We all love a clean kitchen, right? Our cooking space is sacred because it helps us function in our daily lives. But the truth is that some places are easier to ignore than others. Those hard-to-reach places often collect grease and dirt, and if you use too much oil and spices in your cooking, maybe even develop some stubborn stains. But don’t worry, we have the solution to make your kitchen sparkling clean! We’ve listed six places in your kitchen that might need a little extra care. So, roll up your sleeves and read on!
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Here are 6 hard-to-reach kitchen areas that must be included in your cleaning to-do list:
1. On top of cabinets and the fridge
Out of sight, out of mind? That’s not really the case if you want a clean and hygienic kitchen. The tops of your cabinets and fridge are more likely to collect dust and grease due to cooking fumes. In Indian kitchens, where no meal is complete without a delicious tadka, the smoke often wafts upwards to these surfaces leaving the fridge and cabinet tops greasy. To clean this, use a microfibre cloth with warm soapy water or a vinegar solution. Make sure to clean the tops at least once a month to keep your kitchen clean from top to bottom.
2. Under the sink
The area under your sink is prone to moisture, bacteria and fungus, especially during high humidity. This gets worse when water leaks and goes unnoticed. Not just moisture, but vegetable peels, wet clothes and even old cleaning items get dumped in this area. To ensure that it stays clean and hygienic, make sure to use an antibacterial cleaner. Also, make sure to keep it moisture-free. If you think regular cleaning under the sink is not possible, lay a mat or paper to absorb any drips or leaks.
3. Behind large appliances
When was the last time you swept under the fridge or behind the microwave? These places are often overlooked but contain dirt and food particles, which sometimes become a buzzing spot for insects and pests (all puns intended!). Every few months, remove these appliances from their original location and clean them thoroughly. For appliances, wipe the walls and floor with a mixture of water and vinegar to remove stubborn stains and odors. This will help keep your kitchen spotless and clean.
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4. Inside corners of drawers
This advice comes from personal experience. A few days ago, I opened my spoon cabinet and found 5 to 7 ants lined up at the corner of the cabinet. This may surprise you, but crumbs can accumulate in kitchen drawers, especially in those narrow corners. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to keep the area clean. Make it a habit to clean the inside of drawer corners once a week.
5. Exhaust fans
Exhaust fans are very important in the kitchen as they help expel dirty, hot air from our cooking space. However, these can accumulate grease because of all the frying and tempering we do. Over time, dirt can build up on the fan blades which can reduce its efficiency and even pose a fire hazard. To clean, remove the fan blades and soak them in a solution of warm soapy water. Or, take a damp cloth and gently wipe the blades so they’re grease-free and fresh!
6. Under the gas stove
If you have a mobile gas stove, it can get sticky over time, due to spills and splashes. This often-overlooked spot can also become a breeding ground for germs, especially if your kitchen does not have proper ventilation. Instead, make it a habit to wipe down the area underneath the gas stove with a solution of warm soapy water. If the stains are stubborn, use a cleaning brush and baking soda paste. This will ensure that your cooking space maintains hygiene levels!
Also read: Kitchen Tips: Follow these 4 easy tips to clean your sticky exhaust fan
So, the next time you clean your kitchen don’t forget to clean these areas.
