Keeping your kitchen clean and your appliances in good condition is essential to prolong their useful life and ensure a healthy environment in which to prepare meals. For me, hygiene is the watchword in the home in general and in the kitchen in particular. This is where we take care of the food for the whole family. Here are some practical and effective tips for maintaining and cleaning your kitchen.
To keep your stove clean and efficient, wipe it daily with a damp cloth and neutral detergent. Remove and soak burners weekly, avoiding abrasive products. Check for yellow or uneven flames and seek professional help if necessary.
Effective Homemade Cleaning Products for the Kitchen
Homemade cleaning products are a great alternative to avoid harsh chemicals and still save money. Here are some easy recipes:
Natural degreaser: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent. This degreaser is great for surfaces such as worktops and cookers.
Microwave cleaner: Put a bowl of water and lemon slices in the microwave. Heat for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen the dirt, making it easier to clean. Then just wipe with a damp cloth.
Fridge cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda with 1 litre of water. Use this solution to clean the shelves and drawers of the fridge, removing odours and stains.
Preventive Maintenance for Household Appliances: How to Avoid Problems
Preventive maintenance is essential to ensure that household appliances work properly and avoid major problems in the future. Here are some tips:
Fridge: Defrost the fridge regularly if it doesn't have a frost-free function. Clean the coils at the back or bottom of the fridge every six months to ensure that the motor doesn't overheat.
Dishwasher: Clean the dishwasher filter every week to avoid blockages. Once a month, run a cycle with white vinegar in the detergent compartment to eliminate grease deposits and residues.
Oven: Clean the oven after each use to prevent food residues from burning and building up. For a deeper clean, use a mixture of baking soda and water, applying it to the surfaces and leaving it to act for a few hours before scrubbing.
Extractor hood: Clean extractor hood filters regularly. Metal filters can be washed in the dishwasher, while charcoal filters need to be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
How to avoid bad smells in the kitchen
Bad smells in the kitchen can be a nuisance, but they can be easily avoided with a few simple practices:
Keep rubbish bins closed: Use bins with lids and dispose of organic waste daily to prevent odours.
Odours in the drain: Pour hot water with baking soda down the drain once a week to neutralise odours. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or lemon essential oil will also help keep odours fresh.
Good ventilation: Keep the kitchen well ventilated, especially when cooking strong smelling foods such as fish or fried foods. Use an extractor fan or leave windows open.
Tips for Maintaining the Shine of Stainless Steel Surfaces
Stainless steel surfaces are elegant, but they can tarnish and lose their shine over time. To keep them looking as good as new:
Daily cleaning: Use a soft cloth with neutral detergent to clean stainless steel surfaces, always drying with a dry cloth to avoid water marks.
Polishing: To add shine, apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and wipe over the stainless steel, always following the direction of the material's fibres.
Avoid acidic products: Acidic cleaning products can damage stainless steel. Choose specific products for this type of material.
Keeping your kitchen clean and in good condition is an ongoing task, but one that brings great benefits, such as a healthier environment and appliances that last longer. With these simple and practical tips, you can ensure that your kitchen is always ready for use, whether you're preparing a quick meal or a full feast. What's more, by opting for homemade and natural cleaning products, you're taking care of your health and the environment. I hope these tips have helped you, please email me if you have any questions, or write in with any topics you would like to see explored further.
Love
Idalina
