note, you might have to remove a cover panel to get to them. You can also use a coil brush or do both. Use this opportunity to also clean the floor underneath your refrigerator — you’ll be surprised how much dust and debris can accumulate there. Plug in your refrigerator and slide back in place. It should take about 15 minutes to cool back up.
Behind Refrigerator Drawers
While we’re talking refrigerators, we shouldn’t neglect cleaning behind drawers — although we don’t recommend doing this the same day you clean your coils. Pull out drawers completely and let them soak in warm soapy water while you clean behind them. Hopefully, you’ll only need a damp sponge and warm water. For stubborn stains, apply some baking soda and use the scrubbing side of your sponge. For really tough stains, try using a bit of white toothpaste.
The Top of Your Refrigerator
Not done with refrigerators yet! The top can accumulate a combination of dust and grease, resulting in a caked-on mess. Use a mild surface cleaner or a degreaser to clean it. It’s also a good time to clean the items you keep on the top of your refrigerator.
Silverware Drawer
Ever wonder why the silverware drawer attracts so much debris? We do, too! Luckily, it’s not too hard to clean, especially if you tackle it once a quarter. Empty out the drawer and use a vacuum with a handheld extension to vacuum up the crumbs. You’ll probably also need to wipe it out with warm soapy water. Give your dividers a good rinse, as well, before refilling them.
Grout
Your floor isn’t really clean unless the grout is clean. Luckily, the muscle you put into cleaning your grout can last for quite some time. If your grout isn’t too dirty, you might just need a little warm water. Heavier stains might call for white vinegar or a mix of baking soda paste sprayed with vinegar. If your grout is unsealed, you should skip the vinegar. Also don’t use too much water or let it sit wet for too long if you have cement grout. Whatever kind of grout you have, make sure to use a medium-bristle nylon brush. You can even find back-saving grout brushes that you can use standing up.
Start with a clean-slate kitchen by talking with our builders in Lago Mar!
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