Keeping your kitchen clean can feel like an ongoing battle. But with the right techniques and a few kitchen cleaning hacks, it won’t seem so overwhelming. A clean kitchen not only looks and smells better but also provides a safer and more enjoyable environment for cooking. This article is packed with simple, effective kitchen cleaning hacks that help you maintain a sparkling kitchen without spending all your time scrubbing.
1. kitchen cleaning hacks – Create a Cleaning Routine.
Instead of letting the mess build up, spend a few minutes each day doing simple kitchen tasks like wiping down countertops, sweeping the floor, and washing dishes.
Here is a sample routine for Kitchen Cleaning Hacks that you can try:
• Daily chores: wipe countertops, clean sinks, sweep floors and load/unload dishwasher.
• Weekly tasks: Mop floors, wipe down appliances, and disinfect high-touch areas like light switches and cabinet handles.
• Monthly chores: clean oven, microwave and refrigerator; wipe under the cabinet; and clear any hidden nooks and crannies.
Table of Contents
2. Cleaning hacks kitchen – Clean the grease with dish soap and warm water
Cooking grease can build up on your kitchen cabinets over time, making them sticky and dirty. Fortunately, dish soap and warm water can be a simple solution. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, then dip a soft cloth or sponge in the mixture. Gently scrub the cabinets to remove grease, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. For tough stains, add a little baking soda to the mix for extra scrubbing power.
3. Kitchen Cleaning Hacks- Use lemon and salt to clean the cutting board
Cutting boards, especially wooden ones, can harbor bacteria and stains if not cleaned properly. A simple and natural way to clean and deodorize your cutting board is with lemon and salt. Start by sprinkling the surface of the cutting board with coarse salt (such as sea salt or kosher salt). Then, cut a lemon in half and use the lemon to scrub the salt onto the board, allowing the natural acids to break down the stain and kill bacteria. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry well.
Read More:
Best 12 Open kitchen shelves Decorating Ideas
Deep kitchen drawer organizer ideas: Smart Solutions to Maximize Space
What Color Walls Go with Grey Kitchen Cabinets? Top Wall Colors.
4. Kitchen Cleaning Hacks – Clean your microwave with steam
Microwaves are notorious for collecting food splatter and odors, but cleaning it up doesn’t have to involve a lot of elbow grease. One of the easiest ways to clean your microwave is to use steam. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon or a splash of vinegar. Microwave the bowl on high for 3-5 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen stuck-on food and grime. After that, simply wipe the interior with a damp cloth, and your microwave will be clean and fresh with minimal effort.
5. Deodorize your sink and drain with baking soda and vinegar
Kitchen sinks and drains can often become foul-smelling due to food particles and grease build-up. To deodorize your sink and freshen the drain, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Start by sprinkling baking soda down the drain and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and watch as it fizzes and bubbles, helping to break up any gunk. After a few minutes, flush the drain with hot water to wash away the debris. This simple hack will keep your sink clean and smelling fresh.
6. Kitchen Cleaning Hacks- Polish stainless steel with olive oil
Stainless steel appliances look sleek and modern but can quickly become covered in fingerprints and smudges. A simple hack to restore the shine of stainless steel is to use olive oil. After cleaning the surface with a mild cleaner or soapy water, apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth and rub over the stainless steel in the direction of the grain. This will help remove blemishes and leave a beautiful, streak-free shine. Olive oil also acts as a natural protective barrier, making it harder to trap fingerprints in the future.
7. Sterilize and deodorize the sponges in the microwave
Kitchen sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to disinfect them regularly. A quick and effective way to sterilize a sponge is to microwave it. Start by soaking the sponge thoroughly (to prevent it from catching fire) and placing it in the microwave. Microwave the sponge for 1-2 minutes. The heat will kill most bacteria, leaving your sponge clean and ready to use again. Be sure to let it cool before handling.
8. Tackle stove top grime with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Cleaning a greasy, grimy stove top can be a daunting task, but a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can make it easy. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the stove, then sprinkle hydrogen peroxide on top. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to break down the grease and grime. Then, scrub the stovetop with a sponge or soft brush, then clean with a damp cloth. Baking soda acts as a mild corrosive, while hydrogen peroxide cuts through grease, leaving your stove sparkling.
