We’ve all been there—standing in the middle of our beloved kitchen, staring at the mountain of dirty dishes, grease-stained countertops, and mysterious sticky spots that seem to multiply overnight.
It’s a familiar scenario, right?
Well, fear not, because I’ve been in your shoes, and I’ve discovered some game-changing kitchen cleaning hacks and tricks that will revolutionize the way you tackle those messes.
In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you 17 tried-and-true methods that are guaranteed to work.
Each hack is carefully selected to deliver practical solutions, ensuring your kitchen maintains its pristine state without overwhelming your precious time and energy.
Also read: How To Make Laundry Smell Good
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of a flawlessly clean kitchen? Let’s dive in!
17 Best Kitchen Cleaning Hacks & Tricks
1. Use Vinegar for Stainless Steel Appliances.
When it comes to cleaning stainless steel appliances, vinegar is your best friend!
I’ve personally found that a simple vinegar and water solution works wonders.
Just mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the surface of your stainless steel appliances and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge, following the grain of the steel for the best results.
This mixture helps to remove smudges, fingerprints, and any stubborn stains, leaving your appliances sparkling and shiny.
2. Remove Stains From Countertops With Baking Soda.
Stubborn stains on countertops can be pretty frustrating, but baking soda is a fantastic natural cleaner that can come to the rescue!
Here’s what you can do: dampen a sponge or cloth and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on it. Then, gently scrub the stained area using small circular motions.
Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that helps lift away stains without damaging the surface.
After scrubbing, rinse the countertop with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
You’ll be amazed at how effective this simple solution can be in removing tough stains and leaving your countertops looking fresh and clean.
3. Clean Microwave With Lemon and Water.
Microwaves tend to accumulate splatters and grime over time, but cleaning them doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
One of my favorite methods involves using the power of steam and the fresh scent of lemons.
Start by filling a microwave-safe bowl with water and adding a few slices of lemon to it. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for a few minutes until the water starts steaming.
Let the steam work its magic for a minute or two, then carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!) and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the loosened grime.
The steam helps to soften and loosen the dirt, while the lemon leaves a pleasant fragrance behind.
4. Remove Burnt Food With Soapy Boiling Water.
Start by filling the affected pot or pan with water and adding a few drops of dish soap.
Then, place it on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes to loosen the burnt food particles.
Afterward, remove the pot or pan from the heat and let it cool down slightly.
With a sponge or non-abrasive scrubber, gently scrub away the loosened residue.
Rinse thoroughly when you’re done, and your cookware will be clean and ready to use again.
Related Post: 13 Amazing Dawn Dish Soap Hacks
5. Eliminate Garbage Disposal Odors With Lemon, Vinegar & Ice Cubes.
A smelly garbage disposal can quickly make your kitchen less inviting.
But, this simple trick will eliminate those unpleasant odors and freshen up your sink area.
Start by collecting a few lemon peels or even a whole lemon cut into small pieces. Feed the lemon peels or pieces into the garbage disposal and turn it on.
The natural oils and citric acid in the lemon help to neutralize odors and leave a fresh scent behind.
If you don’t have lemons on hand, you can also use ice cubes mixed with vinegar.
Just freeze some vinegar in an ice cube tray, then grind the vinegar ice cubes in the disposal.
Run cold water for a few seconds afterward to flush out any remaining residue.
6. Refresh Cutting Boards With Lemon and Salt.
Grab a lemon and cut it in half. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on the cutting board, and then use one of the lemon halves to rub the salt all over the surface.
Let the mixture sit on the board for a few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
Dry the cutting board completely before storing it. This method not only cleans the cutting board effectively but also leaves behind a fresh citrus scent.
7. Polish Stainless Steel Sinks With Baking Soda Paste.
Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
Apply this paste to the surface of your stainless steel sink and use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub in circular motions.
After scrubbing, rinse the sink thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
You’ll be delighted to see your stainless steel sink looking glossy and brand new.
8. Remove Coffee/Tea Stains With Baking Soda Mixture.
If you’re tired of those stubborn coffee or tea stains in your favorite mugs, this solution is for you!
Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stains on the inside of the mug and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, use a sponge or cloth to scrub the stains, applying gentle pressure.
Rinse the mug thoroughly with water, and voila! Your mugs will be free from those unsightly stains, and you can enjoy your beverages without any lingering residue.
9. Clean Tight Spaces With Vinegar-Dipped Toothbrush.
Dip a toothbrush into white vinegar and use it to scrub the tight spaces, corners, and crevices around faucets, handles, and other fixtures.
The bristles of the toothbrush, combined with the cleaning power of vinegar, can effectively remove grime, soap scum, and stubborn residue.
After scrubbing, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any vinegar residue.
10. Clean Blender Blades With Soapy Water.
Fill your blender halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
Secure the lid tightly and blend the mixture on high speed for about 10 to 15 seconds.
The soapy water will agitate and clean the blades, removing any stuck-on residue.
Once done, carefully pour out the soapy water and rinse the blender thoroughly with clean water.
Take caution when handling the blades and make sure they are safely secured before cleaning.
