Cleaning in the spring is refreshing for your home, and the kitchen is one area that needs a lot of attention. Given the warm climate in the UAE, you must keep your kitchen clean and hygienic, preventing the growth of bacteria and the contamination of food. Therefore, cleaning your appliances and surfaces regularly makes your kitchen look good and healthy for your family. This blog will provide you with some easy and effective spring cleaning tips for kitchen appliances and surfaces to keep your kitchen absolutely safe and shining all year round.
1. Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances are daily workhorses that need to be cleaned regularly so that grease, food stains, and germs do not pose a threat to health. Cleaning them on a regular basis increases their life expectancy.
Refrigerator
The first step is to completely empty the fridge, checking for spoiled foods to discard. Prepare a solution of mild detergent and warm water, and wipe all shelves and drawers. The rubber seals at the door should be cleaned, as they trap dirt and mold. Regular cleaning helps in keeping bad odors away and preserving the freshness of the food for a longer time.
Oven and Stove
Caked grease and food spills often find their way onto ovens and stoves. Tough stains can be cleaned using a paste made by dissolving baking soda in water. The stovetop’s burnt-on grease can be easily wiped away by removing the burners and knobs. A spray of vinegar is an excellent partner for cutting grease and disinfecting surfaces. Regular cleaning prevents gross oily smoke and bad smells and improves the functioning of these appliances.
Microwave
Food splatters inside the microwave can leave odors and stains. Place a bowl of water with lemon juice in it in the microwave for a few minutes and boil. The steam will loosen dirt and grime, allowing you to wipe it easily. This will deodorize the microwave naturally without harsh chemical ingredients.
Dishwasher
The internal parts of the dishwasher can accumulate food particles and not just limescale over time, which hampers the cleaning power. Run an empty white vinegar cycle or clean the dishwasher with a dishwasher cleaner once in a while to eliminate all buildup. Clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs and odors. A clean dishwasher ensures that all your dishes come out sparkly white after being washed.
2. Sanitizing Kitchen Surfaces
The kitchen surfaces are among the hotspots where bacteria breed and should regularly be sanitized commonly for the safety of the family.
Countertops
Disinfectant sprays compatible with the countertop materials granite, marble, or laminate should be used. Any kind of food confound or spill is removed by wiping off surfaces after every meal preparation. Regular cleaning prevents cross-contamination, especially when handling raw meat or vegetables.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards made of wood can harbor bacteria when they are not cleaned well. Scrub with salt and lemon juice to naturally disinfect and deodorize. Plastic boards are safe to be washed in the dishwasher or soaked in a diluted bleach solution. Having different cutting boards for meat and vegetables also minimizes the chances of cross-contamination.
Sinks and Faucets
The kitchen sinks are the perfect breeding grounds for germs. Scrub the basin of your sink with a paste of baking soda and water, and then rinse it with hot water. Use disinfectant wipes on faucet handles and spouts because these points of contact are often touched. Clean sinks prevent the spread of bacteria from the sink to dishes and food.
3. Organizing and Decluttering
Well-organized and clutter-free kitchens are easier to keep clean.
Get Rid of Expired Items
Go into your pantry and refrigerator and discard expired or unwanted food. This opens up more space and minimizes the chances of pest invasion. Being conscious of checking your stock assists in better meal planning and avoiding spoilage.
Storage Containers
Keep your dry foods like rice, pulses, and spices in airtight containers. This will keep your food longer and keep insects out. Transparent containers allow you to view the contents easily, thus preventing over-purchasing.
Countertop Decluttering
Keep on counters only the appliances and utensils you use daily. A clear surface is easier to clean and more inviting. Store anything less used inside cabinets or drawers, preferably out of sight. Check out our latest blog post on How to Choose the Right Spring Service Provider for more information on spring cleaning.
Regular Maintenance
Make it a point to perform deep cleaning once every month to keep an ambience of orderliness and hygiene. Maintenance helps prevent dirt buildup and lessens the burden of spring cleaning.
4. Hygiene in the UAE Climate
Ventilation
The ventilation helps in lowering humidity levels and avoids the development of molds. Use exhaust fans while cooking or cleaning, or just open the windows. Proper ventilation also enables the removal of bad cooking smells and smoke.
Temperature
The temperature set in the refrigerator should be below 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit), whereas that of the freezer should be -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). Regularly check the temperatures and reset them if need be, especially during the hot months.
Pest Control
Seal up those cracks and crevices, be it those around the windows or doors, through which little insects may find their way inside. Keep your kitchen tidy, especially by avoiding leaving food crumbs on the floor, as these attract pests. The use of natural repellents or traps to maintain a pest-free environment will also do the trick.
Use Natural Cleaners
Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda. These are pretty safe for your family as well as the environment and will clean and disinfect your kitchen surfaces well too.
Conclusion
Upon spring cleaning the kitchen in the UAE, one can keep a hygienic and healthy home. If you need professional help or advice on kitchen cleaning, do contact us today. We are here to help you keep your kitchen spotless and safe year-round.
1 Comment
Comments are closed.