9. Clean your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda
Although dishwashers are designed to clean, they also need regular cleaning to stay fresh and function properly. To give your dishwasher a deep clean, start by placing a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and running a hot water cycle. The vinegar will help break down any grease, lime scale and odor. After the cycle is complete, sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle with hot water. This will help deodorize and make the interior cleaner, making your dishwasher look and smell fresh.10. Use Coffee Grounds to Eliminate Odors
10. Use Coffee Grounds to Eliminate Odors
Coffee grounds aren’t just for your morning cup of joe—they’re also excellent for eliminating odors in your kitchen. If you have lingering smells in your refrigerator, garbage disposal, or even your hands after handling strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions, coffee grounds can help. Simply place a bowl of used coffee grounds in the refrigerator to absorb odors, or sprinkle them down the garbage disposal and run it with water to neutralize unpleasant smells. You can also rub coffee grounds on your hands to remove stubborn odors from cooking.
11. Make Glass Sparkle with Vinegar and Newspaper
If your kitchen windows or glass surfaces are streaky or cloudy, vinegar and newspaper can come to the rescue. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the glass surface. Then, instead of using a paper towel, wipe the glass with crumpled newspaper. The newspaper provides a lint-free, streak-free shine, leaving your windows and glass surfaces crystal clear.
12. Keep Your Fridge Fresh with Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda
To prevent unpleasant odors in your refrigerator, place an open box of baking soda or a container of activated charcoal on one of the shelves. These natural deodorizers absorb odors and help keep your fridge smelling fresh. Replace the baking soda or charcoal every couple of months for the best results.
13. Use Flour to Remove Grease Stains
Flour is surprisingly effective at absorbing grease spills on countertops and stovetops. If you have a fresh grease stain, sprinkle flour over the affected area to absorb the grease before wiping it away with a cloth or paper towel. This simple hack helps prevent the grease from spreading and makes cleanup easier.
14. Polish Wooden Cutting Boards with Coconut Oil
To maintain the appearance and longevity of your wooden cutting boards, give them a good polish with coconut oil. After cleaning and drying the cutting board, apply a small amount of coconut oil to a cloth and rub it into the wood in circular motions. This will condition the wood, prevent it from drying out, and give it a nice, polished finish. Plus, coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties, making it an ideal choice for kitchen use.
15. Deodorize the Garbage Disposal with Citrus Peels
If your garbage disposal smells less than fresh, you can easily deodorize it with citrus peels. Simply toss a few lemon or orange peels down the disposal and run it with cold water for a few seconds. The natural oils in the citrus peels will help freshen up the disposal, leaving a pleasant, clean scent in your kitchen.
16. Line Cabinets and Drawers with Shelf Liners
Cabinets and drawers can accumulate crumbs, spills, and grease over time. To make cleaning easier, line them with removable shelf liners. These liners protect surfaces from stains and can be easily wiped down or replaced as needed. Choose non-adhesive liners so you can swap them out whenever necessary, and cut them to fit the size of your cabinets or drawers. This not only keeps things clean but also adds a touch of organization to your kitchen.
17. Clean You’re Blender with Soap and Water
Blenders can be difficult to clean, especially when food gets stuck around the blades. A simple way to clean it is by filling the blender halfway with warm water, adding a few drops of dish soap, and blending it for 20–30 seconds. Rinse it out, and your blender will be sparkling clean without any tough scrubbing.
18. Use Rice to Clean Narrow Bottles and Vases
If you have narrow bottles or vases that are hard to clean, rice can do the trick. Fill the bottle with warm water, add a small handful of uncooked rice, and a drop of dish soap. Swirl the bottle, allowing the rice to scrub the sides, then rinse it out. This hack works great for cleaning tricky shapes that a brush can’t reach.
19. Steam Clean the Oven with Vinegar
According to CNN Underscored, one of the best ways to clean an oven is by using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar . Cleaning a greasy oven can be a daunting task, but steaming it with vinegar can make the job easier. Fill an oven-safe dish with water and add a cup of white vinegar. Place it in the oven and turn the oven on to 250°F (120°C). Let it steam for about 30 minutes. Afterward, turn off the oven, let it cool slightly, and wipe away grease and grime with a damp cloth.
20. Clean Stainless Steel Sinks with Baking Soda
To restore the shine to your stainless steel sink, sprinkle it with baking soda and scrub using a damp sponge or cloth. The baking soda gently removes stains and hard water marks without scratching the surface. After scrubbing, rinse the sink with water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth for a sparkling finish.
