Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Your kitchen is probably the most important room in your home and it is important that it is clean and sanitized, your kitchen should be cleaned daily to prevent food borne illness. Dirty prep surfaces or equipment are a health hazard to you, your family and those you choose to entertain.

What is the difference between clean and sanitized? Clean is when something looks clean to the naked eye, free of dirt and debris. Sanitized is when something is not only clean but is free of germs that you can't see. in order to clean and sanitize follow these steps:

1. First wipe the surface to clean off any dirt or debris.
2. when the surface looks clean to your eyes, apply cleaning agent, such as bleach (I use a spray bleach or disinfectant)
3. Wipe off with a clean dry towel
4. Rinse
5. Let air dry

Having pets in your home is fine I have two wonderful little dogs but they need to be kept from food prep surfaces and cats should always be kept off food surfaces. If this can't be accomplished use a clean, sanitized cutting board.

Below I am providing 6 simple tips for Keeping your kitchen sparkling.

1. clean your laminate countertops with a damp cloth and baking soda or a cream cleanser, do not use abrasive cleaners they will scratch your countertop.
2. to disinfect your sink, fill with hot water and add a few drops of bleach, wearing rubber gloves reach in and adjust the drain so that the water drains very slowly. Rinse well
3. Empty cabnets several times a year, wipe out with a mild detergent solution and rinse, discard outdated or stale items, wipe the base of each item before returning it to the cabinet.
4. Remove lime scale from your stainless steel sink by cutting a lemon in half and rubbing the lime deposit vigorously with the cut end of the lemon.
5. Wipe out your microwave after each use. If it smells put one cup of water in a bowl with lemon juice run microwave for one minute and then wipe out.
6. Wipe out oven while still warm with a damp cloth and baking soda.
7. Line grill pan with foil-discard foil when it becomes dirty
8. Pour salt on food spills that occur during cooking to prevent spills from burning, this works in ovens as well
9. Use warm water and baking soda to wipe down the inside of refrigerators and freezers, soap and dishwashing liquids will leave a smell that can taint food. Defrost freezer as necessary.
10. Use a box of open baking soda to control odors in refrigerators and freezers. If you are turning off your refriderator/freezer for a few days leave a bowl of fresh cat litter or charcoal to absorb smells.

Velzipmur aka Shelly Wyatt