Spring Cleaning For Your Kitchen
Longer, warmer days are finally here. As we throw open our windows and doors it’s important to make sure that our kitchens are clean from the inside out. It’s worth setting aside a few hours to de-clutter and deep clean. You’ll be glad you did, as you relax in your fresh, welcoming kitchen design.
REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER
Having a well-organized fridge and freezer means it’s easier to plan weekly meals and stock up for summer cookouts. Place all food in coolers, tossing anything that has expired or is freezer burnt. Unplug your freezer and allow it to defrost, catching the melting ice in a basin. Wash all shelving and containers with hot, soapy water and spray clean the inside of your fridge and freezer, drying with paper towels. Plug your freezer in again and return food items to both, placing them in categorized sections and taking an inventory of what’s in your freezer. If you are considering a kitchen remodel this may be a good time to think about your appliances, and what size and style you need in your new kitchen design. You could even consider a smart refrigerator that will keep track of what you have and what you need to buy!
OVEN, COOKTOP AND MICROWAVE
If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, then spray oven cleaner inside it. Take all grates, griddles, shelving and burner heads to a sink of hot, soapy water and soak for 30 minutes. Make a paste of baking soda and water to remove any tough stains on ceramic cooktops or remove any dirt from raised rings with a toothbrush. Spray your oven doors, cooktop and backsplash with degreaser and rinse clean. Shake some white vinegar into a cup of water and microwave for 3 minutes. Then wipe down your microwave inside and out, putting the turntable in your dishwasher.
DISHWASHER AND GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Make sure there is no food blocking your dishwasher or disposal. Pour some vinegar in the dispenser and run your empty dishwasher on a very hot wash. Vinegar also works wonders in washing machines, tea and coffee pots. Put ice cubes into your disposal to sharpen the blades. Cut a lemon into quarters and throw them into the disposal for a clean, citrus scent.
KITCHEN CABINETS AND COUNTERS
Put on some music, grab a step stool and clear out all kitchen cabinets, drawers and countertops. Decide what you’re going to dispose of and donate, from chipped platters to unopened condiments. Wash everything inside and out with a hot, soapy solution. Spray degreaser near the cooking area, not forgetting the top and bottom of cabinets. Polish wood and metal and use glass cleaner on granite to make it sparkle. Put back what you’re keeping, grouping according to what they are and how often they’re used (keeping out of season items at the back or moving them to another storage location like a walk-in pantry or basement). Keep countertop items to a minimum and make sure they’re all clean.
OTHER SURFACES
Once the work zone is done, it’s time to focus on the floors, ceilings and walls. Vacuum everywhere thoroughly, including any cobwebs in high corners. Then scrub baseboards, doors and sills and wash windows with vinegar solution and newspaper. Dust and wipe light fixtures, bulbs and ceiling fans. Take down all pictures and mirrors to dust and wipe. Then stand back and decide if you want to hang them up in different places to refresh your kitchen design. Finally, mop your floor from the corner outwards, so you won’t put footprints on it as you move.
When your kitchen design is spotless, it shows your design at its best.After de-cluttering and cleaning, you can see if any enhancements are required. Would it look better with a new faucet or backsplash? Is it time for custom kitchen cabinet storage or better lighting? Whatever your needs, our kitchen design experts are here to help. Glance through our gallery or stop by our showroom today to see how you can really make your kitchen design shine.