The dirtiest items in the kitchen are named: how to clean them effectively

The bathroom and kitchen are constantly competing for the title of the dirtiest room in the house. But studies show that the kitchen sink often has more bacteria than the toilet. So cleaning the kitchen is a really important task.

Huffpost talked to experts on home cleanliness and identified the most problematic places in the kitchen. And how to clean them to get hygienic cleanliness as a result.

How to clean without stress

First of all, don't tackle everything at once. Choose one or two items from the list below to give them a deep clean, and then tackle something else in a few days, maybe a week.

In between big cleanings, don't forget to keep your cooking surfaces clean. They should be wiped down before and after each use, and thoroughly cleaned once a week.

All knobs and switches in the kitchen should be wiped down at least once a week and floor spills should be cleaned when they occur. These steps prevent the accumulation of dirt and pests. 

It is best to use microfiber cloths for cleaning the kitchen. Their humidity is easy to adjust, they do not leave lint behind, and they polish surfaces perfectly. Get yourself a set and you will notice the difference.

How to clean the refrigerator

Empty the appliance before cleaning. The less food there is in it, the easier it will be for you to figure out where to put it when you're cleaning.

Start by wiping the inside of the refrigerator from the top and working your way down. This is sufficient for routine cleaning. This appliance needs a thorough cleaning about twice a year.

If there is stubborn dirt in the refrigerator, such as grease stains, moisten it and then sprinkle it with baking soda. After a while, when the product has worked, rub it on the stain and rinse off the residue with water.

Do not forget to wipe the outside of the refrigerator well. If its facade is made of stainless steel, look closely at the direction of the lines on it and rub along them. Then it will be shinier and stain-free.

When you clean your refrigerator, you also need to clean the refrigerator coils. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate there, causing your appliance to work harder and use more energy.

In between cleaning, to keep things clean, place paper towels in the produce and meat drawers to catch drips. You can change them weekly. Also, always wipe the bottom of containers before putting them in the refrigerator.

Cleaning the microwave oven

This appliance collects a lot of food scraps and is one of the dirtiest in the kitchen. But cleaning it is quite simple. Take a microwave-safe container, pour two cups of water into it, and add the juice of half a lemon. Then place the container in the appliance and turn it on for 5 minutes. When the cycle is complete, do not open the oven for about 5 minutes. During this time, the citric acid steam will rise in the chamber and dissolve the dirt. All that remains is to wipe the inside of the microwave.

Cleaning the oven

A thick paste of baking soda and water will do the trick for this appliance, which is often heavily soiled with grease. It should be applied to the walls and bottom of the oven, avoiding the heating element. Next, let the paste dry, and then spray it with white vinegar from a spray bottle. When the baking soda and vinegar have reacted and stopped foaming, the inside of the oven can be wiped with a clean, damp cloth.

Caring for your dishwasher

Check the filter, which is usually located at the bottom of the appliance, every month. Take it out and rinse it under warm running water. To clean the inside of the dishwasher, take a heat-resistant cup, fill it with a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar, place it on the top shelf and run the cycle with only the cup. This will clean the inside of the dishwasher.

Cleaning your toaster oven

This appliance can collect a lot of crumbs and debris. Start by unplugging it and turning it upside down over the sink. Tap the bottom to remove any crumbs that may have accumulated in the grooves. Then, turn it right side up again and use a baking brush or clean toothbrush to remove any bits that may be stuck inside the slots.

Then, remove the crumb tray and wash it either in the sink or in the dishwasher - as the instructions allow. Make sure all parts are dry before reassembling the toaster and plugging it back in.

Care of towels and mops

Wash kitchen towels every 3-5 days. This will keep them sufficiently clean. 

If your mop has a detachable mop head, wash it in hot water after each use. Allow the mop head to air dry completely before replacing it.

Cleaning the waste bin

If you can, take the trash can outside. Then fill it to 10-15 centimeters with warm water and add some dishwashing liquid. Leave the bucket to sour for a few minutes, and then use a long-handled brush designed specifically for cleaning the trash can - not for any other purpose - and scrub the inside with it. Next, rinse the bin and let it dry in the sun for additional disinfection.

To keep your trash can fresh longer, line the bottom with old newspapers and sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda before putting it in a trash bag. The paper and baking soda will trap any dirt that leaks or spills through the bag. They are also easy to replace.

Care for small appliances such as slow cookers and air fryers

After each use, wipe the exterior of the appliance with a damp microfiber cloth. Thoroughly wash the removable bowls and other washable parts. And don't forget to clean the cord.

If the multicooker bowl has a foreign odor, apply baking soda paste to the lid and the gasket and leave it on for a while. Then wipe off any residue.

Cleaning the coffee machine

Fill the water tank of the appliance with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water and run it. This will help remove any limescale from the internal parts. Then fill the tank again with clean water and run it through the machine to remove the vinegar taste. Then unplug the machine and let it cool down. Wipe the non-removable parts with a warm, soapy cloth and then again with a damp cloth. The removable parts can be put in the dishwasher. Also remove coffee deposits in the bean compartment by sprinkling a thick layer of salt on the inside and then rubbing the cut side of a lemon half. This combination will soften burnt coffee and deodorize the unpleasant odor.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you how to get rid of an unpleasant odor from the refrigerator.

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