11. Prevent Grease Buildup on Cabinets With Soapy Water.
Grease buildup on kitchen cabinets can make them look dull and dirty.
To prevent this, I’ve found that regular cleaning is key.
Create a cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray this solution onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down your kitchen cabinets, focusing on areas prone to grease splatters, such as near the stove and handles.
The dish soap will help cut through the grease, while the warm water will dissolve any grime.
Remember to wring out the cloth to avoid excessive moisture on the cabinets.
Repeat this process every few weeks or as needed to maintain clean and grease-free cabinets.
12. Keep the Fridge Fresh With Baking Soda.
A funky odor in the fridge can quickly spread to your food and make everything smell less appealing.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution—baking soda!
Place an open box or container of baking soda on one of the shelves in your fridge.
Replace the box every two to three months for optimal odor control.
With baking soda as your trusty ally, your fridge will stay odor-free and your groceries will taste their best.
13. Clean Baking Sheets With Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Start by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda onto the stained areas of your baking sheet.
Then, grab a spray bottle filled with hydrogen peroxide and mist the baking soda until it forms a paste.
Let this powerful mixture sit on the baking sheet for a few hours or overnight, allowing it to break down the stains and residue.
Afterward, use a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge to scrub the areas with stains.
Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with water, and you’ll be amazed at how clean and restored it looks.
This method is particularly effective for removing baked-on grease and grime.
14. Clean Dishwasher With White Vinegar.
To keep your dishwasher clean and fresh, I have a simple trick involving white vinegar.
Start with an empty dishwasher and place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
Then, run a hot water cycle without any dishes.
Once the cycle is complete, your dishwasher will be clean and ready to tackle your dirty dishes.
For extra freshness, you can also sprinkle a little baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle. This will help neutralize any remaining odors.
15. Clean Greasy Hood Filters With Baking Soda and Hot Water.
Range hood filters can become caked with grease over time, affecting their performance.
To tackle this greasy buildup, remove the filters from the range hood. Fill a sink or a large basin with hot water and add about half a cup of baking soda.
Stir the water to dissolve the baking soda, then place the filters in the mixture and let them soak for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
The baking soda helps to break down the grease and grime.
After soaking, use a non-abrasive brush or sponge to gently scrub the filters, paying attention to any stubborn areas.
Rinse them thoroughly with water and let them air dry before reattaching them to the range hood.
16. Keep Processors Fresh With Soapy Water Blend.
To maintain a fresh and clean blender or food processor, it’s important to give it a quick cleaning after each use.
After emptying the contents, fill the blender or food processor halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
Secure the lid tightly and blend the mixture on high speed for about 10 to 15 seconds.
This will help dislodge any leftover food particles and oils.
After blending, remove the lid and thoroughly rinse the blender or food processor with clean water, ensuring all soap residue is washed away.
Dry the components completely before reassembling or storing them.
17. Remove stove burner grease with ammonia and hot water.
Remove the burners from the stove. Fill a large plastic bag or container with equal parts ammonia and hot water, enough to completely submerge the burners.
Place the burners in the bag or container, ensuring they are fully covered by the mixture, and seal it tightly.
Leave the burners to soak overnight, allowing the ammonia to break down the grease and grime.
The next day, use a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub the burners, removing any loosened residue.
Rinse the burners thoroughly with water to remove any traces of ammonia.
Once dry, reattach the burners to your stove, and they will be clean and ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Clean Your Kitchen Perfectly?
Start by decluttering and organizing, then clean from top to bottom, tackling each area thoroughly.
What Are the 5 Steps in Cleaning Kitchen?
The 5 steps are:
1) Declutter and organize,
2) Wipe down surfaces,
3) Clean appliances,
4) Wash dishes and utensils, and
5) Sweep or mop the floor.
How Do I Keep My Kitchen Clean Daily?
Clean as you go, wipe down surfaces regularly, wash dishes promptly, and sweep or wipe the floor daily.
How Can I Clean My Kitchen in 30 Minutes?
Focus on the most critical tasks: declutter, wipe down surfaces, clean dishes, and quickly sweep or spot-clean the floor.
What Is the Fastest Way to Clean a Kitchen?
Prioritize tasks, work efficiently, and focus on high-traffic areas and surfaces that require immediate attention.
What Should I Clean My Kitchen First?
Start by decluttering, then focus on wiping down surfaces and cleaning appliances before moving on to dishes and floors.
What Is a Good Cleaning Schedule?
A good cleaning schedule depends on your preferences and needs, but a general guideline is to clean high-traffic areas and surfaces daily, do a deeper clean weekly, and tackle specific tasks monthly or as needed.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a clean and organized kitchen not only enhances the aesthetics of your space but also contributes to a healthier and more enjoyable cooking experience.
By incorporating these kitchen cleaning hacks and tricks into your routine, you can save time, effort, and even money on specialized cleaning products.
Remember, these tips are based on personal experiences and have proven to be effective, but it’s always a good idea to test them in a small area or consult the manufacturer’s instructions if you have any concerns.
As you implement these hacks and tricks, you’ll discover what works best for your kitchen and develop your own routines and shortcuts along the way.
Happy cleaning!