Cleaning Your Kitchen – Are You Doing It Wrong?
You might think clean is clean, but there actually is a wrong way to clean your kitchen. If you’re aiming for a healthier, better-smelling kitchen with longer lasting appliances, it’s all about cleaning smarter, not harder. Use these simple tips from Ernest Homes to tackle hidden germs and protect your favorite kitchen tools.
Target the Germ Hot Spots
Some of the dirtiest places in the average home are the handles and knobs in your kitchen. A variety of bacteria, including E. coli and listeria, can be found on:
- Door and cabinet knobs
- Microwave buttons and touchpads
- Dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven handles
After cleaning up dinner, take a quick swipe with an antibacterial wipe or disinfecting spray on these high-touch areas. This simple step can drastically cut down on the invisible offenders that live in your kitchen.
Save the Life of Your Knives
Your sharp knives should rarely go into the dishwasher, especially if they have wooden handles. Most dishwashers are too powerful for these surprisingly delicate tools, and each wash can take months off the life of your best knives. Instead, give them a quick hand wash in warm, soapy water and dry them immediately to prevent rust or damage.
Give Your Dishwasher a Deep Clean
The inside of the dishwasher door is one of the most neglected areas of the average kitchen. In a 2011 study of residential dishwashers, over 60% harbored fungi on the rubber seal around the door, and more than half tested positive for black yeast.
Every so often, use your favorite spray cleaner and a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub the grooves in the rubber seal. To freshen the entire dishwasher, fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water, coat the inside of the tub and racks, and run the hottest cycle with no dishes inside.
Don’t Forget Your Water-Filtering Pitcher
Even though it only holds water, bacteria and algae can grow easily in your water-filtering pitcher, especially if it sits out on the counter. If your pitcher is dishwasher safe, run it through the dishwasher weekly. If not, take it apart completely and wash each piece with warm, soapy water. Let everything air dry fully before reassembling.
Stovetop and Burner Shortcuts
The stovetop is one of the greasiest, grimiest projects in your kitchen, but there’s a simple trick for removable burners. Place each burner in a zip-top plastic bag with about a quarter cup of ammonia, then seal the bag and set it on a baking sheet overnight. The fumes (not the liquid) help break down baked-on messes. The next morning, wipe each burner clean with a sponge and rinse thoroughly.
Clean Your Oven the Safer Way
The self-cleaning function on many ovens uses extremely high heat (often around 1,000°F). Because heating elements are near the back of the appliance, this can lead to poor ventilation, blown fuses, or damage to control panels.
To protect your oven, try this gentler method instead:
- Remove the racks and place them in a large garbage bag.
- Spray the racks with a strong all-purpose or oven cleaner and tie the bag shut.
- Spray the inside of the oven with the same cleaner and let everything sit overnight.
- The next day, wipe away loosened grime and rinse the racks with warm, soapy water.
To prevent future messes, use disposable, oven-safe liners to catch spills. One important caution: before using any oven liner, check your oven manual to be sure it does not have a hidden bottom heating element. Ovens that heat from below can cause liners to melt and bond to the oven floor.
Show Your Sink and Disposal Some Love
The garbage disposal and sink can harbor an astounding amount of bacteria and cause stubborn odors. Cut down on both by sharing citrus rinds and ice cubes with your disposal.
- Drop a handful of ice cubes and citrus peels (or ice cubes and a splash of white vinegar) into the disposal.
- Run the disposal until the ice is gone.
- Flush with cool water for about 30 seconds, then switch to warm water with a little dish soap.
The ice helps knock debris off the blades, while the citrus or vinegar freshens and lightly disinfects. Citrus peels store well in a sealed bag in the refrigerator, so save them after you enjoy your fruit.
Take Care of Your Coffee Maker
A neglected coffeemaker can get gummy, grimy, and even change the flavor of your favorite morning brew. About once a month, clean it with a simple vinegar rinse:
- Fill the reservoir with a solution of two parts water to one part white vinegar.
- Run a full brew cycle without coffee or a filter.
- Follow with one to two cycles of plain water until the vinegar smell is gone.
If you use a coffee grinder, wipe it thoroughly with a damp, soapy cloth and let it dry. Then grind a small handful of uncooked rice to absorb lingering oils and odors.
Keep Your Ernest Kitchen Feeling New
With a few smart cleaning habits, your kitchen can stay fresher, safer, and more enjoyable every day. Whether you’re already in an Ernest home or looking for a new one with a kitchen you’ll love to care for, our team is here to help.
Ready to explore new homes in coastal Georgia? Visit ErnestHomes.com to view our floor plans, or contact us online to learn more.
