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Spring into the Kitchen Cleaning Mode

  • Susan
  • May 6, 2009
Now clean kitchen!

This is just a friendly reminder that it’s time to come out of hibernation and do your spring cleaning.

May is a perfect month to clear out the cabinets, cupboards, closets and cubbyholes, and get rid of any accumulated clutter.  (If food products or other items are still useful, donate them to a charity of your choice.)  Just remember that part of your spring cleaning should be devoted to a total kitchen attack.

Start by getting your cooking corner in tiptop shape.  This way, you can savor your seasonal culinary capers without last winter’s greasy buildup, which likely left unsightly souvenirs on your stove.

Give your cook top, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher the reverence and respect they deserve.  They never get a day off, yet of all the appliances in your house, they take the most abuse and probably get the least attention. Spend some time getting them clean, and they’ll last longer and run more efficiently.

Here are some suggestions about how to get your appliances to shine again.

Stoves and Cook top Surfaces
Clean your electric burners while they’re cold.  If residue remains, turn the burners up to “high” and let the food burn off.  Use a wooden spoon to scrape off any melted plastic while the coils are warm.

Clean glass cook top surfaces with the cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.  Never use abrasive cloths or sponges. To avoid arduous clean ups, be sure to wipe spills off immediately.

Wash the porcelain-coated pans and grates of a gas stove by hand unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. Dishwasher detergent can promote rusting;  instead, soak in warm water and rub with a scouring pad.

Microwave
Use warm, soapy water to wipe the exterior surfaces.  For cleaning the inside, mix one quart of water with two tablespoons of baking soda and apply with a clean rag. For especially stubborn residue and stains, heat a microwave-safe bowl of water for three minutes, then wipe down inside surfaces.

Oven
Use your oven’s self-cleaning cycle. Just remember to open the doors and windows to help with ventilation. Remove the oven racks and wash them by hand unless the owner’s manual specifically states they are dishwasher-safe. Racks left in the oven during self-cleaning will overheat and turn blue.

Refrigerator
Wipe down walls and soak removable parts in the sink with warm, soapy water to remove stains and food spills. Avoid bleach or other harsh cleansers that can damage internal surfaces. Clean the coils by unplugging the refrigerator and pulling it away from the wall. Use a vacuum wand or brush to clean any dust from the coils. This will help save energy and money.  Inspect the rubber gasket seals to see if they’re loose or cracking.  If so, have them replaced. Put a new box of baking soda inside to absorb odors.

Dishwasher
Run the dishwasher through one cycle with a cup of white vinegar to eliminate odors and food residue buildup. Wipe exterior door with warm soapy water.

Other Surfaces
To stop the yellowing process of white appliances, mix one-half cup of bleach, one-quarter cup of baking soda and four cups of warm water. Apply with a sponge and let it set for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly.  Wipe down wooden cabinets with a product such as Murphy’s Oil Soap.

Small Appliances
Clean toaster-ovens, mixers, blenders, can openers and other small electrics with warm, soapy water (unless the manufacturer recommends other methods).

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These suggestions are just a start.   Reclaiming your kitchen and getting it spic and span again will make cooking a much more gratifying and pleasurable experience.  And isn’t that what it’s all about?

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