21. Remove Hard Water Stains with Vinegar and Lemon
Hard water stains can build up on faucets and sinks over time. A quick fix is to soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around the affected area, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. The vinegar will help dissolve the mineral deposits. For an extra boost, rub the area with half a lemon before rinsing and wiping it clean.
22. Freshen Up Wooden Utensils with Salt and Lemon
Wooden utensils can absorb food smells and stains, but you can refresh them with a simple cleaning solution. Sprinkle salt over the utensils, then rub them with half a lemon to scrub away stains and odors. Rinse with warm water and allow them to dry thoroughly. This method naturally disinfects and brightens the wood, extending the life of your utensils.
23. Deodorize Your Refrigerator with Vanilla Extract
If your refrigerator has an unpleasant odor, soak a cotton ball or small cloth in vanilla extract and place it on a shelf. The vanilla will neutralize odors and leave your fridge smelling fresh without the use of harsh chemicals. You can also place a shallow dish of vanilla extract inside to achieve the same effect.
24. Clean the Range Hood Filter with Degreaser
Your range hood filter can get clogged with grease over time, reducing its efficiency. To clean it, remove the filter and soak it in hot, soapy water mixed with a degreasing agent (such as dish soap). Let it soak for 15–20 minutes, then scrub it gently with a brush. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry before reinstalling. Regular cleaning keeps your range hood working properly and your kitchen free of cooking odors.
25. Tackle Stubborn Countertop Stains with Hydrogen Peroxide
For tough stains on countertops, particularly lighter-colored surfaces, hydrogen peroxide can be a powerful cleaner. Mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste, then apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently and wiping away with a damp cloth. This solution works well on a variety of surfaces, including laminate and granite, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.
26. Prevent Garbage Can Odors with Dryer Sheets
To keep your garbage can smelling fresh, place a dryer sheet at the bottom of the bin. The dryer sheet will help absorb unpleasant odors and keep them from spreading throughout the kitchen. Replace it as needed to maintain freshness. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of the bin for a similar effect.
27. Use a Toothbrush for Detailed Cleaning
An old toothbrush can be your secret weapon for cleaning small, hard-to-reach places in the kitchen. Use it to scrub grout between tiles, clean around faucet edges, or remove dirt from tight corners in appliances. The bristles are perfect for scrubbing stubborn dirt and grime in areas where a regular sponge or cloth can’t reach.
28. Sanitize Your Dish Brush with the Dishwasher
Dish brushes can harbor bacteria over time. To keep them clean, place your dish brush in the top rack of the dishwasher and run it through a regular wash cycle. This will sanitize the brush and extend its life. You can also use this method for cleaning sponges, scrubbing pads, and small kitchen tools that need a deep clean.
29. Revive Cloudy Glassware with White Vinegar
If your glassware is looking dull or cloudy due to mineral buildup, soak them in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. The vinegar will break down the minerals, restoring the clarity and shine to your glassware.
30. Remove Stains from Tea Kettles with Vinegar
Tea kettles can develop mineral deposits or discoloration from frequent use. To clean them, fill the kettle with a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1 ratio), then bring it to a boil. Let the mixture sit for an hour before discarding and rinsing thoroughly. For stubborn stains, scrub the interior with a soft brush or sponge.
31. Kitchen Cleaning Hacks- Sponge Clean and Bacteria-Free
According to a BBC article on kitchen sponges, sponges should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria from building up. One effective way to sanitize your sponge is by placing it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes (make sure it’s damp). This heat kills most bacteria and germs. You can also soak your sponge in boiling water with a bit of dish soap or disinfectant to kill bacteria, but be aware that some bacteria may still survive, especially those that form protective layers. Always store your sponge in a dry place, not in the sink, and allow it to air out between uses to prevent moisture buildup.
kitchen cleaning hacks – Conclusion
A clean kitchen is the heart of a happy home, and with these simple kitchen cleaning hacks, you can keep your kitchen sparkling without hours of scrubbing. By incorporating these tips into your regular cleaning routine, you’ll not only save time but also enjoy a cleaner, more organized, and more efficient cooking space. From using natural ingredients like lemon, vinegar, and baking soda to adopting clever storage solutions, these kitchen cleaning hacks will make kitchen cleaning an easy fix.
