There are several areas in the kitchen that are easy to forget to clean. Plus, they’re just not that fun or easy to clean, which makes them easy to put off.
Stove Hood and Fan
To clean your stove hood and fan you’ll need a degreaser, several microfiber cloths, and a white scrub pad, and a soft-bristled brush. If you don’t cook much you may be able to get away with using an all-purpose cleaner instead of a degreaser, but if you’re cleaning this every six months to a year, which is what most people do, you’ll probably be in a degreaser territory. Remove your vent filters, put them in the dishwasher, and wash with your next load. That’s all there is to cleaning vent filters. I don’t know why people make such a big deal out of cleaning them. If they don’t come out totally cleaned the first time, run them through again. In addition, they’re cheap, so if they look really gunky, replace them and start fresh. My time is worth more than spending hours scrubbing vent filters with a toothbrush. For the rest of the hood, spray small areas with a degreaser and agitate with a white scrub pad and an old toothbrush or grout brush. Wipe down with a damp microfiber towel.
Sink Drain and Disposal
The thought of sticking my hand down into the disposal to clean it, even with a glove on, actually turns my stomach, but I’m willing to clean it more frequently since finding the garbage disposal brush. You’ll also need your favorite scouring powder or baking soda, a sponge or white scrub pad, a soft-bristled brush, and a dry microfiber cloth. Start from the top and outside and work your way down and inside your sink. Clean your water faucet handle and behind the faucet mount and be sure to get to the area where the dink meets the countertop with your toothbrush or grout brush. Scrub the inside of the sink then use your garbage disposal brush to clean inside the garbage disposal itself. It won’t be pretty, but you’ll feel better after doing it. After thoroughly rinsing your garbage disposal brush, wipe down the sink with a dry microfiber cloth. Place your garbage disposal brush in your dishwasher and clean with your next load.
Refrigerator
You’ll need dish soap, a soft sponge, baking soda, and microfiber cloths. It’s a good idea to wipe down drawers and shelves weekly, or whenever you see a drip or spot on them, but it is recommended you remove the contents and really get in there and clean under and behind the shelves and drawers about once every three months or so. Use warm, soapy water (with a drop of dish soap) and a microfiber cloth to wipe away smears, drips, and crumbs. If stains persist, use a paste of baking soda and water to remove. Don’t use scented cleaning products in your fridge as the scent will be absorbed by the food.
Refrigerator and Dishwasher Gaskets
You’ll need dish soap, microfiber cloths, sponges, and a soft-bristled brush. Gaskets are something that is rarely given a second thought until they’re stained and noticeable. They are really easy to keep clean with frequent wiping. Dip a clean microfiber cloth in warm soapy water and wipe the gaskets on the dishwasher and fridge/freezer. Use the soft-bristled grout brush or toothbrush for corners and smaller crevices. Like with the inside of the refrigerator, use a paste of baking soda to remove stains. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
Refrigerator Coils and Fan
This task is one I have a hard time getting on my schedule to clean. To keep your refrigerator in tip-top shape it is recommended you clean the coils, fan, and condenser tray once every six months, especially if you have pets. You don’t necessarily need a refrigerator coil cleaning brush, but something like it is very useful, along with warm soapy water, microfiber cloths, and a sponge. Unplug the refrigerator and move away from the wall. Remove dust, hair, and debris from coils with the refrigerator brush and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Also, clean the floor underneath the refrigerator. Remove and clean the condenser tray if your refrigerator has one. Dry thoroughly, re-plug, and move your refrigerator back into place.
Hopefully, with the right tools and know-how, you’ll find these kitchen cleaning tasks easier to get done.
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