CEBU, Philippines - The best time-saving tips, techniques, and to-do lists for polishing off the kitchen.
Kitchen Cleaning To-Do List
When cleaning the kitchen always start with the sink. "Keep it empty and shining," says Marla Cilley, author of Sink Reflections and creator of FlyLady.net, a housekeeping website.
A sparkling sink becomes your kitchen's benchmark for hygiene and tidiness, inspiring you to load the dishwasher immediately and keep counters, refrigerator doors, and the stove top spick-and-span, too.
Every Day Kitchen Duties:
• Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher (30 seconds).
• Wipe down the stove top (one minute).
• Wipe down the counters (one minute).
• Sweep or vacuum the floor (two minutes).
Every Week :
• Mop the floor (five minutes).
• Wipe the cabinets, backsplashes, and appliances (10 minutes).
• Wash the dish rack (four minutes).
• Wipe the switch plates and phone (one minute).
• Wipe the inside of the garbage can (one minute).
Every Season:
• Empty and scrub down the inside of the refrigerator (30 minutes).
• Empty and clean the insides of the utensil drawers (15 minutes).
• Scrub down the cupboard exteriors (30 minutes).
• Clean the stove-hood filter (10 minutes).
• Perform "Shiny Sink 101".
Beat the Clock
In the time it takes to brew a pot of coffee, you can get through your "every day" list.
Be Prepared
Keep extra garbage bags (or a whole roll) at the bottom of your trash can and never again have to retrieve an apple core from a bagless bin.
Let It Shine
Streak-free stainless-steel surfaces are the Holy Grail of kitchen cleaning.
Shiny Sink 101
1. Fill sink to the rim with very hot water; add one cup regular bleach. Soak for one hour.
2. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
3. Scrub with cleanser or baking soda.
4. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
5. Shine with a cleaning spray. Dry thoroughly.
Cleaning Kitchen Odds and Ends
The quickest way to clean and disinfect these supplies is to put them in the dishwasher.
• Burner grids and knobs • Brushes and combs
• Toothbrushes • Plastic utensil organizer
• Refrigerator drawers • Drain catch
• Sponges • Dish rack
• Plastic toys (use discretion) (FREEMAN)