Hey there! Keeping your kitchen clean and hygienic is super important for your health and happiness. But guess what? Some of the cleaning stuff you’re doing might not be as awesome as you believe. They can lead to germs and stains. You can even cause damage to your kitchen surfaces and appliances making those mistakes. We will look at the most typical kitchen cleaning mistakes that you may be making. We will also provide expert advice on how to fix these errors for a cleaner, healthier kitchen.
According to Sofia Martinez, CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin, maintaining a clean kitchen is essential for both hygiene and efficiency. However, common cleaning mistakes can lead to germs and stains, and even damage your kitchen surfaces and appliances.
Wrong Ways of Kitchen Cleaning and How to Correct Them
Home chefs love spending time in the kitchen. Experimenting with new recipes and making your favourite dishes can be a blast. However, the biggest issue after preparing a meal is cleaning the whole area. Oftentimes, some of the ways we clean aren’t effective. We will let you know the mistakes you might be making when cleaning the kitchen. As a bonus, cleaning tips from professional cooker cleaners will be laid out as well.
1. Using Hot Water to Clean Greasy Surfaces
Hot water can actually make it harder to clean greasy surfaces. It causes grease to solidify, making cleaning extremely difficult. Instead, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive scrubbing pad. This way, you will effectively tackle grease and grime without making the situation worse.
2. Not Cleaning Refrigerator Coils
Refrigerator coils play an important role. They are responsible for maintaining optimal cooling. However, people often forget to clean them. Dust and filth will prevent the airflow and stain the compressor. Your fridge will be less efficient, and you also risk potential appliance damage. Make it a habit to vacuum or brush the coils every six months. This will ensure optimal refrigerator performance. You will also avoid costly repairs or even paying for a new refrigerator.
Is it time to clean the bathroom? Check our helpful guide for some useful tips!
3. Overlooking Range Hood Filters
Range hood filters move grease and smoke away from your kitchen. This prevents bad odours from circulating in the air. However, not maintaining these filters regularly can reduce airflow. The range hood will also have a hard time extracting the smoke and smells away. Remove and clean range hood filters. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace them if needed. This ensures optimal ventilation and air quality in your kitchen.
4. Using Abrasive Cleaners on Stainless Steel
A quick warning regarding your stainless steel surfaces. Be careful not to leave scratch marks. Don’t use steel wool, harsh scouring pads, and strong cleaners. Instead, use products made for cleaning stainless steel. Your surfaces will remain glossy and gorgeous without damage.
5. Not Cleaning Oven Vents
Oven vents play a vital role. They ventilate steam and odours during cooking. However, they can quickly become dusty if not cleaned frequently. Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Regular cleaning is a must. It will promote optimal ventilation and a fresher cooking environment.
6. Using Vinegar on Natural Stone Surfaces
Vinegar is fairly good for cleaning, right? However, it can harm surfaces such as granite or marble. Acidity is too much for them to handle. Don’t use acidic cleaners for natural stone counters and floors. Choose a pH-neutral product. It should be designed specifically for natural stone. That way, they’ll look great and last a long time!
7. Neglecting to Clean Dishwasher Filters
Your dishwasher’s filters are tiny superheroes. They swoop in and grab all the food bits and gunk to keep your drain clear. But if you forget to give them some love, they can get clogged up. Rinse them out with warm water once a month. Your dishwasher will function flawlessly! It will also be free of bad odours.
8. Mixing Bleach with Ammonia
Bleach and ammonia are great cleaners by themselves. However, you better watch out when mixing them! They create some seriously harmful fumes that can mess with your breathing and health. So, let’s keep them apart, okay? Stick to using each one solo. And hey, always give those instructions from the manufacturer a read, alright? Safety first!
9. Using Harsh Abrasives on Ceramic Cooktops
Taking care of your ceramic cooktop is super important. Do that to keep it looking great and functional. Skip the tough stuff like steel wool or abrasive scrubbers when you’re cleaning. They can leave nasty scratches on the glass. You definitely want to avoid that! Grab a non-abrasive cooktop cleaner and a soft cloth. They’ll take care of spills and stains without causing any damage. Easy peasy!
10. Not Cleaning Oven Seals
The door seal on your cooker is super important. It’s what keeps the heat inside where it belongs! However, it needs a little TLC to keep doing its job right. Look out for any signs of damage. If you spot debris or burnt residue, no worries! Grab a damp cloth and gently wipe it down. Remove any excess dirt or muck. Clean and maintain the appliance on a regular basis. This will ensure that it works properly for longer.
11. Using Too Much Cleaner on Countertops
Don’t use large amounts of cleaner. It can leave behind a residue. Making a good environment for dirt and bacteria. This will make your cleaning efforts pointless! Try using just the right amount of cleaner and a clean cloth. Wipe down the countertop. Make sure not to use harsh chemicals. They can damage the surface.
12. Ignoring the Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is a common source of kitchen odours and bacteria buildup. It often gets overlooked during cleaning routines. Grind ice cubes and citrus peels periodically to remove residue and eliminate smells. This will freshen and clean the garbage disposal. Additionally, run cold water down the disposal while grinding. This ensures that debris will be flushed away effectively.
Conclusion
Avoid these common kitchen cleaning mistakes. By implementing proper cleaning techniques, you can maintain a clean, hygienic, and functional kitchen environment. Pay close attention when cleaning the kitchen. Make sure you don’t overlook anything. Small things can make a big difference when it comes to cleaning the kitchen. With these expert tips, you’ll achieve a sparkling clean cooking area. It will become inviting and safe for cooking and entertaining.
