‘How Often’ — A Guide On When To Clean Your Kitchen
Your kitchen probably saw a lot of action during the holidays. How that splatter of mashed sweet potatoes got on the ceiling is anyone’s guess. But that mess just means it’s time for deep cleaning. Here we round up a collection of cleaning guides that, if followed, will help you get your countertops, appliances, floors, and more shining like new.
The Breakdown:
1. THE FRIDGE
Few appliances get out of hand as quickly as the fridge. Leftovers, forgotten food, leaky containers — before you know it, you’ll dread opening the refrigerator door to grab some coffee creamer in the morning.
How Often: Many experts recommend a top-to-bottom cleaning every season but at least twice a year.
2. THE DISHWASHER
The dishwasher, like the washing machine, is one of those appliances that many assume is self-cleaning. But that’s not the case. Limescale, soap scum, and food particles cause the machine to work inefficiently.
How often: Four to six weeks.
3. THE MICROWAVE
Food splatters are a fact of life when using this appliance. Even if you can live with seeing a mess every time you nuke your burrito, know that food particles can eventually make your machine run less efficiently. And nobody wants a cold burrito.
How often: Daily maintenance. Steam clean once a week.
4. THE OVEN/STOVE
This appliance probably took the brunt of your holiday cooking messes. It’s not the easiest or quickest thing to clean, but as the star of your kitchen, it’s necessary.
How often: As needed.
5. THE STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
Stainless steel appliances continue to be the norm in most kitchens. While its name implies certain built-in cleanliness, steel surfaces, including countertops, are still prone to rust and stains.
How often: Daily.
6. THE COUNTERTOPS
Spots and stains on countertops are probably the most visible and pressing messes in your kitchen. Each material is different, so do some research before you break out the abrasive cleansers, which could damage your countertop beyond repair.
How often (Marble): Daily. Seal once a month.
How often (Granite): Daily. Seal every year or two.
How often (Butcher Block/Cuttingboard): After each use. Oil as needed.
7. THE PANTRY
It’s hard to feel like you’re operating in a clean kitchen when you know a huge, disorganized mess lurks behind your cabinet doors.
How often: As needed.
8. THE WALLS
Walls see a fair share of abuse from splatters, scuffs, and dings.
How often: Every few weeks or as needed.
9. THE FLOOR
A clean floor begins with regular vacuuming. But food stains and scuff marks need a little more attention.
How often: Daily, once a week, or as needed.
10. THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL
No matter how clean your kitchen looks, if it smells off, it will feel dirty. Garbage disposals are a common odor culprit.
How often: Let your nose guide you, or every few days.
11. THE WINDOWS
What good is a view if it’s blurred by smudges and dirt? Don’t leave out windows in your cleaning routine.
How often: Up to you, but two to three times a year is recommended.
Trilogy Contracting is a home renovation company in the Fraser Valley servicing client’s in the Tri-Cities, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge and everywhere in between. If you have a question, feel free to send us an email.
Trilogy Contracting
Langley Home Renovations