After all the turkey has been cooked, gravy spilled and vegetables bounced off your floor, your kitchen may be looking a little bit worse for wear. So, to start the new year with a kitchen to be proud of, try these natural cleaning tips. The effort you use will be enough to burn off some of the extra calories, too.
Oven
Your oven will have taken the biggest bashing of all appliances, so a two-pronged attack may be necessary.
First, place a large ovenproof bowl full of water and the juice of half a lemon on the bottom shelf of the oven. Turn your oven to the highest setting and allow the water to boil. Leave to steam the inside of your oven for 20 to 30 minutes – do not open the door during this time.
Switch off the oven, carefully remove the bowl of water with oven mitts, then take a cloth and wipe away the grime. If the grime is too stubborn, try the following method while your oven is still warm.
Place a cup of bicarbonate of soda in a bowl and add enough water to make a thin paste. Don’t put on the elements – just the walls, racks and door only. Leave to set for four or five hours, then simply wipe off with a damp cloth.
Stainless steel stove top
It’s almost impossible to stop pots from boiling over onto your stovetop. The best way to clean it is to wipe it as soon as it’s cool. However, if you’ve left it for a few days, this method will bring the shine back in no time.
Place some white vinegar in a spray bottle and liberally spray your stove top. In the direction of the ‘grain’ on your stainless steel, wipe the vinegar off using paper towel or a soft, fibre-free cloth.
Next, dip the edge of your soft cloth in a little olive oil and gently rub any marks left behind. Polish the whole top until it shines.
To find out how to clean your fridge, read our article ‘Is it time to clean your fridge?’. https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/food-recipes/food/is-it-time-to-clean-your-fridge
Microwave
No doubt your microwave has been used to heat some messy sauces over the period, but cleaning it couldn’t be simpler.
Half fill a microwavable bowl with water and squeeze in the juice of a lemon, then place the two halves of the lemon in the water.
Microwave on high for three minutes and then leave to stand for a further five – do not open to allow the steam to do its job.
Then open the microwave and remove the turntable, wiping clean with a dry cloth. Then wipe the inside of the microwave, starting with the ceiling pushing any crumbs onto your hand. Finish by wiping the door. If there’s a stubborn mark, dip the edge of the cloth in the water/lemon solution and rub until it’s removed.
Dishwasher
Now, you wouldn’t think that an appliance that uses so much cleaning product and steam would get dirty, but the inside of your dishwasher would benefit from a clean now and then.
Take out the filter and clean, ensuring there’s nothing in the drain hole. Put the filter back in it’s place, then place a jug of vinegar on the bottom rack and a cup half full with baking soda on the top rack.
Simply run your dishwasher though its hottest cycle and then leave with the door closed for 20 minutes when finished. Wipe inside with a soft cloth and the dishwasher is done.
Floors
Mopping the floors is possibly the least favourite chore of many people, but really it doesn’t take long. After sweeping (or vacuuming) the floor, mix hot water and vinegar, equal parts, and mop. The vinegar leaves a nice shine to wooden floors and tiles.
Counter tops
Nothing new here, we’re afraid; baking soda and hot water do the trick.
Do you have a cleaning trick to share? Or do you simply leave it to someone else?
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