With the Lunar New Year just a few days away, it’s that time of the year when everyone is busy shopping and preparing for the festivities. Spring cleaning is never an easy task, especially when it comes to the kitchen.
The kitchen can be a challenging area to clean, as the buildup of grease and grime from cooking can be difficult to remove if not addressed immediately. However, with the following tips and tricks, you can make the process faster, more efficient, and safer.
Cleaning the Sink
To effectively clean your sink, baking soda is your best friend. Simply wet the sink, sprinkle some baking soda, let it sit for a while, and then scrub it clean. For stubborn stains, you can use a steel scouring pad or a stiff brush. Alternatively, you can also pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, along with some white vinegar and warm water, to keep your pipes clean and odor-free.
Microwave Oven Cleaning
Microwave ovens can get messy if food splatters are not cleaned promptly. To easily remove these stains, place a bowl of water with a few thin slices of lemon inside the microwave and turn it on for about 3 minutes. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the microwave. For the turntable, remove it and scrub it clean.
Kitchen Walls
Grease and grime on kitchen walls can be a challenge to remove. However, a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar can make this task easier. Apply the paste to the walls, let it sit for a while, and then scrub it off with a brush. Rinse with water, and the grease stains will be gone.
Eliminating Odors from Cups and Mugs
Cups and mugs that are not washed immediately can develop an unpleasant odor. To get rid of this, apply toothpaste on an old toothbrush and scrub the insides of the cups. Rinse thoroughly, and the odor will be gone.
Using Salt, Lemon, and Vinegar to Remove Stubborn Stains
These three common household ingredients are not just for cooking; they can also be used for effective cleaning. For example, you can use salt to scrub cast iron pans, keeping them shiny and clean. Additionally, you can freeze vinegar and lemon slices in an ice cube tray and then wrap the cubes in a cloth to clean tough stains on cabinets and copper items.
Cleaning the Refrigerator
To clean your refrigerator, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water and use a cloth to wipe down the surfaces. Alternatively, you can mix one cup of salt with three liters of warm water and add some fresh lemon juice to create a natural cleaning solution. For stubborn stains, use a toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste to scrub them away.
Before cleaning the refrigerator, make sure to take out all the food items. Then, clean and organize the food by grouping similar items together. Use up any perishables or consolidate multiple small containers into one large container to make space and keep your refrigerator organized.
Stovetop Cleaning
Stovetops can get greasy and dirty from daily use. Besides using chemical cleaners, you can place the stove grates in a plastic bag with ¼ cup of ammonia (available at hair salons) and leave it outside overnight. The ammonia fumes will loosen the grease, and in the morning, simply wipe the grates clean with a cloth.
Cabinet Cleaning
To clean your kitchen cabinets, mix one part vegetable oil with two parts baking soda and apply the paste to the cabinets. Use a sponge or an old toothbrush to scrub the surfaces, and then wipe them down with a soft cloth and warm water.
Finally, to restore the shine to your cabinets, mix three parts olive oil with one part vinegar, and use a soft white cloth to polish the surfaces. Remember to clean your cabinets from the inside out to maintain a clean cooking area.
With these tips, your kitchen will be sparkling clean and ready for the new year. Happy Lunar New Year!
According to Nhịp Sống Việt